Drug problem exists in Bollywood, Akshay Kumar admits

NEW DELHI: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar finally broke his silence on the investigation into an alleged drug problem in Bollywood, admitting that there is a drug ‘problem’ within the industry.

India has been gripped by the saga around the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead in June in his Mumbai apartment, with police saying he took his own life.

The investigation into the Sushant’s death expanded into a massive drug probe, with his former girlfriend, actress Rhea Chakraborty, arrested earlier this month for allegedly buying cannabis for him.

In an almost four-minute video posted on his Twitter account, the megastar admitted that drug use is a problem in the film industry but requested everyone to not view the entire industry as a bed of vice.

Bahot dino se mann mein kuch baat thi lekin samajh nahi aa raha tha kya kahoon, kisse kahoon. Aaj socha aap logon se share kar loon, so here goes… #DirectDilSe 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/nelm9UFLof

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 3, 2020

“After the sudden death of Sushant Singh Rajput, a lot of issues came to light which pained us as much as they pained you. These issues forced us to look at what is happening in our own backyard. It forced us to examine many ills of the film industry,” he added.

He further said, “I cannot lie to you and tell you that drugs problem does not exist. It definitely does, just like it must exist in every industry and profession. However, it cannot be that every person in every industry is involved in the problem.”

“Use of drugs is a legal matter and I am confident that whatever action will be taken by our law enforcement agencies and courts will be absolutely correct,” Akshay said, adding, “But please, I implore you with folded hands, do not look at the entire industry in the same tainted light. That is not correct,” he added.

Several high-profile actresses including superstar Deepika Padukone, Sara Ali Khan, Shraddha Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh have been hauled in for questioning.

Rajput’s family, meanwhile, has disputed reports the actor suffered from depression and has also accused Chakraborty of stealing his money and harassing him.