Familiarisation of artists with actors is important to perform and professionally work together in a harmonious and cooperative spirit. I was made to understand this aspect after watching Raabta (2017) starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon in the lead. Although the script after the intermission became monotonous, the buildup of aesthetics, artwork, and chemistry between Sushant and Kriti was simply irresistible and inseparable in the true sense. Apart from being competitors, both Sushant and Kriti complement each other’s on-screen role presentation and performance.
Sushant’s attire, humour, satire and romance all add up to the flair of his character depiction and portrayal, leaving nothing for the audience to contemplate. As for Kriti’s character, there was absolutely no hurry to repeatedly reincarnate her lover from her previous life. In the process, Dinesh Vijan has unnecessarily stretched and elongated the story for a lack of options. It would have been advantageous for the screenplay had this effect been minimised, devoiding the film of its merits.
Looking at Sushant’s features, it was truly unbelievable for me to digest the tragic fact of his death. I am made to believe that Sushant resembled his reel life with real — always filled with emotions, enthusiasm and energy. Rumours suggest after Raabta, both Sushant and Kriti started developing a fondness for each other as individuals and as artists. Sushant was an aspirational actor who always preferred portraying characters who spoke for his inner qualities and innate convictions with which he showcased his abilities and attitude as an actor.
I was somewhere curious to undertake basic research after having watched this film on Amazon Prime. Earlier, Kriti’s role was offered to Asin and Alia, but due to their prior commitments, they backed out of the film. The film was a fair success in light of Sushant’s command and grip. As far as the script goes, it wasn’t a success at all. If I were to articulate and analyse, this film goes beyond other commercials of Dinesh Vijan — both in terms of chance and choice of the characters.
Apart from the location and background in enhancing the beauty of his commercial projects, Vijan has always believed in utilising the best talents and potential from the film industry, unlike big production houses and film directors where occasions and opportunities are limited for a selected few. Why do we have such disparity and discrimination in an industry where there is a huge basket of rewarding and pioneering artists, who, if given a platform, can surely outperform and outsmart the artists hailing from the mainstream?
Nepotism and favouritism in the industry have restricted access and resources from those who are branded as outsiders, thus shrinking their career prospects. It is high time now. It is on our part to acknowledge and appreciate the art and the artist rather than the network, connections and contact that an artist might have, owing to their rank, position and status in the social hierarchy.
Why Sanjana Sanghi, Sushant’s co-star in Dil Bechara decided to give up on Bollywood once her debut film releases on 24th July is upon us. We must seek a reply for this elucidation, as one’s contacts and networks can’t compensate for what they are as an artist. And this has been taught to us by the sudden and tragic demise of Sushant Singh Rajput.