New Delhi, Jun 2 (IANS): The news of one of Bollywood's most talented actors Raj Kiran being in a mental asylum in the US has left the film fraternity shocked. From Shah Rukh Khan to Raj Kiran's co-stars Deepti Naval and Rish Kapoor, everyone said they will come together to help the actor.
"I don't know the details...but of course we will come together as an industry to help his family and him. These are tough times, and it's not just about economical or monetary help. It actually means to stand by a great talent…and he is still an amazing talent, I'm sure," Shah Rukh Khan told reporters here Wednesday.
"And Inshallah, he will be cured of whatever ailment he has. It's really sad...and I can say on behalf of the industry that we will all stand by Mr. Raj Kiran. I was really stunned when I heard this. As soon as I reach back Mumbai, I will find out what I can do," he added.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushma Swaraj posted on Twitter: "It is a matter of great satisfaction that actor Raj Kiran has been traced after 10 long years. Unfortunately, he is in a mental asylum in America.
"We should make all efforts to bring him back to India. Our film fraternity should do everything possible for his treatment so that he can lead a normal life. Thanks to Rishi Kapoor and Deepti Naval for all their efforts to locate him."
Mithun Chakraborty said: "I have worked with Raj Kiran in many films and it is very sad news. I pray he gets well soon."
It was believed by many that Raj Kiran was dead, but his "Karz" co-star Rishi Kapoor, during his recent US trip, found out that the actor who once worked in critically acclaimed films like "Hip Hip Hurray" and "Arth", was undergoing treatment at a mental asylum in Atlanta for the past few years.
It is said that due to acute depression following his family deserting him, Raj Kiran became mentally unstable. He is apparently paying for his treatment.
The crusade to find him was started by Deepti Naval when sometime back she posted a message on Facebook saying: "Looking for a friend from the film world, his name is Raj Kiran - we have no news of him - last heard he was driving a cab in NY city if anyone has any clue, please tell..."
"It is a sad news. Life is full of ups and downs. Raj Kiran had his share of problems. Now I hope he gets well soon and comes back to India," actress Shoma Anand, who worked with him in many films, told a TV channel.
South Indian actor Siddharth posted on Twitter: "Sad to hear about Hindi film actor Raj Kiran. He was found in an asylum in Atlanta. I remember always being told that he was dead. Sad."
"The entertainment world has the scariest stories of descents from popularity and prosperity to ruins, and they remain as just tabloid fodder. I've only been in this business for 10 years, but I've never been confused about the fickle and false nature of fame. One day it'll be gone. So, family and real friends are the key. People who clip your wings when needed and will catch you when you fall - always grateful for that..."
Ken Ghosh tweeted: "What happened to Raj Kiran reminds me that for every success story in the film industry, there are a million sad stories."
Raj Kiran entered Hindi film industry in the mid-1970s and worked in about 100 films, but mostly in character roles. Despite being talented and working with big names like Subhash Ghai, he couldn't achieve enough success.
Some of the films he featured in are "Ghar Ka Sukh", "Ilzaam", "Faasle", "Aaj Ka Daur", "Teri Meherbaniyan", "Ghar Ek Mandir" and "Yeh Kaisa Insaf?"
Most of his films were family dramas and he was usually cast as an evil son who later turns good.