Sushant Singh Rajput’s demise revived the old nepotism debate in Bollywood. It also gave rise to claims of groupism and favouritism that soon percolated towards the music industry where Sonu Nigam went as far as terming it ‘music mafia’. Adnan Sami was one of the first singers to openly talk about where he stands in the entire debate and said that the music industry as well as Bollywood needs a ‘Herculean shake-up’ in his Instagram posts. Now, in a recent interview, the singer-composer has gone further ahead and said that Bollywood is not someone’s private domain.
His rants on social media have been extremely refined in terms of language and not taking any names but he has made clear his stand on the issues. During the interview, he voiced the ‘insider-outsider’ debate and said, “People need to come forward. If you are talented, bloody hell, you should get your opportunity! And if you are being denied that, then things need to change.” Citing his own example, he said, “I was the biggest outsider you could ever think of! I had layers and layers of being the outsider. But I forced myself in."
However, he said that things have changed over time in Bollywood. Adnan said, “See, you have to understand something. Keep my case aside for the moment. People take names of a few superstars and say, see, they were outsiders, they could flourish, right? Ergo, there's no problem. But that is not a comparison you can make with today. When those names came in two decades back or even earlier, the people running the show, so to say, were far more secure, far more respectful of talent. And part of the reason was that those people – they themselves were outsiders. So nobody should try to use the success of outsiders who came in then to argue that today there is no – (he pauses at the word) – mafia happening now. Those people came in at a time when none of this was happening. The kids (of the establishment from that time) have taken over now. It's very different... People who are talented need to be brought forward, or at least allowed to come forward without being bullied. Bollywood kisi ke baap ki jaagir nahi hai."
He also said that he will ensure to help talented people get an opportunity. He said, “I assure you, I will take serious steps, actual steps. I want new talent to come forward because I genuinely believe that it is very important for our ecosystem." Adnan further added, “I feel now we can't just issue statements about it. Then we are just paper tigers, we are no help for those still struggling. Whatever is happening, needs to STOP. The powers that be can be part of the change or they can resist it – but change is needed."
(Source: Times of India)
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