The revelations that have surfaced from Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case has also created ripples across various sectors including politics. And recently, the drug angle that Bollywood has come under the scanner for created some huge stir in the parliament after Bhojpuri actor and BJP candidate Ravi Kishan brought up the topic pointing at the nexus and the usage of drugs in the film industry. He also spoke about the ongoing Sushant Singh Rajput death case. And looks like, he ruffled feathers of legendary actress and Samajwadi Party candidate Jaya Bachchan by discussing the drug case angle in Parliament. After which he faced a lot of opposition from the senior actress. 

Seeing Jaya Bachchan’s reaction even left Ravi Kishan startled. During the Parliament session, Jaya Bachchan supported Bollywood by saying that the entire industry shouldn’t be blamed because of a few problematic people. Slamming those who have defamed Bollywood, Jayaji also took a dig at Kangana’s ‘gutter’ remark by saying, “People in the entertainment industry are being flogged by social media. People who made their names in the industry have called it a gutter." She even slammed Ravi Kishan, who is a member of the Lok Sabha, for speaking against the industry. 

After Jaya Bachahan’s comment many from the political sector supported the veteran actress, but few names from the acting world even went onto slam her. Amongst them was actress Kangana Ranaut who targeted Jaya Bachchan in her tweet and wrote, (“What plate has Jayaji and this industry given? One that was given had a two-minute role, an item number and a romantic scene, that too after sleeping with the hero. I have taught feminism to this industry, I have decorated this plate with patriotic, women liberated films, it’s my plate Jayaji, not yours.”)

While the matter has only been getting bigger, it has led to many big names from the film industry being exposed.  In fact, Sushant’s girlfriend Rhea who is also a prime accused in his death case reportedly gave a 20-page long statement to the NCB where she named 25-people from the industry in the drug connection. And applauding the NCB in his statement during the Parliament session, Ravi Kishan said that this entire circulation and consumption of drugs has posed a big challenge on the nation. He also appealed to the Central Government to give strict punishment to the culprits from Bollywood. 

On this statement, Jaya Bachchan reacted, and said, “Just because of a few people, you cannot tarnish the whole industry... I was really embarrassed and ashamed that yesterday one of our members in the Lok Sabha, who is from the industry, spoke against the film industry. Jis thaali me khaate hain usi me chched karte hain." Jayaji also pointed out how the entertainment industry provides entertainment to 5 lakh people, further stating, that when the economy is suffering, attention is being diverted by targeting Bollywood. 

Expressing displeasure to Jayaji’s reaction Ravi said that not everyone, but only a few people in the industry do drugs, which are being sent by peddlers. He also added, “That I never received any plate, I made my own plate. You can go check my history, I am the same person who said, Jindagi Jhandwa phir bhi ghamandwa. I had said this because no one was either giving me work nor was I making any money. Nobody noticed me or launched me, I launched myself, and it was God and the audience who made me a superstar. I am the son of a priest, no one knew me. Look at my history, people walk their way to stardom, I have crawled my way up there, I have as much right in this industry, as much Jayaji has.”

Jaya Bachchan who is known to speak her mind exactly did so in the parliament. In the past too we have seen the actress being very straightforward in giving her opinions, no matter how stern they are. Now with some people from showbiz slamming the veteran actress, especially, Kangana Ranaut, let us see how Jaya Bachchan reacts to the Manikarnika actress’s comment on her. Stay tuned!

Written by Nawaz Kochra (Entertainment Journalist, Mumbai)