Like any other corporate group, the film industry too is divided into Attack Modi group and Support Modi group. A section of Bollywood hates BJP/Modi because their ideology doesn’t match with that of the BJP. Their business prospect overseas depends on maintaining an anti-Hindutva image. In the recent environment, they have not been able to work with Pakistani actors who come in cheap rates, while ensuring success in Pakistan, which is a big market for Bollywood movies. On the other hand, fear of getting in the bad books of political leader lords has forced some actors to praise the government and its leaders. As such, many do not hold any political opinion of their own and most of the endorsers have no job in the entertainment industry. Politics, on the other hand, is completely different as a man has to be both very shrewd and manipulative or he must have his heart in the benefit of the public. While politics is one of the oldest professions in the world, acting is also a centuries-old profession. However, for a successful man, entry into one thing is quite easy as compared to others no matter if that new field is completely different.
In the history of India, there have been many actors/actresses who have moved to the field of politics after having a great inning in acting. In the recent past, the scenario is completely changed. There are much small-time to big-time actors who are thriving on political mileage. They are celebrities, they are rich, and their contribution to the party may prove better in terms of fundraising. They can rear funds for the party using their popularity. Now, some artists are openly coming against the government and some are openly favouring the establishment. Over 600 theatre artists recently came together to issue a statement, appealing the public not to vote for the BJP in the upcoming general elections. The list of artists includes Anurag Kashyap, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Patak, Konkona Sen, Mahesh Dattani, Sanjana Kapoor, etc. They believe that our beloved Constitution is under threat. It’s time to defeat the forces of darkness and barbarism.
The BJP, which came to power in 2014, has given free rein to the Hindutva goons to indulge in the politics of hate and violence. The man (Modi) has destroyed the livelihoods of millions through his policies. According to them, Hindu Terrorism is spreading in the country. No wonder, Bollywood is Hindu phobic. It’s not the first time that the Bollywood hypocrites have signed such petition. These are the same people who signed the Yakub Memon’s mercy petition; these are the people who are leftists. There are a series of Twitter war between Rangoli (Kangana Ranaut’s sister) and Soni Razdan. There are series of attacks by actress Swara Bhaskar on BJP leaders and their policies. This virtual war has taken a cruel turn, Payal Rohatgi, a small-time actress not much known for acting or films, these days circulate videos attacking all those who attack BJP or Modi. She sometimes talks blatant or on religious lines. Pallavi Joshi, another actress who is seen hell-bent on supporting BJP’s failed politics too. Mostly, these actors are either supporting BJP or against BJP. However, those against BJP are not necessarily the supporters of the opposition of BJP. On the contrary, the supporters of BJP can be seen randomly attacking everything, which goes against the interest of BJP or PM Modi. The entertainment industry, which was purely here to entertain people, has got entangled in mudslinging. Some industry persons have gone to another level of making films such as “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” and “Padman” which are based on subjects that are a part of the BJP campaign. This is why a political party also prefers to give tickets to actors and actress as any popular actor/actress do have a huge fan following.
Political parties can find an instant vote bank while they invite any actor/actress to join their party. So, half of their battle is won when they can make a popular star join their party. Anyway, they are being launched under the popular banners of the party, for which actors and actress do not need any experience in politics. They may be acting as puppets in the hands of senior members of the party. However, their being in the party strengthens them for getting more votes and raising funds for the party. The recent entry of Urmila Matondkar in Congress speaks in volumes. It will not be wrong to say that currently the most powerful of all the actors/actresses who have turned to politics is Jaya Prada, who is taking on Samajwadi Party single-handedly. Although actors and actresses from the South Indian Cine World have written new versions of success in politics, the Bollywood actors and actresses have not been proved so lucky. Some may also join politics just to make money, acquire lands, and find peaceful old age with the lucrative career by joining the government. Also, there are many actors who try to remain out of politics. There are also many who love to have power and position. In fact, most of them find it as a way-out to earn more money through uneven means. It’s all about business in the end. With time, I believe our entertainment industry will decide the fate of politics; this is how they can beat this notorious nexus between the entertainment market and politics. All those who support or all those who attack have somewhere forgotten that they are performers. People loved them for their skills; unfortunately, they are using the same skills in political mind games, and let us see how the nation is going to deal with it.
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