In a candid conversation with Mirchi Plus, renowned music composer Amaal Mallik opened up about his thoughts on Bollywood’s darker side. With a career spanning successful projects like Jai Ho, Kabir Singh, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Mallik is no stranger to the industry’s dynamics. However, in this interview, he expressed his concerns regarding how the industry treats its stars, especially highlighting the tragic fate of Sushant Singh Rajput and how Kartik Aaryan is now facing a similar struggle.
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The Dark Side of Bollywood: Amaal Mallik Speaks Out
Amaal Mallik did not hold back in his discussion about the problematic culture of Bollywood. Reflecting on the tragic demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, Mallik stated that the “shine” of Bollywood had diminished significantly in the eyes of the public. He noted that the death of Rajput, whether labeled as suicide or murder, left a permanent scar on the industry and its relationship with its audience.
In his words, “The industry has such a dark side that it has cost people their lives. Sushant Singh Rajput couldn’t handle it—whatever happened to him, whether it was murder or suicide, a life was lost. This industry did something—whether to his mind, his soul, or to the people around him, it demoralized him.”
Mallik emphasized that the loss of a talented individual like Sushant had led to a massive disconnection between the stars and the audience. The public began to question the very nature of Bollywood, with many feeling that the glamour of the industry was just a façade. Mallik shared how even his non-filmy friends started to refer to Bollywood as a toxic and dangerous place to be, a sentiment that has only grown stronger since Sushant’s death.
Kartik Aaryan: A Victim of Power Games?
In his interview, Amaal Mallik also pointed out that Kartik Aaryan, the talented actor known for hits like Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Satyaprem Ki Katha, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, is facing similar struggles in the industry as Sushant Singh Rajput did. Mallik described how Aaryan has emerged as a victim of power games played by big producers and established actors.
Amaal said, “You can see that people are trying the same things, directly or indirectly, with Kartik Aaryan as well. He too has come out of similar problems—dancing his way through them—but he has the support and guidance of his parents.”
He further added, “There are a hundred people waiting to remove him, playing power games with him. Big producers, big actors – they all do it. It’s a game of influence, and unfortunately, Kartik is caught in that crossfire.”
Mallik’s words shine a light on the fact that even newcomers like Kartik Aaryan are not spared from the toxic and cutthroat politics of the industry. Despite having immense talent and a growing fan base, Aaryan has faced numerous hurdles—ones that are not always visible to the public eye. Amaal Mallik believes that this is a continuing trend in Bollywood, where talent alone is not enough to make it big. One must navigate a labyrinth of power struggles, personal connections, and industry politics.
The Fall of Bollywood’s Aura: From Rajesh Khanna to Today
Amaal also expressed concern about how the image of Bollywood has drastically changed over the years. Once synonymous with glamour, dreams, and stardom, the industry no longer holds the same magic it did during the eras of iconic stars like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan.
He stated, “The industry, which once looked so glamorous to people, has lost its charm. After Sushant Singh Rajput, people started thinking that these are awful people. The aura of the superstars is fading away.”
The death of Sushant Singh Rajput, combined with increasing public scrutiny over nepotism, has led to a shift in perception. People no longer view the stars as untouchable icons. Instead, there’s a growing sense of detachment, and audiences are becoming more discerning about the films they choose to watch.
Amaal also touched upon how Bollywood’s struggles are no longer limited to its relationships with the audience but also with its own stars. With more and more actors and filmmakers feeling the pressure, Mallik believes the industry’s soul-searching is long overdue.
The Revival of Bollywood: What Needs to Change?
Despite these grim observations, Amaal Mallik didn’t end his interview without offering a glimmer of hope for the future of Bollywood. He praised the strength of South Indian cinema, which he believes has managed to stay grounded and connected with its audience. According to Mallik, Bollywood can only bounce back by focusing on visionary filmmaking, creating stories that speak to the heart, and reintroducing light-hearted genres like rom-coms and soulful romantic dramas.
He drew a comparison to Christopher Nolan’s Inception, noting that Bollywood needs to create films that offer something truly unique. Films that aren’t merely commercial but are also intellectually stimulating, thought-provoking, and impactful. In addition to that, he mentioned that Bollywood could reconnect with its audience by returning to its roots and delivering pure, emotional stories similar to the likes of Aashiqui.
The journey of Kartik Aaryan in Bollywood mirrors that of many actors before him, including the late Sushant Singh Rajput. Both actors have fought to establish themselves in an industry that, at times, seems more focused on politics and power plays than on raw talent. While Kartik has shown resilience and determination to rise above the challenges, the road ahead remains difficult.
Bollywood, as Amaal Mallik pointed out, is at a crossroads. While the industry still has immense potential, its dark side continues to weigh it down. The question remains—will the industry ever recover from the blows it has received, or will it continue to spiral down? Only time will tell.
