TODAY, PEOPLE ARE JUDGED FOR EVERYTHING AND THEY ALL WANT TO PROJECT A HAPPY AND PERFECT LIFE: RAJAN SHAHI, PRODUCER

It is unfortunate what happened with Kushal and Sejal and it leaves a question to the society. What could we have done to help them? Looking at the larger picture, we should look into ourselves. It wouldn’t be fair to blame the TV industry as every field has its pressures but the way we, as humans, are functioning and the illeffects of technology. Today, in the world, people are judged for each and everything, we all want to project a happy and perfect life out there. That puts a huge pressure as everything is scrutinised. I have seen this in every strata of society. The TV industry is a challenging place and there is a lot of instant success and instant failure too. Today, the actors are evaluated on where you holiday, what you wear, who you are seen with and what car you drive. I have worked with newcomers and I always tell them to start saving and not splurge and not to take their success or failures too seriously. Work available in the TV industry is seasonal, sometimes you get five offers in a day or have to meet five people for one good offer. Being grounded helps deal with the tough days and one should talk to people they are close to.

In the wake of the shocking news of actors Kushal Punjabi and Sejal Sharma committing suicide, one can’t help but wonder if the entertainment industry, specifically those in TV, are more susceptible to mental and physical health issues? Is the nature of the job, insecurity and uncertainty that looms over most actors causing stress and depression? More so, in the TV industry, where factors such as the never-ending struggle for good roles, the need to work non-stop to be able to times, exhausting. One has no time for personal life. Everyone can’t create a much-needed balance between personal and professional life. This often creates a vacuum and gap in one’s life. We feel that something is missing. There are people who come from outside Mumbai and may not have any family members or close friends, so it becomes difficult survive, the 12 or more daily working hours, four hour long commutes, characters short changed for better ratings, etc add to the constant strain. Sharing their thoughts, the TV fraternity says that depression and stress are a part of today’s lifestyle and can be seen in every job. So, when it comes to a glamour driven high-pressured job such as acting, one needs to have a strong personal support system and create more awareness regarding mental health. to manage as they lack a support system. It is important to have the right company and right environment for sound mental health. There should be someone who you can trust and share your day with, judgement-free. For me, my family is my support system and I derive strength from them.