Let Me Say it Now

by Rakesh Maria

So the underworld had their tentacles already spread and embedded deep in Bollywood and they knew exactly how to hit the producers, directors and actors where it would hurt them the most. I had to be in constant touch with most of the film industry stalwarts and even small-time producers and starlets to boost their confidence and provide protection. ‘Do not give in to their demands. We will stand with you and provide protection.’ This was my ceaseless plea to all those subjected to extortion calls and intimidation. But, this is easier said than done. People in the entertainment or those in the real estate industry were simply not mentally prepared or psychologically equipped to deal with threats to their lives or to the lives of their kith and kin. However, in all fairness, the truth and reality were that the late Yash Chopra, Ramesh Sippy, Mahesh Bhatt, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Manmohan Shetty and others firmly stood their ground and refused to be cowed down.