I’ve always wondered what mindset is behind the public that invades the lives of actors. A star is placed on a pedestal and considered related to a god. It is an ingrained cultural phenomenon, particularly in southern India.
The film industry helps viewers escape from reality and uses characters as role models. But it’s not limited to character. It is also linked to the actor playing the role.
When the actor acts out the narrative, they are perceived as larger than life
The actor is portrayed in large wooden cutouts carefully positioned outside the cinemas where the film is being shown. It is anointed with milk, honey and sandalwood. Fresh flowers are also used to decorate the cutouts. Actors are held in high esteem in India due to the history of the industry and their pervasive presence in the country’s culture.
A person goes to great lengths to show respect to their favorite actor. Recently a man from Chennai, Tamil Nadu died after falling from a moving truck. He danced on it to celebrate the release of a Tamil film. I’ve read of fans committing suicide because they can’t get a ticket to a movie they want to see!
The number of people whose lives revolve around the personal lives of celebrities (what they do, eat and wear) is worrying
Celebrities are imperfect people with flaws and flaws, just like the rest of us.
While celebrity gossip can provide a sense of satisfaction and belonging, it cannot be compared to real life. I don’t want to criticize the decision to endorse or stun any particular celebrity. But it’s important to understand where the character ends. An actor’s personality is unlikely to resemble the one he plays on screen. While it’s okay to support them, it’s not okay to avoid them if it affects your life and well-being.
The news and the paparazzi’s nosy role for live updates on celebrity gossip make matters worse
Celebrity news has become increasingly important over the past decade. With the growth of Instagram, TikTok and other social media, more stars and some previously unknowns have become familiar faces. The news can occasionally be interesting and reasonably relevant. But most of what is published is pure rumor or gossip.
A star’s complex relationship with the paparazzi is nothing new. Alia Bhatt was frustrated that photographers in Mumbai snapped pictures of her from a nearby neighborhood while she was sitting on her balcony. Shilpa Shetty filed a lawsuit against a tabloid for using her photos. The judge ruled that the photo violated her privacy and gave her compensation. Other actors such as Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Anushka Sharma have raised concerns about their privacy.
Can’t invade their private moments and then shame them for drawing a line
A few days ago, South movie star Nayanthara and her husband stopped by Kumbakonam Temple. She was constantly being picked up by a fan and losing her temper. It made the news when, ironically, a video surfaced of Nayanthara saying she would break the fan’s phone if he continued filming her. The Comments Section shows that some people support them. But on the flip side, others have made hateful comments or say it’s a publicity stunt. Some even say that she is arrogant and ungrateful and that the public shouldn’t see her films after that.
I don’t think it’s fair or necessary to scrutinize the life of a famous person. Shouldn’t the public be considerate of the limits set by a star? Does celebrity entitle others to make their lives public? Regardless of their socioeconomic status, everyone has the right to privacy. Anyone would think it’s a universal requirement. Do you agree?
A cell phone is enough to take photos and videos. Everyone today uses YouTube or social media to make money. The paparazzi want access to all aspects of a celebrity’s life. Celebrity life has long piqued the public’s curiosity. The paparazzi rely on stars for their income, and stars rely on them for public relations. But in this cutthroat world of digital media, can we draw the line? For example, the behavior of the paparazzi was not okay lately at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center. It is high time to focus on an ethical code for paparazzi photographers in India and ensure it is upheld.
Image Credit: Photo by Ethan Haddox on Unsplash
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