IN MAY 2020, writer-director Kartik Shetty released Hindi language short film Debut, which revolves around an aspiring model-actor contemplating suicide and how he’s brought back from the edge.
The Mumbai-based filmmaker’s short shining a light on mental health came into sharper focus a month later when popular actor Sushant Singh Rajput took his own life. He got connected to cinema watching classics like Mr India and the Rocky films, along with admiring Amitabh Bachchan.
Eastern Eye caught up with Shetty to talk about his film, mental health and key message he wants to convey.
What inspired you to make this short film?
I was inspired to write this story after experiences I had during my short stint as a model-actor and situations actor friends went through. When I read the first draft of the script to some close friends, including the film’s editor (Anthony Joseph), without whom this short would not have been possible, they all agreed this was a side of reality faced by thousands of aspiring hopefuls, and needed to be told. No one cares about an industry outsider unless they are successful. I wanted to just show a glimpse of what it can do to self esteem and the long lasting impact that it can create on an individual.
Tell us about the film?
Debut is about a depressed and a struggling actor (Amitaj), who has given up on life owing to his professional failures and is on the verge of jumping off a high-rise building. He tricks a budding filmmaker-friend (Krishna) into shooting it, hoping the world can finally see his story. This film gives a glimpse of what life is like for a struggling actor, but also addresses major issues like depression, anxiety and mental health, which almost every other individual is facing in today’s time.
What has the response to the film been like?
The response has been gratifying. When people message you back after seeing the film and say things like ‘I can feel it’, ‘realistic story’ and ‘speechless’, these words are truly encouraging for me as a first-time director. Have you based it on any real life people Yes, some of it is based on my experiences and a few friends who confided in me.
Do you think mental health is given enough importance?
Not at all! Though in recent times, there have been more discussions around it, so can say it’s a step in the right direction. Deepika Padukone was one of the very few who had initially come forward to speak about its importance. Your mental health is more important than money, success or fame, and people fail to understand
this.
How did you feel when Sushant Singh Rajput committed suicide?
I am deeply saddened and it is still not sinking in. He was inspiring for people like me who are complete outsiders, trying to make it on their own. He gave hope to people like me.
What’s the key message you want to convey with your film?
It’s important to be kind. Everyone is dealing with their own set of issues and battling demons. Many of us don’t realise the extent of damage we can cause others by our actions and words. It’s time for people to be more considerate and compassionate. Be there for your loved ones and kind to strangers. In a profession as uncertain as this, you need sources of hope. Be there for people, give them your time and tell them you care.
What inspires you?
Stories that make me escape reality, characters that make me feel like them and music that makes me express.
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