Nepometer website was launched last month by Rajput’s brother-in-law Vishal Kirti. It rates movies based on whether the crew has people from the film industry or outside it.
Nepotism-led 'othering' has reached a toxic level in Bollywood. Regardless of the extent of its contribution to Sushant’s death, the Hindi film industry must do some soul-searching.
Here’s what’s happening across the border: Journalist lashes out at Imran Khan govt over ‘nepotism’; a whopping Rs 2.25 billion found in falooda vendor’s bank account.
Peter Manuel's ‘Cassette Culture’ showed the booming Bhakti music during the '80s and '90s when Anoop Jalota, Gulshan Kumar achieved success by singing the sanitised Bhajans.
Economists say there are weaknesses in India’s GDP data. But statisticians claim the accusations are based on flawed understanding, saying while GDP has problems, the economists are looking in the wrong places.
A few months back, when you were speaking about how the courts should get out of running cricket, you had mentioned that the Gov of India should get out of the awards business. Here you mention that there is no referee. National Film Awards conferred by the GoI should probably stay. At least it looks at the full gamut of films across India without leaning towards a language or region etc.
There are so many other problems and shortcomings in country, facing the country. Instead of f
Interest by Mr Skekhar Gupta ,Mr Swamy . and Shekhar Kapoor leaves a very puzzling thought.
Especially when competition and undercutting is a norm no an exception in competitive scenario..
How come ThePrint gives major space to so many journalists who only writes propaganda articles full of hate and anti-national views if Shekhar Gupta is clean journalists as he pretends to be. Shekhar Gupta can’t stand on two boats sailing in divergent directions. I guess he is clever enough to keep his cloths clean while his ThePrint throws mud on others.
True though S.G. is showing neutrality but all print articles are mostly anti national in nature.
At least print should carry articles of all right, left. S.G. should conform the same.
The fact that you have called out few big names is not just commendable its fearless. It is not easy to be fearless in this current times. I often wondered and in fact questioned so many of my friends and family members – why do we adore Bollywood so much? Are these people the most successful in this world that they have so many followers? I think Sushant’s death has brought out the ugly side of this gang-driven industry to the moviegoers. Success is bought here not achieved. Our country has so many talents in different fields, forget about following them, we don’t even take an ounce of energy to acknowledge them. I hope more kids realize thare are thousand ways to ear money, fame and success. What is success after all? who defines it? If you give a hit movie and and have two security personnel and walk around with a Gucci bag- is this the new parameter for success for us? Sadly, Sushant was brainwashed with this ideology. He had so much more potential than most to become anything he wanted. We lost a great soul and that’s fact. Hope all learns something from this tragic incident.
Contrary to what you say, Indians are fearless as never before.. It’s easy to be fearless since 2014 after the end of misrule of Congress. Now Anti-nationals can shout “Bharat Tere Tukade Honge” and a battalion of librandus come to their support freelessly. The recent anti-CAA protest is another case of how fearlessly Muslims can protest without any valid ground of grievances. In TV debates also I don’t see any fear even in those who wants destruction of India. India is now a vibrant democracy.
Nothing new in this article. We know all about awards and how actors deals with it. The main issue is that in a place ruled by power and money you can’t solve any issue in a way or another the powerful will win and get what they want and paid media to talk about. Kangana didn’t say anything new to the media or industry but she is another face of paid media to get herself out there.
Interesting! Is this a pitch to say the other popular awards (Read Filmfare) are biased and screen awards are not? Tough to believe this one, a poor attempt at declaring yourself clean
Finally, a brave soul emerges. Thank you Mr. Shekhar Gupta for sharing this. It is evident, that a STAR like Sushant Singh Rajput who was way talented than the dumb asses and bhais of the industry was murdered. KARMA will prevail – it always has and the likes of this entire lobby be it karan johar, aditya chopra, salman khan, mukesh bhatt and the pancholis will suffer a fate a million times worse.
To murder someone like this is not only unforgivable but horrendous. They envied him because he was a zillion times more talented than all them and their dumb heroes, was a zillion times more intelligent than the dumb shows / movies they make and was a determined and humble soul.
May these murderers suffer like none else in the history of mankind
Why would a noted publication declare anything but a list of nominations prior to the actual awards ceremony? Shouldn’t the process be more professional to begin with?
First you say- “We held our nerve again, and a breather came as the viewers’ choice award, based on an internet poll conducted by our host TV channel, went to the film. We were satisfied because it wasn’t a jury award and our process was clean.” and then you say -“Again, we invented a popular choice award.”!
he is being brutally honest is not he? he need not ahve said anythig at all or just brushed this aside. he compromised.
Bollywood is even dirtier than what has been written in this article. The cocaine dealers to Dawood’s aide.. bollywood is everything that you can never imagine. The Khans are running the show for Dawood and people like Akhtars are paid to create a narrative and form that #intolerance tribe. The. There is that casting couch pigs spread all across the industry.
It is much more full of shit than you can ever imagine.
Mr. Shekhar Gupta, How do people know who is going to get the award before the award ceremony? Don’t you think If you announce the award on stage you would never have to deal with so much pressure before the award show? Or is it that Jury is also compromised and they let the cat out.
“…..I’d call him and ask him if he didn’t trust even me…”. You must be joking Mr. Gupta!!!!!!!! You also never stole money from someone’s wallet lying on the table. That doesn’t make you honest.
All of this documentation is alright but I don’t see how this relates to Sushant Singh Rajput‘s suicide. Especially, when nobody on this god damn earth knows why he killed himself.
All kinds of rubbish conspiracy theories being manufactured for “prime-time lockdown entertainment” as a coverup for the sorry state of our public healthcare system.
Nothing is going to come out of this
Bollywood will continue to be the corrupt criminal den that it is right now. Barriers to entry will be even higher in future. Only consolation is all the insult and slander and shredding Karan Johar, YRF, salman, Aamir, Saif Tiger and the 1000s of other talntless nepo kids are experiencing right now.
Kudos! Keep em coming! Humiliate and destroy them on SM.
It will go on for as long as the theaters are closed and there is some sort of a lock down
Well deserved! (WHO cares if its fair or not! All those that are demanding fairness where were they when SSR was alive? Too busy shining KJO’s boots?)
Its audience who make them feel special its audience who make them big enough to have bargain cheap to trade off awards audience wont watch awards if top stars dont come. India as society love deification whether in politics or cricket ir star its result if that these star start living in a bubble where they think they can impose their will
I fail to understand why a media group wants to organise award functions limited to Bollywood not in wider sectors such as education, health, public services etc. The sole reason is that media house wants to encash on glamour for its commercial benefits and since due to benefit and not for the purpose to recognise the talent, the other party will enforce its conditions.
The whole world is unfair whether it’s politics or business or any other profession. Bollywood is least professional of all and therefore cannot expect much. Constant crave for external approval or respect leads to a disaster when the approval or respect doesn’t come despite one’s best efforts. This is another reminder that to succeed in any field, in addition to talent one must have one’s own standards to excel instead of relying completely on external respect or approval.
Thanks SG – for revealing open secrets! Even in these times when there is no public screening, the PVR cinema is doing well at the stock markets – in anticipation. Such is the power of cinema in India and probably the world over. Lately it is losing its sheen with the pervasive reach of digital media – TOT and what not.
This matter of screen awards – all leading publishing houses want to hold film award functions. Is there a need? Should they be abetting the shenanigans of the make-believe tinsel world ?
Why do they need so many award shows?? Why cant they just cancel all the awards when we know they all are rigged. I dont believe in National awards either. Is politics any better? one can buy a MP, MLA seat with money power..it applies to all parties. The sad part is there are millions of poor masses in India who like only Masala movies and make these stars demi gods. . They watch these silly movies to escape from sorrows and stress. . if they are educated enough may be they get better taste and appreciate good cinema. How ever Avengers, Fast and Furious type masala movies are equally enjoyed by educated??
In the Hollywood Movie “Spotlight”, there is a situation towards the end that unless a lawyer who defended the pedophile clergies ratifies the list of clergy names found by the Boston Globe newspaper, there will be difficulty publishing the story. In a very poignant scene, the lawyer (who is incidentally the friend of the spotlight journalist) finally relents to endorse the list of culprit names. This made the story “viral”.
What you did today is just that. You endorsed the story. To me, it is the single most boldest act I’ve seen and heard. And, it came from the top. After this, no other and anyone else’s pretentious talks will hold water.
Sir, keep up the good work.
The topic, the disclosures, the naming….you sure have busted a few balls with this one, Mr. Gupta. Its important that the credible are not always discreet. thanks.
The things you have written we already know. This is a very disappointing article with lots of ifs and buts and justifying everything. You have so much experience and you are using the word “90% clean??”
We are living in a sad state where people re just so reluctant to talk about the truth. People like yourselves have been a part of this fake award shows and now you are writing a column to show us the dark sides.
P.S I do not know the author. Just read the article and wanted to view my opinion. Have so much to say.
We are destined to be ruled by the dynasts,whether we like it or not. The facts say so. Even our democracy has been moulded to promote ,serve and proliferate dynastic rule in politics. How can film industry either in Mumbai or Hyderabad can be an exception. The off-shoot of dynasts in politics and film industry are just continuation of same “mai-baap” mind-set well entrenched in our psyche ,whatever may our democratic pretentions be. Once a set of first generation members are entrenched,they fight hard to preserve the rights and privileges, be it politics,films or jobs.A lady from pigmy tribe of Gabon is said to have informed Late Nobel Laureate V.S.Naipaul that to be a healer ( healer is an elder who talks with his ancestor through skull and bones of his dead ancestor) one has to have a an ancestor somewhere in his past who was a healer, which effectively closes all doors for inclusion of ‘others ‘.
While I agree with most of the points, I disagree that Bollywood is generally meritocracy. If it was, Abhishek Bachhan would not have acted in more than 50 movies, most of which has been flop. An outsider would never get so many opportunities.
Here the entry of an outsider is itself is difficult. The dynasties are only competing among themselves. So some of them are bound to flop. Some of the shining examples of dynastic talentless actors are Varun Dhawan, Karishma, Kareena, Aditya Pancholi’s son, Athiya Shetty, Sara Ali Khan, etc.
Best and fair article but for below(Hope it will be published)
What use of your article with yourself so spineless for so long years and many deaths?
What your nonsense seniority of 40 years as journalist if you cannot blow the whistle?
Now also getting permission from owner and all concerned to write the article?!!!
Now what is this “HOLIER -THAN -THOU OR ALL” article?
Cinema, politics,delayed justice all are not dirty picture we see every day but gutters we live for whole life!
i , fairly successfully worked from 1982 in Tamilnadu, Delhi,Near Australia and now in Dubai but i never compromised my honesty against any evil!
Spinelessness is our Indian-ness! Kindly write any honest article within fair time!
Thanks!
The Postscript seems the ironic icing that a seasoned professional had to tolerate on a better tasting cake. Nevertheless, it has been my experience on multiple levels outside of systems, across the world, across cultures, in normal day to day life that we adult humans come in highly stratified mindsets. The strata does not get diffusive and hence objective even in the mature years of ones lifetime and in this regard I’ve come to understand and respect individuals who chose and continuously strive to have an objective view on aspects of life be they be from a struggling eco-sphere or a well looked after eco-sphere.
All over, the entrapment of existence are much stronger as the life in general is based on show based example living rather than truthful living. It is within the system, it is always the responsible individuals today, ordinary individuals tomorrow. We as a human society are yet to make in great numbers right individuals in most places. My struggle and work continues.
Best article by Shekhar Gupta in the recent times.. true inside account of bollywood awards! Thank you for thid piece! Thank you for staying honest to journalism.
Wow, it is so hard to come across something written with such elan. Kudos to the writer for having the courage to call these people what they are – SPADES!
As teenagers, we grew up reading Shobhaa De’s Stardust and Neeta’s Natter. This is a more somber portrayal of the film industry. All about creating magic in a darkened auditorium. Not sure how many of us would be interested in seeing the faces without their makeup.
THANK YOU SIR FOR THIS CANDID STORY! NOW if you’re labeled fake news, I will know why.
Your words should sound an alarm bell in the hearts and minds of all deniers.
This article reminds me of the classic story line of -‘ Jane bhi do yaaron’. Sadly, like in the movie, life to always kills its most interesting protagonists!
Hands up for all those who will watch a Karan Johar, Aaliya, ranbir , n that Anil Kapoor spawn flick after this…corona virus, I can deal with you… Bollywood bachchaas, no freakin waaaaaayyy
I agree with you really film industry is a cruel world. I am not seeing any improvement in near future although I really miss SSR by heart he was too young and talented actor.
Thank you for this honest, introspective and insightful piece. It is about time that efforts are made to democratise an industry that builds name and fame on the backs of the paying public.
When a group of entertainers get together, you know they will not celebrate intelligent thinking or indulge in discourses. From that point onward, it is known that the next pit stop would be a dark triad of human psychology: Narcissism. Not to say this in bad taste, but in such times of debate on whether it was the bat or the civet which spread the SARS-CoV2 virus, one fact that cannot be overruled that bats are reservoirs of viruses and highly paid film stars are reservoirs of narcissism, hedonism and the uncomfortable elephant in the room; Nepotism. It is that much unfair that only celebrities are called benefactors of nepotism, when in close scrutiny much of which has anything to deal with power,fame and glory will attract such facets of those entwined with it.
It is the stroking of ego, which becomes an unsatisfied itch. There are countless instances and some glaringly revealed ones where, Bachchan Sr. has indulged into glaring excesses of arm-twisting others who was not able to fancy his towering persona. After all, he feels entitled to his his share of power,fame and allure. Because it is a cycle in continuum, with younger faces more than eager to take a share of the pie, it leaves the likes of Bachchans, Johars, Kapoors, Khans with no choice but to play ball. What choice do they have? Once if he doesn’t do it someone else will do the same, maybe in a more exhibited fashion. To make the situation more complicated, we have a force to reckon with these days. The daddy of all buzzwords: Dynasty. When dynasties meets entertainment meets politics; you know you have one strong drink to intoxicate almost anyone imbibing in it.
However, there are causes which also leads to such factors. Not to state the obvious, but who can be so fallible to ignore them, than those who have more than others. In Bollywood, the class divide is stark and an open secret. The king and queen is of course the much loathed producer and leading actors. Those who are in the ministerial levels are the directors, editors, cameraman and the occasional sound man; that due which came only after Resul Pookutty got his Oscar from Academy of motion pictures in science and arts. And the pawns are easily the local talents whose positions are secured with threats from local political unions to amalgamated power structures behind the curtains. Each deriving power from their own caste, job role, and syndicated organizations. The pawns are the reality which the king and queen know exists, so in order to avoid being in their position, they would forge necessary alliances and coerce those who are outsiders to this kingdom, to be along the colonies of the former as the true center of gravity would remain with them. For survival of the rich, all rules are malleable.
For all it’s star pageants and dizzying amounts of money, one can truly see what the quality of contents being churned out mindlessly are just fast food with a shining touch of plastic coated nutritional benefits as a sticker. The trope which goes to Cannes or Berlin film festivals where the who’s who of the cinema guild come together. While the range is diverse from seeing the latest auteur screenings to securing distribution rights, the Indian film delegation consists of pretty faces of Ms. Rai Bachchan and Mr. Bachchan Jr. to latest additions of Sonam Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap. One could almost call them ‘Models of Appearance, but not in a Bressonian way. But hypocrisy has a strange habit of sneaking in when the actors themselves proudly flaunt their double life. The same Kashyap who abused and sneered at the cream de la creme of Bollywood, have made films with the same lot he seemed to despise. And who could forget Kangana Ranaut? The poster child for being the most outspoken critic of nepotism has herself appointed her sister as her manager. She can try all her whatabbouttery in justifying that, as long as no one holds the mirror too long for it to be shattered. I have seen better quality of movies from postwar countries (Italy’s neo-realism), from harsh totalitarian ones(Iranian new wave), and cash strapped socialist cinemas(Brazil’s Cinema Novo) to be much superior in artistic merit than the current state of films being dished out by Bollywood. The latest in the menu: Nationalism!
A good article bringing out what is talked in hushed tones. Also reinforces my thought that some bad films were awarded no matter what.All this is just masala/entertainment including the politics behind it. The fact that Bacchan clan also were part of boycotting is a surprise. Have they become better now ?
Will wait for ur book.
Shekhar is sucking up the ruling powers again. Very clever and very shady. Do you want to make Amit Shah and Kangana the whistleblowers for the industry?
NO We should make 10th fail Karan Johar the Prime Minister and Eugenics Professor Saifooo the Education Minister, his 3rd fail wife can be the Industry Minister!
There!
Fixed it for ya!
The fact that Farhan Akhtar, Saif Ali Khan and likes can manage Padmashris despite their average work but Sushant Singh Rajput is declared a failure hurts. Karan Johar is pet dog of Shahrukh and Aditya Chopra thanks for revealing that. Alia bhatt is Karan Johar made star. Priyanka was boycotted so she chose Hollywood, good that it worked for her, else in all probability she would have got Sushant’s fate!
What? Are you mad? Where he is talk about that, Srk doesn’t have problem with not giving award to his film it was karan. I think you forgot priyanka is the one who is upset as she is not given award for barfi over vidya
Lol, where he reveal that karan is pet dog of srk and aditya in your dreams. Let me tell you it was not SRK but Karan was hurt. I think you don’t how priyanka said she deserve award for barfi over vidya kahani
Male and female sized egos, minimum intelligence and empathy, unlimited money, fragile state of mind and starry-eyed fans looking for star kids and gossip…
A dangerous cocktail which will only give you sadness when in the so-called Bollywood industry.
None of this is a surprise. The problem lies partly in filmy culture but also partly because of multiplicity of bandwagons of award functions which many renowned entities seem to have lately jumped on to.
On a more philosophical note, it exposes our failure in creating enduring institutions – institutions which are fair, effective in unearthing and rewarding new talent, accommodative of contrarian opinions and tastes, which can renew itself from time to time and which can command the respect of our own selves and the world. If such an award jury system existed, it would have substantially reduced Shekhar babu’s troubles.
Indian cinema, Indian businesses, Indian politics, Indian public life – all have this glaring lacuna which drives the best and brightest away. No one seems to have got a handle on it – you can make out that someone like Kangana Ranaut is just looking to milk this issue for her own agenda without looking to substantially offer any lasting solutions.
It brings me to my last point – poverty in places like India and the sub-continent in general is not due to simply lack of financial resources – it is a poverty of ideas, poverty of institutions and poverty of faith in the system. Hence even a (rich) system like film industry of India churns out poor products and cannot command the respect of world cinema fraternity.
The art of acting , dancing, singing is an age old culture of our Indian civilization… We have given the world “Natyashstra” written by Bharatmuni way back in 1st century BCE…the art of story telling should be celebrated as an way of expression of human existence….but unfortunately, some greedy minded people had made this art as sheer business…one should have guts to portray the real life character and not mere earnestly impossible larger than life picture….
In the digital and globalised era our generation is exposed to plethora of good stories and performances across the globe….its now the responsibility of audience that we should appreciate only performances and stop herofying the nepo products who have nothing but mediocracy…if it can’t be done then we don’t have any right to ask why our films do not win Oscars.
@Shekar Gupta… Sir…..is in any different in Hollywood or BAFTA or elsewhere….can you please throw some light
Dear Mr Gupta,
A few months back, when you were speaking about how the courts should get out of running cricket, you had mentioned that the Gov of India should get out of the awards business. Here you mention that there is no referee. National Film Awards conferred by the GoI should probably stay. At least it looks at the full gamut of films across India without leaning towards a language or region etc.
There are so many other problems and shortcomings in country, facing the country. Instead of f
Interest by Mr Skekhar Gupta ,Mr Swamy . and Shekhar Kapoor leaves a very puzzling thought.
Especially when competition and undercutting is a norm no an exception in competitive scenario..
How come ThePrint gives major space to so many journalists who only writes propaganda articles full of hate and anti-national views if Shekhar Gupta is clean journalists as he pretends to be. Shekhar Gupta can’t stand on two boats sailing in divergent directions. I guess he is clever enough to keep his cloths clean while his ThePrint throws mud on others.
True though S.G. is showing neutrality but all print articles are mostly anti national in nature.
At least print should carry articles of all right, left. S.G. should conform the same.
The fact that you have called out few big names is not just commendable its fearless. It is not easy to be fearless in this current times. I often wondered and in fact questioned so many of my friends and family members – why do we adore Bollywood so much? Are these people the most successful in this world that they have so many followers? I think Sushant’s death has brought out the ugly side of this gang-driven industry to the moviegoers. Success is bought here not achieved. Our country has so many talents in different fields, forget about following them, we don’t even take an ounce of energy to acknowledge them. I hope more kids realize thare are thousand ways to ear money, fame and success. What is success after all? who defines it? If you give a hit movie and and have two security personnel and walk around with a Gucci bag- is this the new parameter for success for us? Sadly, Sushant was brainwashed with this ideology. He had so much more potential than most to become anything he wanted. We lost a great soul and that’s fact. Hope all learns something from this tragic incident.
Contrary to what you say, Indians are fearless as never before.. It’s easy to be fearless since 2014 after the end of misrule of Congress. Now Anti-nationals can shout “Bharat Tere Tukade Honge” and a battalion of librandus come to their support freelessly. The recent anti-CAA protest is another case of how fearlessly Muslims can protest without any valid ground of grievances. In TV debates also I don’t see any fear even in those who wants destruction of India. India is now a vibrant democracy.
Nothing new in this article. We know all about awards and how actors deals with it. The main issue is that in a place ruled by power and money you can’t solve any issue in a way or another the powerful will win and get what they want and paid media to talk about. Kangana didn’t say anything new to the media or industry but she is another face of paid media to get herself out there.
Interesting! Is this a pitch to say the other popular awards (Read Filmfare) are biased and screen awards are not? Tough to believe this one, a poor attempt at declaring yourself clean
Finally, a brave soul emerges. Thank you Mr. Shekhar Gupta for sharing this. It is evident, that a STAR like Sushant Singh Rajput who was way talented than the dumb asses and bhais of the industry was murdered. KARMA will prevail – it always has and the likes of this entire lobby be it karan johar, aditya chopra, salman khan, mukesh bhatt and the pancholis will suffer a fate a million times worse.
To murder someone like this is not only unforgivable but horrendous. They envied him because he was a zillion times more talented than all them and their dumb heroes, was a zillion times more intelligent than the dumb shows / movies they make and was a determined and humble soul.
May these murderers suffer like none else in the history of mankind
Why would a noted publication declare anything but a list of nominations prior to the actual awards ceremony? Shouldn’t the process be more professional to begin with?
First you say- “We held our nerve again, and a breather came as the viewers’ choice award, based on an internet poll conducted by our host TV channel, went to the film. We were satisfied because it wasn’t a jury award and our process was clean.” and then you say -“Again, we invented a popular choice award.”!
he is being brutally honest is not he? he need not ahve said anythig at all or just brushed this aside. he compromised.
Bollywood is even dirtier than what has been written in this article. The cocaine dealers to Dawood’s aide.. bollywood is everything that you can never imagine. The Khans are running the show for Dawood and people like Akhtars are paid to create a narrative and form that #intolerance tribe. The. There is that casting couch pigs spread all across the industry.
It is much more full of shit than you can ever imagine.
Mr. Shekhar Gupta, How do people know who is going to get the award before the award ceremony? Don’t you think If you announce the award on stage you would never have to deal with so much pressure before the award show? Or is it that Jury is also compromised and they let the cat out.
“…..I’d call him and ask him if he didn’t trust even me…”. You must be joking Mr. Gupta!!!!!!!! You also never stole money from someone’s wallet lying on the table. That doesn’t make you honest.
All of this documentation is alright but I don’t see how this relates to Sushant Singh Rajput‘s suicide. Especially, when nobody on this god damn earth knows why he killed himself.
All kinds of rubbish conspiracy theories being manufactured for “prime-time lockdown entertainment” as a coverup for the sorry state of our public healthcare system.
How convenient!
Nothing is going to come out of this
Bollywood will continue to be the corrupt criminal den that it is right now. Barriers to entry will be even higher in future. Only consolation is all the insult and slander and shredding Karan Johar, YRF, salman, Aamir, Saif Tiger and the 1000s of other talntless nepo kids are experiencing right now.
Kudos! Keep em coming! Humiliate and destroy them on SM.
It will go on for as long as the theaters are closed and there is some sort of a lock down
Well deserved! (WHO cares if its fair or not! All those that are demanding fairness where were they when SSR was alive? Too busy shining KJO’s boots?)
Its audience who make them feel special its audience who make them big enough to have bargain cheap to trade off awards audience wont watch awards if top stars dont come. India as society love deification whether in politics or cricket ir star its result if that these star start living in a bubble where they think they can impose their will
I fail to understand why a media group wants to organise award functions limited to Bollywood not in wider sectors such as education, health, public services etc. The sole reason is that media house wants to encash on glamour for its commercial benefits and since due to benefit and not for the purpose to recognise the talent, the other party will enforce its conditions.
Well said.
Wow ! What a brilliant news this news are fake this is not real I can’t believe that nobody believe that one …..
The whole world is unfair whether it’s politics or business or any other profession. Bollywood is least professional of all and therefore cannot expect much. Constant crave for external approval or respect leads to a disaster when the approval or respect doesn’t come despite one’s best efforts. This is another reminder that to succeed in any field, in addition to talent one must have one’s own standards to excel instead of relying completely on external respect or approval.
It’s important that the credible are not always discreet. Thanks.
Thanks SG – for revealing open secrets! Even in these times when there is no public screening, the PVR cinema is doing well at the stock markets – in anticipation. Such is the power of cinema in India and probably the world over. Lately it is losing its sheen with the pervasive reach of digital media – TOT and what not.
This matter of screen awards – all leading publishing houses want to hold film award functions. Is there a need? Should they be abetting the shenanigans of the make-believe tinsel world ?
More power to you. But one thing i didn’t get is,that year deepika got the award,not katrina.
Why do they need so many award shows?? Why cant they just cancel all the awards when we know they all are rigged. I dont believe in National awards either. Is politics any better? one can buy a MP, MLA seat with money power..it applies to all parties. The sad part is there are millions of poor masses in India who like only Masala movies and make these stars demi gods. . They watch these silly movies to escape from sorrows and stress. . if they are educated enough may be they get better taste and appreciate good cinema. How ever Avengers, Fast and Furious type masala movies are equally enjoyed by educated??
Honest arrival and gives idea about how bollywood really works n how dirty politics is played by so called stars and dyansties
In the Hollywood Movie “Spotlight”, there is a situation towards the end that unless a lawyer who defended the pedophile clergies ratifies the list of clergy names found by the Boston Globe newspaper, there will be difficulty publishing the story. In a very poignant scene, the lawyer (who is incidentally the friend of the spotlight journalist) finally relents to endorse the list of culprit names. This made the story “viral”.
What you did today is just that. You endorsed the story. To me, it is the single most boldest act I’ve seen and heard. And, it came from the top. After this, no other and anyone else’s pretentious talks will hold water.
Sir, keep up the good work.
Well written
AGREE!
shekarji
kudos to you.
my respect for you has gone up further today.
long live your tribe.
do you try to instill these values to your juniors?
The topic, the disclosures, the naming….you sure have busted a few balls with this one, Mr. Gupta. Its important that the credible are not always discreet. thanks.
Lovely article. Keep writing truth. Thank you Sir.
The things you have written we already know. This is a very disappointing article with lots of ifs and buts and justifying everything. You have so much experience and you are using the word “90% clean??”
We are living in a sad state where people re just so reluctant to talk about the truth. People like yourselves have been a part of this fake award shows and now you are writing a column to show us the dark sides.
P.S I do not know the author. Just read the article and wanted to view my opinion. Have so much to say.
We are destined to be ruled by the dynasts,whether we like it or not. The facts say so. Even our democracy has been moulded to promote ,serve and proliferate dynastic rule in politics. How can film industry either in Mumbai or Hyderabad can be an exception. The off-shoot of dynasts in politics and film industry are just continuation of same “mai-baap” mind-set well entrenched in our psyche ,whatever may our democratic pretentions be. Once a set of first generation members are entrenched,they fight hard to preserve the rights and privileges, be it politics,films or jobs.A lady from pigmy tribe of Gabon is said to have informed Late Nobel Laureate V.S.Naipaul that to be a healer ( healer is an elder who talks with his ancestor through skull and bones of his dead ancestor) one has to have a an ancestor somewhere in his past who was a healer, which effectively closes all doors for inclusion of ‘others ‘.
While I agree with most of the points, I disagree that Bollywood is generally meritocracy. If it was, Abhishek Bachhan would not have acted in more than 50 movies, most of which has been flop. An outsider would never get so many opportunities.
Here the entry of an outsider is itself is difficult. The dynasties are only competing among themselves. So some of them are bound to flop. Some of the shining examples of dynastic talentless actors are Varun Dhawan, Karishma, Kareena, Aditya Pancholi’s son, Athiya Shetty, Sara Ali Khan, etc.
Veteran Shekhar Gupta at his lucid best. Cannot wait for his memoir.
Best and fair article but for below(Hope it will be published)
What use of your article with yourself so spineless for so long years and many deaths?
What your nonsense seniority of 40 years as journalist if you cannot blow the whistle?
Now also getting permission from owner and all concerned to write the article?!!!
Now what is this “HOLIER -THAN -THOU OR ALL” article?
Cinema, politics,delayed justice all are not dirty picture we see every day but gutters we live for whole life!
i , fairly successfully worked from 1982 in Tamilnadu, Delhi,Near Australia and now in Dubai but i never compromised my honesty against any evil!
Spinelessness is our Indian-ness! Kindly write any honest article within fair time!
Thanks!
Fantastic piece..my respect for Shekar ji keep rising and rising
The Postscript seems the ironic icing that a seasoned professional had to tolerate on a better tasting cake. Nevertheless, it has been my experience on multiple levels outside of systems, across the world, across cultures, in normal day to day life that we adult humans come in highly stratified mindsets. The strata does not get diffusive and hence objective even in the mature years of ones lifetime and in this regard I’ve come to understand and respect individuals who chose and continuously strive to have an objective view on aspects of life be they be from a struggling eco-sphere or a well looked after eco-sphere.
All over, the entrapment of existence are much stronger as the life in general is based on show based example living rather than truthful living. It is within the system, it is always the responsible individuals today, ordinary individuals tomorrow. We as a human society are yet to make in great numbers right individuals in most places. My struggle and work continues.
Best article by Shekhar Gupta in the recent times.. true inside account of bollywood awards! Thank you for thid piece! Thank you for staying honest to journalism.
Wow, it is so hard to come across something written with such elan. Kudos to the writer for having the courage to call these people what they are – SPADES!
As teenagers, we grew up reading Shobhaa De’s Stardust and Neeta’s Natter. This is a more somber portrayal of the film industry. All about creating magic in a darkened auditorium. Not sure how many of us would be interested in seeing the faces without their makeup.
Thanks sir u shows us dark side of bollywood
Really it is very brave of you that you are revealing so much and calling out by name.
Keep it up !!
BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO
THANK YOU SIR FOR THIS CANDID STORY! NOW if you’re labeled fake news, I will know why.
Your words should sound an alarm bell in the hearts and minds of all deniers.
This article reminds me of the classic story line of -‘ Jane bhi do yaaron’. Sadly, like in the movie, life to always kills its most interesting protagonists!
Hands up for all those who will watch a Karan Johar, Aaliya, ranbir , n that Anil Kapoor spawn flick after this…corona virus, I can deal with you… Bollywood bachchaas, no freakin waaaaaayyy
I agree with you really film industry is a cruel world. I am not seeing any improvement in near future although I really miss SSR by heart he was too young and talented actor.
Thank you for this honest, introspective and insightful piece. It is about time that efforts are made to democratise an industry that builds name and fame on the backs of the paying public.
Shekhar Gupta – one cut the clutter on this topic. This sounds so real.
When a group of entertainers get together, you know they will not celebrate intelligent thinking or indulge in discourses. From that point onward, it is known that the next pit stop would be a dark triad of human psychology: Narcissism. Not to say this in bad taste, but in such times of debate on whether it was the bat or the civet which spread the SARS-CoV2 virus, one fact that cannot be overruled that bats are reservoirs of viruses and highly paid film stars are reservoirs of narcissism, hedonism and the uncomfortable elephant in the room; Nepotism. It is that much unfair that only celebrities are called benefactors of nepotism, when in close scrutiny much of which has anything to deal with power,fame and glory will attract such facets of those entwined with it.
It is the stroking of ego, which becomes an unsatisfied itch. There are countless instances and some glaringly revealed ones where, Bachchan Sr. has indulged into glaring excesses of arm-twisting others who was not able to fancy his towering persona. After all, he feels entitled to his his share of power,fame and allure. Because it is a cycle in continuum, with younger faces more than eager to take a share of the pie, it leaves the likes of Bachchans, Johars, Kapoors, Khans with no choice but to play ball. What choice do they have? Once if he doesn’t do it someone else will do the same, maybe in a more exhibited fashion. To make the situation more complicated, we have a force to reckon with these days. The daddy of all buzzwords: Dynasty. When dynasties meets entertainment meets politics; you know you have one strong drink to intoxicate almost anyone imbibing in it.
However, there are causes which also leads to such factors. Not to state the obvious, but who can be so fallible to ignore them, than those who have more than others. In Bollywood, the class divide is stark and an open secret. The king and queen is of course the much loathed producer and leading actors. Those who are in the ministerial levels are the directors, editors, cameraman and the occasional sound man; that due which came only after Resul Pookutty got his Oscar from Academy of motion pictures in science and arts. And the pawns are easily the local talents whose positions are secured with threats from local political unions to amalgamated power structures behind the curtains. Each deriving power from their own caste, job role, and syndicated organizations. The pawns are the reality which the king and queen know exists, so in order to avoid being in their position, they would forge necessary alliances and coerce those who are outsiders to this kingdom, to be along the colonies of the former as the true center of gravity would remain with them. For survival of the rich, all rules are malleable.
For all it’s star pageants and dizzying amounts of money, one can truly see what the quality of contents being churned out mindlessly are just fast food with a shining touch of plastic coated nutritional benefits as a sticker. The trope which goes to Cannes or Berlin film festivals where the who’s who of the cinema guild come together. While the range is diverse from seeing the latest auteur screenings to securing distribution rights, the Indian film delegation consists of pretty faces of Ms. Rai Bachchan and Mr. Bachchan Jr. to latest additions of Sonam Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap. One could almost call them ‘Models of Appearance, but not in a Bressonian way. But hypocrisy has a strange habit of sneaking in when the actors themselves proudly flaunt their double life. The same Kashyap who abused and sneered at the cream de la creme of Bollywood, have made films with the same lot he seemed to despise. And who could forget Kangana Ranaut? The poster child for being the most outspoken critic of nepotism has herself appointed her sister as her manager. She can try all her whatabbouttery in justifying that, as long as no one holds the mirror too long for it to be shattered. I have seen better quality of movies from postwar countries (Italy’s neo-realism), from harsh totalitarian ones(Iranian new wave), and cash strapped socialist cinemas(Brazil’s Cinema Novo) to be much superior in artistic merit than the current state of films being dished out by Bollywood. The latest in the menu: Nationalism!
A good article bringing out what is talked in hushed tones. Also reinforces my thought that some bad films were awarded no matter what.All this is just masala/entertainment including the politics behind it. The fact that Bacchan clan also were part of boycotting is a surprise. Have they become better now ?
Will wait for ur book.
Shekhar is sucking up the ruling powers again. Very clever and very shady. Do you want to make Amit Shah and Kangana the whistleblowers for the industry?
NO We should make 10th fail Karan Johar the Prime Minister and Eugenics Professor Saifooo the Education Minister, his 3rd fail wife can be the Industry Minister!
There!
Fixed it for ya!
The fact that Farhan Akhtar, Saif Ali Khan and likes can manage Padmashris despite their average work but Sushant Singh Rajput is declared a failure hurts. Karan Johar is pet dog of Shahrukh and Aditya Chopra thanks for revealing that. Alia bhatt is Karan Johar made star. Priyanka was boycotted so she chose Hollywood, good that it worked for her, else in all probability she would have got Sushant’s fate!
What? Are you mad? Where he is talk about that, Srk doesn’t have problem with not giving award to his film it was karan. I think you forgot priyanka is the one who is upset as she is not given award for barfi over vidya
Lol, where he reveal that karan is pet dog of srk and aditya in your dreams. Let me tell you it was not SRK but Karan was hurt. I think you don’t how priyanka said she deserve award for barfi over vidya kahani
Male and female sized egos, minimum intelligence and empathy, unlimited money, fragile state of mind and starry-eyed fans looking for star kids and gossip…
A dangerous cocktail which will only give you sadness when in the so-called Bollywood industry.
None of this is a surprise. The problem lies partly in filmy culture but also partly because of multiplicity of bandwagons of award functions which many renowned entities seem to have lately jumped on to.
On a more philosophical note, it exposes our failure in creating enduring institutions – institutions which are fair, effective in unearthing and rewarding new talent, accommodative of contrarian opinions and tastes, which can renew itself from time to time and which can command the respect of our own selves and the world. If such an award jury system existed, it would have substantially reduced Shekhar babu’s troubles.
Indian cinema, Indian businesses, Indian politics, Indian public life – all have this glaring lacuna which drives the best and brightest away. No one seems to have got a handle on it – you can make out that someone like Kangana Ranaut is just looking to milk this issue for her own agenda without looking to substantially offer any lasting solutions.
It brings me to my last point – poverty in places like India and the sub-continent in general is not due to simply lack of financial resources – it is a poverty of ideas, poverty of institutions and poverty of faith in the system. Hence even a (rich) system like film industry of India churns out poor products and cannot command the respect of world cinema fraternity.
The art of acting , dancing, singing is an age old culture of our Indian civilization… We have given the world “Natyashstra” written by Bharatmuni way back in 1st century BCE…the art of story telling should be celebrated as an way of expression of human existence….but unfortunately, some greedy minded people had made this art as sheer business…one should have guts to portray the real life character and not mere earnestly impossible larger than life picture….
In the digital and globalised era our generation is exposed to plethora of good stories and performances across the globe….its now the responsibility of audience that we should appreciate only performances and stop herofying the nepo products who have nothing but mediocracy…if it can’t be done then we don’t have any right to ask why our films do not win Oscars.
Excellent!!!