Bollywood has perpetually been a fantasy factory. But underneath the glittering smiles and red carpet rolls a dark reality of power politics, discrimination, and entrenched gatekeeping. In a new explosive interview, celebrated music composer Amaal Mallik expressed a gravely serious concern that has shaken the industry once again.
His statement was not merely an emotional rant—it was a stark comparison. Kartik Aaryan, one of today’s most bankable actors in Bollywood, is reportedly systematically targeted, much like the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, whose tragic demise in 2020 still lingers as a painful recollection for millions nationwide.
Sushant Singh Rajput's Tragedy: A Turning Point in Bollywood's Image
Sushant Singh Rajput’s sudden demise on June 14, 2020, was officially ruled as suicide. However, the circumstances surrounding his death ignited a storm of controversy. Allegations of foul play, professional bullying, and nepotistic exclusion turned public sentiment against Bollywood’s elite almost overnight.
Sushant wasn’t another up-and-coming actor—he was a made man who broke into showbiz without a godfather. He was an intelligent, humble, and science-loving young man who was also passionate about cinema and life. But despite that, insiders said he was ostracized, dropped from films, and treated like an outcast.
The response of the public was ferocious. Social media went into overdrive as people called for justice, boycotted star-kid movies, and demanded the reform of the industry’s toxic culture. It was a turning point. But nearly five years on, has anything actually changed?
Amaal Mallik's Explosive Interview: "The Industry Is That Dark"
Amaal Mallik was blunt with his words when he spoke to Mirchi Plus. He went on, “Itni dark hai ki logon ki life chali gayi,” directly addressing Sushant Singh Rajput. The music composer of hits such as Main Hoon Hero Tera and Sooraj Dooba Hai said the reality about Bollywood is now open to everyone.
He emphasized that Sushant’s death was not only a heartbreaking personal tragedy—it was the consequence of an “invisible fight” in the system. Elite producers and A-list actors all helped break Sushant mentally and emotionally by shunting him off from meaningful assignments and driving him to a corner, Amaal says.
Amaal’s statement was music to the ears of fans who are still reeling from Sushant’s death. But what really fueled the controversy was his equating Kartik Aaryan’s situation to Sushant’s fall.
Kartik Aaryan: Bollywood's New Target?
Amaal Mallik asserts that Kartik Aaryan is also presently experiencing similar disdain and marginalization by Bollywood titans. With a name for himself as a small-town lad from Gwalior catapulted to gigantic box office success with movies such as Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, and Chandu Champion, Kartik is also an indie star like Sushant.
Yet, Amaal claims there are “100 log hatane ke firaaq mein hain” (a hundred trying to get rid of him). These, he claims, are powerful producers, actors, and lobbyists who resent Kartik’s émigré status and wish to stifle his progress.
It is not the first instance where such allegations have been made. Kartik’s abrupt departure from Dostana 2 by Dharma Productions and his alleged fall-out with Karan Johar fueled the fire. Though the stated reasons were ambiguous, insiders alluded to “unprofessional behavior”—a term that is often used to demonize outsiders.
Amaal's Allegations Point Toward Bollywood's Deep-Rooted Gatekeeping
It is his consistent success in the face of exclusion that poses a threat to Bollywood’s established order, says Amaal Mallik. He says that some directors and insiders resent Kartik’s increasing popularity, his solo-hit status, and his resistance to the Bollywood “camp” system.
Amaal clarified that this is not merely a coincidence—it’s a trend. The ruling class in the business, he asserts, methodically keep out new outsiders so they won’t pose a threat to their established groups. Sushant was a casualty of such a system, and now Kartik may be too, Amaal fears.
He opined that unlike Sushant, Kartik has a strong support system—especially his parents. This emotional support, Amaal feels, is what enables Kartik “dance through the struggles” and remain resilient.
The Public Rejoices: #JusticeForKartik and #BoycottBollywood Trends
In no time, Kartik and Sushant’s fans rekindled the social media frenzy, trending such hashtags as #JusticeForKartik, #BoycottBollywoodElite, and #OutsiderVsInsider.
Several fans started posting old clips, interviews, and background footage indicating that Kartik too has been sidelined in big productions. Supporters pointed out his constant performances, modest attitude, and avoidance of playing “by the rules” of industry politics. The overall reaction was one boisterous message: Bollywood hasn’t learned its lesson yet.
Bollywood's Repeating Cycle: Why It Needs a Cultural Reset
One of the largest lessons of Amaal Mallik’s words is that Bollywood power structures are no different even post-Sushant Singh Rajput tragedy. The insiders-versus-outsiders chasm is still there, and independently developed talents are still regarded as threats.
If it’s being silently dropped from major banners or called “difficult to work with,” the methods of keeping outsiders at bay are never direct—but always damaging.
This exclusion culture impacts not just the people themselves but also deprives the audience of new, varied talent. Amaal’s interview is a call to action for the industry to see and destroy this toxic framework before it drives away more authentic artists.
Kartik Aaryan: Resilience Amidst Adversity
In spite of the gossip and walkouts, Kartik Aaryan’s resume says otherwise. With critically lauded performances in Freddy, Satyaprem Ki Katha, and his recent hit Chandu Champion, Kartik has demonstrated his acting chops and box office draw.
He has gained popularity among directors who appreciate commitment over connections. His stern refusal to breach integrity and his commitment to his profession are qualities that make him a favorite among fans and filmmakers beyond the Bollywood bubble.
Amaal’s appreciation of Kartik’s tenacity isn’t merely sentiment—it’s supported by the actor’s consistent capacity to overcome negativity and stay focused on work.
Will Bollywood Finally Change?
Amaal Mallik’s expose reminds us of the painful 2020. The only thing different here is that fans and witnesses are better informed, more alert, and noisier. The industry is under a permanent public spotlight—and no space is left for ignorance or silence.
The question still hangs in the air: Will Bollywood shake off its age-old habit of favouritism and exclusion or will it lose the very people who made it mighty?
Sushant Singh Rajput’s memory is still a bitter reminder of what goes wrong when talent is ignored and stifled. Kartik Aaryan’s own struggle may either finish in another tragedy—or be the tipping point in the battle for justice in Indian cinema.
Final Thoughts
Amaal Mallik’s interview is not a headline—it’s a call to self-reflection. It opens up the sores that Sushant Singh Rajput left behind and brings to light how little changed in the industry since. If Kartik Aaryan is actually being targeted as much, then it’s not his battle—it’s a battle for every outsider who aspires to become something big without patronage or pedigree.
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