Telugu cinema, also known by its alias Tollywood, is the section of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Telugu language. It is one of the biggest industries, the Second Largest Film Industry after Hindi. The industry is one of the largest producers of folklore, fantasy, mythological and melodrama films. But it has its dark side too; in the recent past from sex scandals to drugs Tollywood has hit the national headlines. The industry is growing but values are falling down. Racism, degradation, differences, dynasty, double standards in the industry is not new. Many actors committed suicide by getting frustrated with hierarchy. The saga continues with Rs 3000 crore Telugu film industry, which produces more than two hundred films per year, is facing an image crisis.
The nasty side of Tollywood is currently spinning under a drug scandal after officials of Telangana Excise (Enforcement) Department busted a major drug racket that supplied high-end drugs like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and methylenedioxy – methamphetamine (MDMA) to people in the corporate sector, students and celebrities. A drug peddler called Calvin and his gang members were operating the biggest drug racket in Hyderabad. Calvin told the interrogators that driver of an actor used to collect the drug. In another case, the accused maintained that he simply delivered ‘medicine’ at the assigned address. When police arrested him, his cell phone revealed many names from Telugu film industry. Twelve Film Personalities were grilled for hours. Meanwhile, the P&E sleuths caught an event manager Piyoosh and recovered some drugs from him. He too claimed to have secured drugs by placing order online. He was the key person accused of supplying drugs to schoolchildren and college students in south India.
The rich kids who want to go into drugs want a separate world and it starts with alcohol. LSD and ganja, weed and lot more things are available in Hyderabad. They target crowded places like bars, schools and college. Drug dealers want to make good money. Everybody wants to earn money. That operation is serious. The film stars are always in party mode. The drugs guys search them and show the things and whoever interested will definitely buy it. Not all but some people will buy.
Recently, Telangana government banned hookahs in bars and restaurants. But, eventually the hotel owners and hookah parlours manage the supply in closed doors. They hide it when police come for checks. While hookah business is roaring, there is a thriving business of Marijuana. Rich and VIP’s children come in closed car and take it. Police don’t mind, even peddler are relaxed because everything is managed. The most dangerous trend now is how students and IT professionals are able to access drugs through dark web. It’s just a click away to get inside a dark web where there are many markets to pay through crypto currency.
There are many young guys who became part of this business and were able to get away from the noose. They make bulk investment in drugs and cash in on that. Drugs are available in paper you can hide it in book. You can also hide in container when it comes in powder. Even, if youth gets caught they have an emergency plan. If someone gets through courier LSD, he is under the watchful eye of cops. If he gets the information he will send courier and it will be empty. He will play blind. The drug racket is easily operated and sometime the raid happens but money plays a vital role, some get hooked and many get scot-free. Here also money and muscle power works. Hyderabad has turned into a drug hub only in the last few years as the Telangana government gave a push to build the night life image of the state by promoting international band which came in with drugs.
South India is a region with vibrant landscape, tradition, brilliance, complicated politics, spectacular mix of people, and largest number of young population. It’s sad to see the youth caught into the vicious circle of drug addiction. Drug addiction is a complicated sensation, which has various biological, social, cultural and economic aspects. Peer pressure, absence of parental love and care in families where both parents are working, adolescent immaturity and fear of failure in life, are some of the reason luring our youth to take drugs and escape the harsh realities of life.
India has 46.3% youth dependency ratio, 21% of the entire population is employed and 27% of entire Indian population is addicted to these intoxicants. The usage of these deadly intoxicants is becoming a trend. It’s growing as a current obsession in all the sections of society. These drugs stimulate the nervous system of the body, leaving a feeling of energy and improve the physical performance of the body.
With ability to thrill, and energies constant use of these drugs are capable of causing depression, anxiety, frustration, partial amnesia and many more negative side effects. The damage to the physical, psychological, moral and intellectual growth of the youth is very high and the loss concerning human potential is immeasurable. Unfortunately, the film industry which impacts common man’s life is also lured in this trend, only god can help this country and protect youth who are the pillars of this nation.
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