A few months ago, the Indian government banned 25 OTT platforms, including Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix, for streaming obscene and sometimes pornographic content. Despite this ban, the amount of such content on OTT and across the internet continues to rise steadily.
Several older actors who were once part of popular television shows are now seen on these platforms. Young and upcoming actors looking for a break in Bollywood are also appearing in these productions, often without considering the long-term consequences.
Many of these actors struggle with mental health challenges due to the stigma attached to their work. They are mocked, judged, and even isolated, which has sometimes led to tragic incidents, including cases of suicide where families refuse to attend funerals due to shame.
When the government bans such shows, producers often delete them briefly, only to bring them back under new names and posters to bypass authorities. This cycle keeps repeating, making enforcement difficult and largely ineffective.
Surprisingly, some of the most religious places in India are among the biggest creators and consumers of such content. This contradiction highlights how widespread the demand truly is, regardless of cultural or religious values.
The problem continues because there is no clear definition of what should be labelled pornographic, soft porn, or erotica. Without such clarity, bans end up being inconsistent, and loopholes are quickly exploited by content creators.
If the government wants real change, it must address these uncomfortable issues openly. People will continue finding ways to access content, especially since smartphones and cheap internet are widely available across the country.
Instead of relying on bans, the solution lies in regulation. By setting clear guidelines and ensuring content is not extremely harmful, the government can address both public concerns and the mental well-being of those working in the industry.
