A 21-year-old model and actress was found hanging in her bedroom in South Kolkata
A 26-year-old model and makeup artist was found dead in her apartment
An 18-year-old aspiring model was found hanging in her apartment
Well-known TV actress Pallavi Dey was found dead in her apartment
The spate of suicide deaths of young women in recent times has left Tollywood in shock. There is a strong notion that the only thing common to these tragic incidents is the undetected or untreated mental health issues many people in the entertainment industry deal with. Problems that have worsened since the pandemic first appeared.
TV veteran Badshah Moitra, who recently participated in a mental health awareness and discussion show among entertainment professionals in Kolkata, says it has a lot to do with the uncertainties of the profession. “Pallabi Dey, who had committed suicide, was not a fighter but a household name. I have been in this industry for two decades, and I feel that many applicants who are unable to succeed in this profession take it very seriously. People come into this industry with high expectations and then reality hits them hard; develop complex mental health problems. Adding that it’s important for all hopefuls and even veterans to develop interests and make a world out of work, Moitra said, “The uncertainty of this profession is something you have to learn to deal with.”
How Tollywood tackles the issue of mental health
The tragic loss of young lives has prompted industry veterans to approach the issue of mental health on a much more serious note than ever before.
A 24×7 helpline in progress
During the first week of June, the West Bengal Women’s Commission organized a seminar and it was decided that a team of psychiatrists would visit the studios to raise awareness of mental health issues. Aside from that, there will be a 24/7 helpline available for anyone in distress to call under anonymous terms. Leena Gangopadhyay, chairwoman of the West Bengal Women’s Commission, said: “Nine out of 10 people, if not 10 out of 10, suffer from depression and related mental health issues. The commission will, from now on, provide counseling sessions in channels and studios where anyone can seek guidance. It will be attended by representatives of the commission, psychiatrists and psychoanalysts. We are trying to build a 24×7 helpline, which will take some time. But until then, anyone who needs help can call the doctors for guidance on fighting health-related issues. We will provide the doctors’ numbers to everyone. Not only people in the entertainment industry, but anyone in any field can seek this help and the person may not reveal their identity.”
T-wood’s first mental health workshop
On Tuesday, a number of Tollywood actors attended the first mental workshop conducted by clinical psychologists Prasanta Roy, Doyel Ghosh and Pourabi Chaudhury and organized by the West Bengal Women’s Commission in a studio at Tollygunge to learn how to deal with health-related issues. mental.
In the session, actress Manjushri Ganguly asked if her recent bout of irritation was a sign of a growing mental health problem. To this, Ghosh explained, “In the beginning, if one’s mental discomfort isn’t affecting their environment professionally and personally, we can talk it over with our friends and family to work it out. But if it persists, professional guidance for mental wellness should be sought. It is extremely important to have a world outside of work where one can communicate and talk to relax. Exercise also plays a vital role in keeping our minds healthy and happy.”
Director Saibal Banerjee raised an important question on how to deal with the anxiety that comes with the release of TRP charts every Thursday. “We can all do our best but we can’t control everything. Uncertainty exists in every profession, so one must try to be tough enough to deal with the ups and downs of life. It is extremely important to have a strong family support system as you gain an emotional anchor from there,” said Roy.
An aspiring actress asked that despite auditioning, she gets rejected, which frustrates her. To this, Leena explained, “How will a production company or a channel know an actor’s potential, if he or she doesn’t go through an audition? All new actors go through auditions. Sonamuni Saha, (who was present there) was also cast after an audition. You have to know his flaws and yet be confident when he goes to an audition. Patience is very important in every profession and one has to learn it and practice it in daily life.”
WHAT EXPERTS SAY ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
1) Don’t be judgmental
2) Learn to take success and failure with dignity. Increase your self-esteem by saying and feeling that you can do it!
3) Nothing is the end of this world, either personally or professionally.
4) Develop a hobby outside your profession
5) Talk to people (family and friends) if you feel mentally unstable. If they can’t help, seek professional guidance for your well-being.
6) Give importance to the family since there is your anchor. Talk and share your problems with them.
7) Don’t be too confident. Know your limitations and accept them too.
8) Listen to music and exercise every day to stay well: a healthy lifestyle is the key to a healthy mind and body
9) Develop your resilience to face reality since not everything is in your hands.
Celeb’s take on mental health
It’s about time we had a forum where we can say what we think without fear of being talked about behind our backs. This profession is extremely demanding and several of us are experiencing mental health issues.
— Trina Saha, actress
I believe that those who are away from their families for work are more vulnerable to loneliness. It’s important to stay connected with your friends and family when times get tough. One can also keep busy with extracurricular activities and stay motivated.
— Darshana Banik, model turned actress
The current generation feels that success comes overnight. But in reality, everyone has to go through a roller coaster to be successful. And most importantly, one must learn to manage success or else it could lead to frustration and depression.
— Biswanath Basu, actor
We all go through problems related to mental health. This forum will help us share and discuss the issues. I am sure that this exercise will help combat mental health related issues.
—Rajanya Mitra, actress
I regularly consult a psychiatrist and have no qualms about admitting it publicly. If I can see a doctor for my health, why not do it for my mental well-being?
— Raul, actor
While no one is really in a position to comment on what causes one to end their life, there may be some contributing factors, especially if the victim is from show business. For one thing, expectations skyrocketed after just a few modeling or acting assignments. Second, many get used to a certain lavish lifestyle once they start receiving assignments. But once work becomes scarce and sporadic, they are unable to cope with change.
— Abhishek Roy, fashion designer and stylist
It took me years to find my footing in an industry as cutthroat as this. Showbiz comes with a set of uncertainties. When times are good, everything seems ready, but periods of calm can leave one feeling demoralized. It’s also important to break away from the vicious circle of social media validation that does more harm than good.
— Gourab Chatterjee, actor
With input from Shreyanka Mazumdar
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