Anil Sharma Questions Bollywood's Silence

Bollywood - the mere mention of it reminds one of a realm of fantasies, where there is just the perfect blend of music, dance, love and drama. But behind this shining screen, there lies a tough reality which remains concealed, and is not easily seen by the audience. There have been numerous Bollywood actors, filmmakers and artists taking courageously clear stands on all sorts of issues concerning the nation and patriotism through the years. But in recent times, it can be observed that even in the nation where Bollywood is the largest entertainment hub, there is no definitive voice against Pakistan and terror. Why? Why is Bollywood silent? This is the secret which has been unraveled by a behemoth Bollywood producer-director of 'Gadar' Anil Sharma.

The crux of this battle in Bollywood surfaces in a recent interview with Anil Sharma. He asserted, "The day Operation Sindoor started, I took a clear stand against terrorism on social media." His assertion is not one man's, but an expression of a collective agony and dilemma. Terrorism, regardless of the country, is the worst offense, many in Bollywood understand this, but are too afraid to speak out in public. Anil Sharma states, "A nation that promotes terrorism can never develop. Remaining silent against terrorism is actually supporting them directly."

Many in Bollywood understand this brutal reality, yet why are they afraid to speak? The current Bollywood crisis is concealed in Anil Sharma's answer. "There is a vast international market for our artists, particularly the massive popularity of Indian films in Pakistan." That is, most are keeping their remarks mute in order to guard this business-related market. This struggle between politics and business has led Bollywood into a severe crisis, where it is no longer easy to maintain a balance between working for the nation and professional security.

Embedded within this struggle lies another concealed agony of Bollywood—nationality vs. commerce tension. Born and brought up in the nation, wherever they reside, each artist entertains ideals and country pride, yet simultaneously fails to comprehend when to compromise for professional purposes. Anil Sharma noted that, "For me, the values of the country are higher than everything." We will all live as long as the country lives."

He also added, "Wherever we are in the world, our children will be called Indians, same if they are grown and living abroad."This line of thought has a high level of nationalism, which should be found among most Indians. But the truth is that artists tend to withdraw from their social responsibilities as well as morality for ethical reasons, fearing loss of the business market, and even due to pressure and competition from social media. Anyhow, let us try to recognize and appreciate his contribution.

During the interview, Anil Sharma also talked about his upcoming film and shooting. He stated, "Turkey is a very good country, where there is an urge to shoot, but because of the present political and social scenario, it is not easy to shoot in Turkey." This indicates how the global politics and security situation are influencing the film industry directly.""".

This Bollywood crisis is not only a question of one or a single artist, but a bigger social and cultural problem. When the people of the country are clear and definite against terrorism, why is India's largest cultural platform, Bollywood, keeping mum? If we can't put our finger on the solution to this question, we can surely find an insight into the failure of a section of culture in our society. Bollywood's role in determining the face of the nation is colossal, so their silence would not be mere indifference, but it would be an indication that the divide between artists and the masses is increasing. Our time's call is for Bollywood creatives to take courage, make their stand clear and never compromise on their sense of responsibility to the nation. They'll then be able to regain their former glory, their position in people's hearts will remain unchanged. In the crisis of today, Bollywood needs to recast its social and political role, speak out fearlessly but never compromise on nationalism.

The initiative and determination of producers like Anil Sharma can be the beginning of this change. Our expectations from Bollywood artists will be - to survive on the soil of the country and spread the glory and identity of the country to the world through art. Because Bollywood is not just a place for entertainment, it is a cultural context, where brave voices and displays of ideals build the image of the country.

In this crisis hour, let Bollywood recover its lost courage, make a voice with a loud voice for the country's good from its position. And that is the true victory.