Bollywood’s nepotism didn’t start with Karan Johar. But it must end with Sushant Singh Rajput

Nepotism-led ‘othering’ has reached a toxic level in Bollywood. Regardless of the extent of its contribution to Sushant’s death, the Hindi film industry must do some soul-searching.

Beyond the outpouring of grief over Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, there is searing anger. There is a desire to know why a young, successful star decided to kill himself. And in many a mind, the finger points towards the film industry’s callous ways that led to first, his depression and ultimately, his death.

The old Bollywood nepotism conspiracy theory, too, has reared its head. In this case, though, it is not entirely imagined. Producer-director Karan Johar — someone who had professional ties with Sushant, and had previously borne the brunt of the nepotism charges — has once again become the face of villainy.