COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS CAN CHANGE THINGS: SUSHANT SINGH

Sushant Singh expresses his disappointment to Sonali Pitale Joshi about the ongoing protests and more…

Sushant Singh became a household name with Savdhaan India, a television show which the actor and CINTAA head was hosting since 2011. But, his recent support to the ongoing protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act has led to his departure from the show. “I don’t want to link both these things,” he says, taking things in his stride and moving ahead. Excerpts from the interview:

It must hurt to say buy to the show...

Of course. I love that show. I had given my soul to that show. I did not do the show for money, I did the show with utmost honesty. I did the show because I got the opportunity to talk to people about the issues and problems that prevail in society. I would feel very happy when people would say the show is raising awareness, I was happy I was being socially responsible. I was very connected with the show. The journey has ended and I am hurt...

What happened with the show?

I was told in the night by the channel that 20th of this month would be the last day of shoot...I was told there were budget constraints. I was not aware this will become such a big thing. Someone on twitter said, ‘Is this is price for speaking truth’. Even if it is, it is a very small price, it is work, it will come and go. I had no idea if this will be linked to the protest and that it will become a big news. I had not done this with that kind of intention, I am a very non-controversial guy. I take stand on issues and I will take it. I don’t want to it become an issue as it will take the attention away from the main issue. It is channel’s property they can end my contract anytime. Contractually, it has to be a month’s notice, but to shoot during that time or not it is upto them. I don’t want to link both these things. I went for the protest and then in the night I got the message that this will be my last day of shoot. Maybe it is a coincidence, maybe this was planned. I don’t want to speculate. Let’s not deviate from the issue.

Did you ask them for an explanation?

No. I take things in my stride. Questioning becomes begging.

Do you feel freedom of speech is diminishing?

I would not say that, you are allowed to talk, but you do pay price for it.

And if you continue to raise your voice, you will lose out on work...

So be it. If that is the price I am more than willing to pay for it as it is about the future of my country, about kids. Maybe I will earn less. It is a filmsy thing to even think about. I am hopeful, thanks to all the students and all those who are supporting it. We are not dead as society and collective consciousness can change things, we have seen that.

Can showbiz make a difference?

These issues do not affect rich people. I also belong to this category. Prices of onion do not affect to us, we don’t have to think twice before buying anything. That is why I think we don’t pay attention to it. There could be differences of ideologies. May be people who are not speaking about it have no issues with it. Why should we wait for someone to speak about it. In which country stars have brought revolution? It is only youth or common man. If I feel it is right issue to speak for as a father or citizen, then it is my responsibility to stand with them because tomorrow I am answerable to my kids. I abhor the previous generation for the kind of society they have given us. They only cared about their home. We never cared about whether kids in villages are getting education or not. Who will put pressure on government? There are protest against Padmaavat, but not against issues which are affecting our daily life. If I do that my kids will ask what I have done for them. I have done it so that I can sleep peacefully.

If they offer, will you do the show again?

I don’t have malice against anyone. But I am hurt. This is the second time I am shunted out. Now now. They want me to believe it is a coincidence, let it be. Life is too long.