Negativity not in Bollywood, exists only on TV: Sinha

FILMMAKER Anubhav Sinha says the negative perception about the Hindi film industry has been manufactured on TV news channels and doesn’t hold any weight among fans.

Ever since actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death in June, there has been a whirlwind of conspiracy theories regarding Bollywood, from its nepotistic nature to now an alleged drug abuse. The reporting of TV channels has also come under scanner, with many calling it insensitive and intrusive.

Sinha, who has been critical about the TV news reportage around Bollywood over the last few months, said there was no negativity around the industry.

‘Just look at the TRPs of these TV channels. They don’t matter at all. The negativity is only on the TV news channels. Do you think the fans and admirers on the streets have started feeling any different? No.’

The ‘Thappad’ director said viewers have started identifying how agendas have been shifting constantly.

‘Even they can see through the stories on these news channels and can see how these channels keep shifting their goals: from murder, drugs, to someone missing. They are worthless goals.’

On the work front, Sinha is basking in the glorious reception of his music-video, ‘Bambai Main Ka Ba’, featuring Manoj Bajpayee.

The Bhojpuri-rap, penned by Dr Sagar and composed by Anurag Saikia and sung by Bajpayee, highlights the struggles of migrant workers making a living in big cities like Mumbai. The lyrics have been translated into English by senior journalist Sankarshan Thakur.

The director said he is happy that the rap, which is interspersed with the videos and shots of the migrant exodus during the lockdown, is resonating with people.