Veteran Bollywood actor Ashish Vidyarthi recently shared a deeply unsettling experience from his decades-long career in the film industry, revealing how the business side of cinema can sometimes overshadow basic human decency and grief.
In a candid revelation, Vidyarthi, who received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Drohkaal in 1995, recounted a disturbing incident that occurred at acclaimed director Mukul Anand’s prayer meet. The actor described how a filmmaker approached him during this solemn occasion to discuss work dates, displaying a shocking lack of sensitivity toward the grieving atmosphere.
“Everyone was wearing dark sunglasses,” Vidyarthi recalled, painting a picture of the somber gathering where industry professionals had come to pay their respects to the late director. However, what should have been a moment of collective mourning turned into an uncomfortable business discussion when a filmmaker saw it as an opportunity to secure the actor’s dates for an upcoming project.
The incident highlights a disturbing aspect of Bollywood’s business culture, where commercial interests often take precedence over human emotions and appropriate social conduct. Mukul Anand, who passed away in 1997, was a respected filmmaker known for his action-packed movies and had worked with some of the biggest stars in the industry.
Vidyarthi’s revelation comes at a time when conversations about the film industry’s work culture and professional ethics are gaining momentum. The actor, who has appeared in over 300 films across 11 languages, has been a witness to the industry’s evolution over the decades and has seen both its glamorous facade and its less savory realities.
The veteran actor’s story resonates with many industry insiders who have experienced similar situations where business considerations override basic human sensitivity. The incident serves as a reminder of how the relentless pursuit of commercial success can sometimes lead to a complete disregard for social norms and emotional boundaries.
This anecdote also sheds light on the pressure cooker environment of Bollywood, where time is money and every moment is seen as a potential business opportunity. The fact that someone would choose a prayer meet – a sacred space for mourning and remembrance – to discuss work dates speaks volumes about the industry’s sometimes toxic work culture.
Vidyarthi, who has been in over 300 movies made in 11 different languages, has built his reputation on playing memorable antagonist roles and has witnessed the industry’s transformation over the years. His willingness to share such uncomfortable truths about Bollywood’s working culture demonstrates his commitment to calling out inappropriate behavior, even when it involves powerful industry figures.
The actor’s revelation serves as a wake-up call for the industry to reflect on its values and prioritize human dignity over commercial interests, especially during moments of grief and loss.