Qissa Controversy Ka: SSR and Nepotism!

14th June 2020. Bandra West, Mumbai. It has been 12 days since Sushant Singh Rajput has left the world. We accept it or not but, his death has impacted us to a great extent more than any other death in the film fraternity. There are uncountable rumours regarding his death and it is really shameful that it took a Death to realize the roots of Nepotism and Favourites that run in this industry! In the blog post, I would just like to share some radical views about the statements and the controversies that evolved after his death.

                              

• JUDGEMENTALITY: Probably after the Nepotism debate, the most talked-about reason for his suicide is the Rhea Chakraborty And Mahesh Bhatt angle. Just because intimate pictures between Mahesh and Rhea have started doing rounds on the internet, the public has come to the conclusion(let alone an assumption) that there is something brewing between the two. Well, it is very obvious that the partner/spouse is suspected in that case but reaching conclusions without evidence is absolutely incorrect. Moreover, Sushant ended a 6-year-old relationship with Ankita Lokhande and then that did not propel him to take this drastic step. Then, it seems weird how can a 2-year-old relationship with Rhea push him to suicide! Moreover, society has become judgemental (as usual) towards Rhea (because in our patriarchal society men are 'allowed' everything) and declared her a murderer! Moreover, the capability and the genius SSR was (💔) a fight between a  couple is normal since, we do not know the reason for the fight, calling it a purposeful fight directed by Mahesh Bhatt is absolutely incorrect.  

                                                     

• NEPOTISM:  There has so much that has already been spoken and that is absolutely correct and Karan Johar is definitely at fault. One focus that really needs attention in this is the fact about the Indian hypocritic audience. We cannot skew Nepotism to only the producers for showing us, but also the audience for investing in it (case in point 'Dhadak/ Student of the Year/Kedarnath)! As Akshaye Khanna has said previously said, "If you ask a random person walking on the street if he would like to watch X person's movie or Akshay Kumar's son Aarav's movie, the person would obviously pick the latter." This statement does make sense. Nepotism exists everywhere but we single out the INDIAN film industry because for every other field there is an 'entrance test' like for Medical it is NEET/Engineering is AIEEE/IIT which is definitely not there in the industry. For star kids, it is all getting into the family business by giving 'look tests'. For an outsider, it is always about the entrance test or the 'BIG BREAK' if they need to get into the industry. Funny enough, the star kids get multiple chances to prove themselves but outsiders have only 1 movie to prove their mettle. This is definitely wrong and there can be a little hope of change especially because the audience NOT present on social media drives approximately 60% of the box office collection so if you want to boycott star kids, this news should reach that section/Tier-3 cities of India. Even in Hollywood, Nepotism tried to exist but tremendously failed otherwise we would have had Colin Hanks (s/o Tom Hanks), Patrick Schwarzenegger(s/o Arnold Schwarzenegger) rocking the box office but barely people know them. Of lately, actress Adah Sharma has also pointed out that how in spite of a supporting role in Dharma's 'Hasee Toh Phasee', she was not allowed to be part of the promotions and it was only Sidharth and Parineeti doing the entire thing which pretty much clears as to why people are upset majorly with Karan Johar.

                                                       

•  FUN FACT: Even after being in the Hindi film industry for over 9 years now, Taapsee Pannu has still not featured on Vogue India's Cover Page whereas, in the June 2018 and August 2018, Jhanvi Kapoor and Suhana Khan featured on it. Why? Maybe because Karan Johar and Vogue Editor Anaita Shroff Adjania are close friends? Or is it not a phenomenon of Favouritism? Moreover, Taapsee has never been invited to Koffee with Karan as well.

                                                          

• ELITISM IN NEPOTISM: Surprisingly, even amongst the 'privileged' star kids, the phenomenon of Elitism seems to be present. Surprisingly enough, it is suspected that this elite group mainly consists of the Johar, the Pandeys, the Kapoors (majorly Kapoors) it is really disheartening to see actually some good products of nepotism like Akshaye and Rahul Khanna (s/o actor Vinod Khanna), Rohan Mehra (s/o actor Vinod Mehra) etc lost among the glossy showy kids from the airport looks. It is definitely no surprise to see Archana Puran Singh's son, Sanjay Kapoor's daughter, Sridevi's younger daughter gracing the big screen in 2-3 years and we, the audience paying to watch them (for sure).

                                                        

• MILKING OPPORTUNISTS: Definitely, Divya Khosla Kumar has the best PR team! She knows how to receive attention and single out someone who spoke up against the 'music mafia'. If T-Series was promoting 'talent', why are the majority of the songs are sung by Tulsi Kumar (an awful singer) and Dhvani Bhanushali (daughter of Divya's relative) whose music singles are every time produced and presented by T-Series? If they were good singers, why didn't other music labels run after them the similar way they run after Darshan Raval, Asees Kaur etc? Not far behind is yesteryear actor Sonam Kapoor who should realize that it was Mr Kapoor's karma that she was born there (good or bad, we leave it for Mr Kapoor to decide). Yes, it is definitely not her fault that she was born at Mr Kapoor's house but it is definitely her fault if she is arrogant, stubborn and justifying her place in an industry she literally walked into. Not to forget, Mrs.Ahuja's BFF Swara Bhaskar who is out supporting Karan Johar.

                                                        

• THE REAL VILLAINS: We have had enough of Blame Game. One of the real villains is INDIAN AUDIENCE. Since a long time, the Indian Society is a Hypocritic Society and we refuse to accept this fact. These days we criticize Nepotism, a few days/months later we shall be watching their movies and making them the next superstar and a potential outsider (currently Kartik Aaryan) will lose out on films the same way Sushant lost out Ram Leela/Befikre because Ranveer had a two 50crore+ and a 100 crore+ grosser and Sushant just had 1 movie over 50 crores (Kai Po Che) back then. The reason the Indian Audience needs to be called out is, if these things did not affect their movie-going experience Bigg Boss would have not run for 13 seasons! Apart from Karan Johar, it is really surprising that reports do not comprise of Sajid Nadiadwala's name: a man who launched Tiger Shroff, Nandish Singh, Bhagyashree's son and is currently launching Ahan Shetty (Sunil Shetty's son) with the RX100 remake. It seems like a pact that KJo will launch the Kapoors whereas Naidiadwala shall launch others. It is fairly surprising but true if such kind of pattern is observed in the near future. Moreover, the silent villains include the paparazzi which since their birth have been feeding people with newsfeeds of airport look/no makeup look etc. The Media has always been autocratic and if anyone attacks them it becomes a way of curbing 'Right to Freedom of Expression'. Therefore the double standards of Indian Audience and the Autocraticity of Media need to be checked before calling out to producers like KJo, Sajid Nadiadwala because after all, they are in the business of making money: money the audience provides!

                                                

As for SSR, it was very heartbreaking that he found this way out. He did inspire a lot of us because of his humble and hard-working nature, being there for everyone (people claim). It is really heartbreaking and shocking to see him go, but we look forward to his last Wonderful Work in Dil Bechara which unfortunately releases on Disney+Hotstar on 24th July 2020. I hope that people may thank you for inspiring them when they stand on stage after an achievement!

                                               

                                                    

Synopsis Collection: The Love Less Ordinary!

“Are u sure you don’t want anything else Mr.Rajiv?” asks a disinterested Sheena. “No, thanks that will be all! BTW are u free this evening?” replies Rajiv. “How abt u complete ur painting Rajiv? And next time please pls don’t ask me any such thing!” replies Sheena. “Come on Sheena, we are neighbours as well. Why so cold?” asks Rajiv. “Thank u for providing me with some business Rajiv! U may leave!” says Sheena and leaves Rajiv at the counter of her paint and stationery shop to settle other things in her store. Rajiv is perplexed and leaves.

Back at her one bedroom apartment, we are introduced to Sheena and her daily life. She reaches her house, unwinds herself, contemplates, speaks to her mother who keeps requesting her to meet boys for her marriage and she replies to it by saying “I’m 40 ma, I am not getting married after that.” and as soon as she says this, there is a knock on her door and it is Rajiv. “So what are your plans for today evening since you are back early Sheena Ji??” asks Rajiv grinning. “Rajiv what do you want?” asks Sheena with exhaustion on her face. “Nothing! Just came to ask your well-being.” Replies Rajiv and he leaves.

A few days later, Sheena is cleaning her store and “Sheena” comes a voice and continuing her work she says, “Ms.Sheena” and then turns and asks, “How can I help u?” to Mr.Shorey, a businessman, who says, “Can you please provide me with a huge canvas, the best box of paints and brushes and a picture of yours which I want to paint.” Dumbstruck at this request, Sheena reprimands to him saying how dare he could do such a thing and ridicules him  which makes him leave her shop.

That evening, she shares her disgust with her mother who tells her to enjoy the moment of attention from a single rich man. Sheena is pissed at this and shouts at her mother which makes Rajiv come into his apartment. “Can I offer you a cup of coffee, Sheena? U look stressed.” Asks Rajiv, a bit scared. 

Sheena smiles. Rajiv goes back to being his usual self. “So aunty again asked you to get married?” asks Rajiv. “Well yes! Actually Rajiv it’s just that an arrogant stubborn man came into my store and he asked me for painting types of equipment and a picture of mine.” Replies Sheena. “Woah! So many guts! Impressive. I want to meet this man.” Says Rajiv. “Sure. Why not! He is Shorey, that flirt builder.” Replies Sheena. “And u said no to him!” exclaims Rajiv. “Well yes, I hate such type of men.” Says Sheena. “U know what, u r crazy Sheena!” says Rajiv commandingly. “That’s why u r the only person I can trust beyond doubt. U have the same craziness as me.” She replies. And they share the coffee.

A few days later, Sheena returns home and finds a gift outside her door. She picks it up and walks in. It has a specific style of greeting on it that makes it very hard for her to believe. She calls up a phone number but to no avail. She opens it to find that it is just a simple plain painted canvas. She gets worried. She immediately leaves her house and sees that Rajiv is entering the building. Rajiv greets her but she doesn’t respond and hurriedly calls an auto and leaves somewhere. She goes to a house in a low-grade vicinity but does not find anyone there. Instead, she picks up a photo frame and keeps it close to heart. She returns home and sees another similar canvas painted with the same style of greeting. She is dismayed and weeps as she looks at the picture. Rajiv enters and sees her in tears and like a good friend, sits down with her and they start a conversation.

“Rajiv there is one thing I have never told anyone about, not even my mother. And I am sharing this with you. You see there that I have got another canvas with the same style of salutation as the previous one and the style of salutation could only be done Sahil, someone I had imagined to spend my life with.” Says Sheena.

“Where is he? What happened then? Asks Rajiv innocently. “Sahil is no more in this world. My brothers killed him.” Replies Sheena. She continues, “That is the reason I left the house. Came here. Took a loan and started my own shop.” “But why did they kill him?” asks Rajiv. Sheena hands over the photo frame she is holding to Rajiv and says “Sahil was an enunch.” And Rajiv is dumbstruck.

                                     

        

“But Sheena how could you love Sahil? I mean generally, people meet in colleges, restaurants and then fall in love. Where did you meet Sahil?” asks Rajiv. “I met Sahil at a friend’s daughter’s ceremony some 5 years ago. Initially, he was a very snob behaving as if he was Mr.Shorey but later on I spotted him at another friend’s ceremony and naturally this time I started the conversation. Talking to him, I found him to be a very positive person who just intends to make an impact of his own. Time passed and we became friends, better friends and it barely took me time to realize that I really had fallen for him. And then, he started sending me letters, whose font style was very different from others. And since yesterday I have been receiving these painted canvases, God knows why. Surprisingly, the style of salutation happens to be Sahil’s. And I don’t know why Rajiv but I think it’s Shorey who is behind all this.” Sheena says. “Sheena, why do you think that the style is Sahil specific? Let me have a look” asks Rajiv. “Sheena hands the greeting over to him. “Sheena, it’s not a difficult task to interpret this greeting. Anyone can!” replies Rajiv. “So, it means Shorey can, as well.” Replies Sheena.

Sheena observes sadness behind Rajiv’s happy face and asks him. “Rajiv what’s happened. I can easily see the sadness behind your happy face, tell me what’s it?”  “I am officially divorced now, Sheena.” Replies Rajiv. “U were married Rajiv?” asks Sheena. “Yes, but was separated for the past 8 months. Since we never spoke of love before today, we never brought up the topic.” Replies Rajiv. “Why did you end up getting divorced Rajiv?” asks Sheena. “I was married to Cynthia, a friend and the daughter of a wealthy businessman. I was in love with someone else, but then under her father’s pressure and her obsession for me, I had to marry her. Someone has rightly said, that when you bring a girl to your house, you should always love, respect her because she left her family just to be with you. I know that this is important but then we had no story to start with. I was married under pressure to someone who was obsessed for me. I actually wanted to get rid of Cynthia so that is the reason I treated her in an alienated fashion. Soon enough, she got upset and sent me a divorce notice which I gladly signed. But losing a friend always hurts Sheena.”

“So who do u love now Rajiv?” asks Sheena. “Sheena, u will soon know. That is the biggest hint I will give you.” Replies Rajiv and Sheena also doesn’t press him further.

The next day Sheena storms into Shorey’s office and shouts, yells at him for sending those paintings and that salutation. Shorey says he has no idea about those greetings nor the painting. Sheena alleges him of treachery with people and also accuses him of holding back Sahil. Since Sahil was quite a popular social activist type of a person, he was popular in the city. Shorey laughs it off and says “ Such a**h**** were rightly beaten to death They deserve that dog-type of a death. They are nothing more than a shame to society.” And saying this he asks Sheena to leave his office. Back home, Sheena finds a stack of canvases outside her door and one final salutation.

She knocks Rajiv’s door but to no reply. She takes the stack inside and reads the final salutation, “ Dear Sheena, I tried a lot but could not restrain myself. I have always loved sending you the salutations u could have never imagined. It was me who taught Sahil calligraphy and knew you even before you shifted. I tracked you down after Sahil’s death and here I was to look after you. It was me who all this while sent you these canvases and once you join all of these canvases together, you will realize who I loved. What initially started off as the role to keep my brother’s word could turn into my own love for you. I would be doing treachery with my brother if I asked you out so that is why I am writing it down. Sheena, I love you, hope that you acknowledge the love I have for u. Your friend, Rajiv.”  Sheena then recalls all the incidences and realizes that all this while, the person who she shared things with was Sahil’s brother. And then she opens the paintings and joins them together to find that they form her face. She simply smiles and next we see, Sheena rising for the enunch community just like Sahil and somewhere from within the crowd we see Rajiv dressed up as an enunch cheering the one he loves- Sheena.

Anticipated Cast:

Sheena: Vidya Balan
Rajiv: Ranveer Singh
Sahil: Rajkummar Rao
Mr Shorey: Ranvir Shorey