Tanushree Dutta has once again spoken out about the alleged existence of a ‘Bollywood mafia’, linking it to the deaths of actors Sushant Singh Rajput and Jiah Khan.In a conversation with Meri Saheli, the actor claimed that both stars were “troubled” and questioned the circumstances that led to their deaths.
‘If there was no mafia, they would still be here’
Tanushree said that the industry has an “unspoken” reality that is rarely discussed openly.“Bollywood mafia bhi hai. Bilkul hai. That’s why today Jiah Khan and Sushant Singh Rajput are not among us. If there was no mafia, these talented, upcoming stars would still be here,” she said.She added, “It’s an unspoken thing that they were troubled. I don’t believe they died by suicide. But even if we assume they did—why does a person reach that point?”
‘No normal person just wakes up and takes such a step’
Questioning the idea of suicide, Tanushree said that people don’t take such decisions without being pushed to an extreme mental state.“No normal person just wakes up and decides to end their life. Especially someone who has seen success and built confidence. For someone to reach a stage where even their self-talk becomes defeated—something serious must have happened,” she said.She added that suicide happens when a person feels there is no way forward. “But the question is—who brought them to that state?” she asked.Tanushree pointed out that actors are aware of the uncertainties of the film industry and are mentally prepared for ups and downs.“This is not a 9-to-5 job with stability. Artists know that sometimes things work, sometimes they don’t. That’s part of the industry,” she said.“Career setbacks are not enough for someone to take such a step. If it happens, there must have been a concentrated effort to push that person in that direction,” she added.
‘If you don’t follow them, you become a target’
Speaking about the alleged functioning of such groups, Tanushree said that people who don’t conform often face consequences.“These mafia-type people have huge egos. If you don’t follow their way, you become their enemy. People who want to work honestly and independently are targeted and harassed,” she said.She added that even talented and popular actors can be sidelined. “A few powerful people can decide your fate. If you don’t follow them, you become a target. They can destroy your career,” she claimed.Describing such individuals, Tanushree said, “They are irrational, almost like evil forces. There’s no logic—only a tendency to control and trouble others.”“If you don’t get involved in their activities, you are labelled an outsider. No matter how talented you are, you can still be pushed out,” she added.
‘There has to be some connection to reality’
While refraining from making direct allegations, Tanushree said that depictions of the industry in films and global revelations hint at deeper issues.“I can’t make direct statements without proof. But when films show such realities, and when things like the Epstein case come out globally, there has to be some connection to reality,” she said.“You have to ask—how do such deaths happen? How does someone who has seen success suddenly give up?” she concluded.
