Sir — A study in the journal, Global Ecology and Conservation, has concluded that climate change might force Himalayan langurs out of the protected areas of the western Himalayas. Climate change has led to the massive degradation of the Himalayan forest cover, which is in dire need of management, attuned to data corresponding to global warming. Effective interventions, however, will require the cooperation of local communities who must undertake replanting efforts and work towards minimizing human-langur conflicts that often cause these creatures to stray from their habitat.

Nisha Sahay,

Bokaro

Great loss

Sir — It was heartbreaking to hear about the untimely demise of the versatile actor, Sushant Singh Rajput (“Sushant Singh commits suicide”, June 15). He delivered several hits like M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Kedarnath and Chhichhore among others. Bollywood was already reeling under the loss of veterans like Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor, when another talented actor was taken from the world.

Many people working in the entertainment industry suffer from immense stress and anxiety; yet when they appear on our screens, they do so with a smile. People suffering from depression must confide in a loved one or consult a doctor which might help ease their pain. Indian cinema will no longer be the same without these beloved stars.

Soham Das,

Chandernagore

Sir — Sushant Singh Rajput was one of the most promising actors of his generation. He delivered excellent performances in films like Kai Po Che! and Kedarnath. It is difficult to accept that he will no longer grace the silver screen. He stood apart from his contemporaries with his cheerful personality and infectious smile.

Rajput, who hailed from Patna, was a source of inspiration for many youngsters. In spite of achieving massive success, he remained humble and true to his roots. Whatever may have been the reason for his suicide, the authorities must conduct a thorough investigation.

Tushar Anand,

Patna

Sir — The loss of Sushant Singh Rajput must act as an eye-opener to the shortcomings of the entertainment industry which only projects its glamourous side. One wonders what the reason might have been for a young, adored actor to prematurely end his life. Whether it was financial stress or the pressures of the industry, the fact remains that at the end of his life he was in dire need of emotional support which he failed to receive.

Bollywood must acknowledge that the big names of the industry often fail to provide much-needed support to the youth who enter this line of work without a clear idea of its demands. It is not only Mumbai, but entertainment industries around the world that are guilty of pushing young performers to the edge.

It is high time that the government undertakes legislative measures to ensure the rights of workers in the film and television industry. Not only do performers face severe hardships, but technicians and other staff, too, slog for long hours under stressful conditions. These individuals, who are the backbone of the industry, must be justly compensated for their work. With the spread of the coronavirus and the subsequent halt of shooting, thousands of workers, who usually work on a project-to-project basis, face an uncertain future. The Centre as well as the state governments must provide relief measures by keeping their plight in mind.

Brij B. Goyal,

Ludhiana

Sir — The death of the young actor, Sushant Singh Rajput, comes as a huge shock to all of us. Although no one is certain why the talented thespian decided to end his life, reports have indicated that he might have been suffering from acute depression.

Rajput rose to stardom with his role as M.S. Dhoni in the latter’s biopic, which is often called one of his finest performances. His tragic demise, which comes on the heels of the accidental death of his former manager — she fell to her death from a high-rise building in Malad — has led to speculation whether there is any connection between the two incidents. The authorities must investigate both events at the earliest.

Ranganathan Sivakumar,

Chennai

Sir — The film industry is a competitive business where one is only as good as their last performance. Sushant Singh Rajput, who was known to be a sensitive person, probably had to deal with immense hardships which might have contributed to his depression. Artists working in an unpredictable industry such as entertainment are in dire need of dependable friends and allies rather than countless fans.

R. Narayanan,

Navi Mumbai