By T.Chiranjeevulu, IAS (Ret). The Plight of Bahujans in Telugu Cinema – A Bitter Portrayal (Dedicated to Fish Venkat – In response to an artist’s pain) Today, some newspapers reported that the children of the late actor Fish Venkat lamented the Telugu film industry’s inadequate response to his death. It’s true—the Telugu cinema industry is a domain captive to the dominance of upper-caste groups like Kammas, Reddys, Rajus, Kapus, and, in recent times, Velamas. Why would they care when a Backward Caste (BC) or Bahujan artist passes away? The film industry is a field rife with rampant caste discrimination at every step. Cinema is not just a medium for entertainment; it is a powerful platform for social consciousness and change. Many Bahujans have embodied artistry in their way of life, through songs, dramas, folk arts, and stage plays—forming the backbone of these traditions. However, in the very film industry that thrives on this artistic legacy, Bahujans are deni...