Shibpur MLA Rudranil Ghosh held a meeting with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday, discussing measures to tackle what he termed as hooliganism in Tollywood. The actor, who was significantly impacted by the film industry's ban culture during the previous government, emphasized that he is not seeking revenge. However, those responsible for creating a toxic work environment have been identified, and strict actions will be taken against any disruptive elements.
Kolkata International Film Festival to Continue
Ghosh confirmed that the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) will proceed as planned this year. He dismissed concerns, drawing a parallel with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held annually in Goa. He noted that his film, 'The Academy of Fine Arts,' was not screened there, while films by artists supporting the Trinamool Congress were featured.
Investigation into Rahul Banerjee's Death
An impartial investigation will be conducted into the death of actor Rahul Banerjee. Ghosh stated, "Law will take its course, but it is crucial to identify those whose indifference contributed to losing our brother. Despite being a strong Leftist, Rahul was my junior co-actor and friend. I have seen attempts to protect those close to the previous government in his case. This is not a planned murder, but the indifference towards a deceased artist has deeply affected us."
Review of Previous Government's Cultural Policies
Ghosh claimed that Adhikari is fully aware of the lawlessness in Tollywood. The state government is monitoring the situation closely. He said, "The processes used by the previous government to harm the cultural sector by creating strange committees to 'develop' audio-visual media will be reviewed. The whole of India knows the strategy of the earlier administration to implement exploitative guidelines. We are watching anyone trying to boss or engage in 'mafiagiri' in the industry. All autocratic practices will be dismantled."
Abolition of Technician Quota System
Ghosh announced that the system imposing a fixed number of technicians has been abolished. "We have seen how the industry suffered due to wrongdoings by a few who turned into mafias with the indulgence of the previous government. Investors fled Tollywood. The annual film production dropped from over 130 to 30. Crews from abroad and other states used to shoot films and ads in Bengal regularly. All that diminished because of autocratic norms. Bengal's revenue and job opportunities for artists and technicians were casualties. 'Tolabaji' will not be tolerated. Police will be called to address any grievances in Tollywood," he said.
Targeting of Celebrities During RG Kar Movement
Ghosh recalled how celebrities who spoke out during the RG Kar movement were targeted. "They were pressured to post on social media, all under the instruction of the previous chief minister, who oversaw the cultural world. She was behind those small fries in the industry who acted as her sub-agents to do the dirty work," he alleged.
No Revenge, But Identification of Culprits
When asked if these sub-agents would be penalized, Ghosh said, "They have advertised their identity long back. I do not categorize everyone in the same bracket. A section of artists could never protest because the former government didn't create that environment. The BJP government will not take revenge, but we want to identify them. Not everyone has to be a BJP supporter. A deserving person will get work. If required, they can apologize to colleagues for bad behavior. For the sake of their family, work, and protection, many artists who didn't support these malpractices were forced to pose with those who looted rice, wheat, and coal. They were made to stand beside those who looted the coffers to cleanse public disgust."
Ghosh's Personal Experience with Blacklisting
Despite celebrities now wanting to hug him, Ghosh recalled how they stayed silent when he was sidelined. "I know the 'bohurupis' who avoided me, dropped my name from invitation lists, or remained silent. I was the biggest target because I spoke against Tollywood's hooliganism. I was blacklisted and had to sell my house and car. Technicians wore black badges and marched against me from Technicians' Studio to the Uttam Kumar statue. Those friends who remained silent then were later humiliated. If they had united and spoken up to save the industry, they wouldn't have to bow to hooligans who had the audacity to ban artists. All that will change," Ghosh concluded.
