Dear Hrithik,

As a senior media person, and also as your friend, I am both excited and dismayed by the news that you are appearing on Republic TV’s Nation Wants To Know talk show with Arnab Goswami tomorrow night. Having said that, I am at the same time also hopeful that you don’t go the sensation-seeking dramatic way Kangana Ranaut did on Rajat Sharma’s Aap Ki Adalat. While there is a vast viewership of voyeurs that take vicarious pleasure in following the actress’ personal, and I think spiteful, attacks against actors she has worked with or dated, directors she has had a fallout with, and others in Bollywood with whom she does not see eye to eye, in my opinion Kangana lost whatever sympathy that sensitive, thinking people and her fans might have had for her before she went ballistic in public.

I am in no position to comment authoritatively and conclusively on what really happened. And nor would I want to. But from the arresting Republic TV promo, I can see that you have been through the fires. This is not the pain and anguish of an accomplished actor used to delivering box office hits. This is the coming out of a man being pushed to speak his truth. Well do that. Speak your heart, be honest, be sincere, they say the camera never lies. But don’t provide grist for the gutter press mills. It specializes in gossip and scandal. It loves peeping through the keyhole and listening at the door. It enjoys being a fly on the wall in celebrity bedrooms. And if in the process it can take the pants of some actor, or strip an actress to her soul, then so be it. Please don’t fall a victim to that. Never mind if fewer people watch you or believe in you. This is your moment. Now is the time. You might be boring if you stick to your truth and don’t read out of an attacking script. But say your piece honestly and sensitively. And then forever hold your peace.

Best,

Mark Manuel