To Tweet Or Not To Tweet?

Living under the constant glare of the media can at times prove to be utterly frustrating and can also induce a feeling of claustrophobia. Cameras follow your every move, light is thrown on all of your activities and every move of yours is scrutinized, analyzed and dissected for a public which is waiting to lap it all up.(This is the author's imagination as he has never been showered with attention except for the adulation he receives from his mother)

Actors, politicians and sportspersons are not only assessed in their respective fields but we examine their personal lives a great deal as well.

Having achieved a great deal of fame and success, it is only understandable that the public would like to know more about them. Hence, eminent personalities must always adopt a cautious approach in their social dealings as any misdemeanors could result in a great deal of backlash.

Recently, an incident involving Shah Rukh Khan at the Wankhede stadium made headlines. We can go on about who was the guilty party and whether the ban on SRK is justified. However, the truth remains that despite the fact that Shah Rukh might have been the victim; the incident has tarnished his image  and shown him in poor light. Being a celebrity of his magnitude, he should have immediately realized that no good was to come from an altercation with the authorities and should have quietly accepted rather than abusing everyone in front of his children and causing hurt to his wide legion of fans.

We often assume that those who have studied abroad would have a greater knowledge of the working world and hence, be in a better position to interact with the media than the rest of us. However, we forget that India is one of the most unforgiving places on the planet and the Indian media and the public unrelenting.

The alleged molestation of a tourist by an IPL player has brought great shame to all those involved with the event. But there is a certain protocol to be followed in amicably resolving such sensational issues.

Siddhartha Mallya, the owner of the team for which the player played, posted a rather insensitive and careless tweet disregarding the power his words hold. Mallya’s tweet earned him criticism from women’s groups all over the country. The tweet not only showcased his poor attitude but also attested to the fact that the young tycoon is not ready for the media coverage and attention he receives on a daily basis. He has a lot to do before he can imagine filling the very large shoes of Vijay Mallya. In due course of time, he may prove himself and leave behind a legacy much greater than those who preceded him. But till such a time, he would do well to protect his father’s reputation and be wiser in choosing his words.

Being an ardent moviegoer and a die-hard sports enthusiast, I would be greatly disappointed if one of my heroes acted in a manner, which was absolutely uncharacteristic of him. Though this might actually be an insight into his true character, I would prefer that he conducts himself in such a way that he does not embarrass himself or his fans.

Celebrities in India enjoy a demi-god like status with the public hanging on their every word, trying to incorporate aspects of their lifestyle into their mundane lives, copying their looks and trying to be closer to them in any possible way.

Stars enjoy this kind of fanfare and love to know that their actions matter a great deal to those watching them. Then they must also accept the flipside to this where they are expected to be on guard at all times and be prepared to be assessed at all times. Personalities often ask for privacy. When they enjoy the benefits the media coverage offers, they must also begin to accept that such demands are unreasonable. It is the price they pay for the line they work in.

Celebrities often throw a fit when they are not shown adequate ‘respect’. Well, it’s time they earned it.

After all, with great power comes great responsibility.