The response to Dil Bechara is the tribute Sushant deserves: Sanjana
Actor Sanjana Sanghi is happy at the moment, with her debut film as a lead opposite late Sushant Singh Rajput, Dil Bechara becoming one of the most watched films on an OTT platform. While she mourns the loss of her co-star, she says this has taught her a couple of things like “the power of earnest and honest work”.
“Only the team knows the blood and passion we put into this over the last two years. It taught me that true honesty still has place in this world. It taught me the power of love of fans,” she says.
Ecstatic at the response to the film, she continues, “I know how much strength I have derived from crores of people blessing our film, and helping Sushant get the tribute he deserves. This is the only balm amidst all tough things.”
She recalls her experience of shooting with Rajput, and how he would always ensure that she was comfortable throughout the shoot. “For the audience, it’s just a film, but for us as artistes, over two years of our lives went into this. Sushant and I did it together, and from the first reading, they are all such clear memories,” says Sanghi, 23.
During the course of the legal proceedings following Rajput’s death, the actor had been called to Mumbai for questioning. And her story on Instagram left people wondering if she was planning to quit films. But she clarifies that it was blown out of proportion. “I am too honest and candid a person. But that day I realised there’s a big gap between what I am saying and what is perceived. I have become more careful with my words. I am here to stay and do tonnes of films,” says Sanghi.
Apart from the ongoing nepotism and favouritism debates, the discussion about how fair award shows are in India, has also been long going. Actor and filmmaker
Satish Kaushik, too, feels the process needs to be more “scientific and fair”. Kaushik, who recently celebrated Tere Naam completing 17 years, via social media, shares that even though the film was received well, neither Salman Khan nor he got any awards.
“Award functions have become more like TV shows. Most of them are about the glamour and less about the art. At times, I fail to understand how they decide the winners. When Tere Naam released, people enjoyed Salman in a different avatar. Everyone thinks I can only make people laugh. That I could make a film like this was appreciated, but I never got any award,” he says.
Kaushik, 64, feels it’s time that the process of nomination and awards “are rethought and redesigned”. He elaborates, “I think audiences’ reaction should be given priority. The panel who decides should be secretive. They should also comprise people who aren’t directly part of the fraternity.”
Having starred in over 150 films and helmed 15 films, Kaushik might have not won many awards but he is not bitter about the experience. “The love and support I got from the audience has inspired me. Earlier, it would hurt to not get awards but now, the recognition from audience matters most to me,” he adds.