Call them out: Bengali actor Dev Adhikari on threat culture

Actor-turned-politician Dev Adhikari spoke to India Today Digital on the alleged threat culture in the Bengali film industry. This follows the Calcutta High Court’s order for the state to submit an affidavit in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) accusing state medical colleges and hospitals of fostering a ‘threat culture.’
The allegations of threats didn’t just come from the medical community but also from a section of the Bengali film industry. It was alleged that a ‘threat culture’ was prevalent to intimidate actors and technicians to get their work done.
The Trinamool Congress MP stated that there was no point denying it but to call out those who indulge in such acts.
“Yes it is happening, people are speaking out, how can I deny?” Dev told India Today Digital.
The actor said that one should not bow down to these threats, whatever they be. “I haven’t faced a threat culture in Bengali film industry. But you don’t bow down. I will say that the ones who bow down are also wrong. It is important to have a good and healthy environment where one can just do their jobs,” he said.
So, how does one tackle this situation? Dev replied, “You have to speak out and call out the ones threatening you. Others will be aware. These people will be marked and the ones who threat will never be able to blackmail others. I don’t know if there is a legal way out but yes, to deal with threat culture in film industry, you have to call them out.”
On the work front, Dev Adhikari will be next seen in Khadaan.