The year 2020 has been a turbulent one for Bollywood, with the industry being embroiled in a number of scandals and controversies. From drug scandals to suicides, Bollywood has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, leaving fans and industry insiders alike shocked and stunned.
The year started with the shocking suicide of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, sending shockwaves around the industry. The actor, who was just 34-years-old, was found dead in his apartment on June 14, 2020, sparking a nationwide debate on mental health, nepotism, and the insider-outsider debate in the industry.
The suicide was followed by a series of revelations about drug abuse among Bollywood celebrities. Actress Rhea Chakraborty, who was Sushant’s girlfriend at the time of his death, was arrested for alleged drug use and was later released on bail. Other prominent names that surfaced in the investigation included Deepika Padukone, Shraddha Kapoor, and Sara Ali Khan among others.
Apart from these high-profile cases, Bollywood was also rocked by several other controversies this year. Actress Kangana Ranaut, who has been known for her outspoken views, was embroiled in a public spat with fellow actress and industry veteran, Taapsee Pannu. The feud between the two actresses started on social media and quickly escalated, with Kangana accusing Taapsee of being a “Bollywood B-grade actress” and a “sasti copy.”
Another scandal that rocked Bollywood this year was the arrest of TV actor and Bollywood film actor Suraj Pancholi in connection with the death of his ex-girlfriend, actress Jiah Khan. The case, which has been ongoing since 2013, came to a head this year, with Suraj being charged with abetment of suicide.
As 2020 draws to a close, the future of Bollywood looks uncertain, with the industry grappling with a number of internal problems. From nepotism to favoritism, drug abuse to mental health issues, the industry needs to take a long hard look at itself and make some much-needed changes.
The year has taught us that the entertainment industry is not immune to the ills of society and that celebrities are human too. As fans, we need to respect their privacy and mental health, while the industry needs to foster an environment where creativity can flourish and talent is given a fair chance to shine. Only then can Bollywood overcome the scandals and controversies that have rocked it this year and emerge stronger for the future.