Thappads, ragging would happen: Siddharth recalls assisting Vidhu
The Hindi film industry has been plagued by the problem of ragging and physical abuse for many years. Despite numerous cases of harassment and abuse coming to light, the issue still persists. Recently, filmmaker Siddharth P Malhotra recalled his experience of working as an assistant director on Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 1998 movie ‘Kareeb’. In an interview, Malhotra shared some shocking stories about the ragging and physical abuse he faced during his time as an assistant director.
Malhotra revealed that as an assistant director, he used to receive calls from the director, which would lead him to run to different locations and then return to the set. He said, “I remember as an assistant, a call used to come and then I used to run, go somewhere and then come back…ragging would happen, thappads would happen, everything happened.” This is a stark reminder of the kind of treatment that many young people face in the film industry.
But what’s even more shocking is that Malhotra’s father had asked Vidhu Vinod Chopra to “grind” him. Malhotra said, “My father had asked Vidhu-ji to grind me. Vidhu-ji used to say, ‘Siddharth, you are not doing it right, etc, etc.’ And I used to feel that I am being ragged.” This is a disturbing revelation, as it shows that even those in positions of power and influence can perpetuate the culture of ragging and physical abuse.
Malhotra’s experiences are just one example of the many cases of ragging and physical abuse that have been reported in the film industry. There have been numerous cases of harassment and abuse, both on and off set, which have led to the downfall of many careers and lives.
The problem of ragging and physical abuse in the film industry is complex and multifaceted. It is rooted in the patriarchal and hierarchical nature of the industry, which creates an environment where those in power can exploit and abuse their positions. It is also fueled by the pressure to deliver a perfect product, which can lead to long hours, physical exhaustion, and mental stress.
Despite the many challenges, there are many people who are working to create change in the industry. There are organizations and initiatives that are working to promote a culture of respect, inclusivity, and fairness. There are also many individuals who are speaking out against the culture of ragging and physical abuse, and working to create a safer and more respectful environment for everyone.
As the film industry continues to grapple with the problem of ragging and physical abuse, it is important to remember that every individual has the power to create change. By speaking out against the culture of ragging and physical abuse, and by promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, we can work towards creating a safer and more respectful environment for everyone.
In conclusion, Siddharth P Malhotra’s experiences as an assistant director on Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 1998 movie ‘Kareeb’ are a stark reminder of the kind of treatment that many young people face in the film industry. The problem of ragging and physical abuse is complex and multifaceted, but by working together, we can create a safer and more respectful environment for everyone.
