Aditya Narayan Calls for Entertainment Industry Reform, Citing Personal Burnout Struggle

Aditya Narayan has voiced his support for more humane working conditions in the entertainment industry, drawing from his own experiences with burnout. His comments follow Kumar Sanu's backing of Deepika Padukone's decision to leave the film "Spirit" due to its demanding shoot schedule.

Aditya Narayan addresses industry burnout and nepotism.

Narayan addressed industry burnout, nepotism, and the need for systemic change. He emphasized the importance of well-being over relentless work, advocating for reforms in both music production and film sets.

The Toll of Hustle Culture

"We glorify hustle to the point of harm," Narayan stated. "Burnout is real — I've lived it." He highlighted the pressures of endless shoots and overnight dubbings, arguing that the creative process requires rest, reflection, and respect for artists' well-being. He believes an exhausted artist may deliver a product, but rarely art.

Independent Artists and Industry Gatekeeping

Addressing the challenges faced by independent artists, Narayan acknowledged that while there is more space for them now than before, gatekeeping persists. This statement comes after Sonu Nigam's battles against alleged 'music mafia' structures in Bollywood. He called for more platforms, transparency, and respect for independent artists.

"We shouldn't have to fight so hard just to be heard," he asserted, emphasizing that the audience now holds the power to disrupt the system.

Moral Responsibility and Speaking Out

Narayan also weighed in on whether celebrities should speak out on sensitive topics. He believes artists should speak when moved by conscience, not for mere noise, but for truth. He acknowledged that individuals heal differently, some through silence and others through speech, but emphasized the importance of intention.

"If it comes from love and empathy, then even disagreement can lead to dialogue, not division," Narayan explained.

Nepotism vs. Talent in the Digital Age

Regarding nepotism, Narayan admitted its existence but noted that talent can now bypass it, thanks to the digital age. He stressed that those with a voice, a vision, and the will to persevere can find opportunities in the digital space. However, he acknowledged that the emotional cost for outsiders remains higher. He reiterated the need for the system to better support newcomers. He said that now more than ever, the audience is in charge of writing the real story.