New Delhi: It is such a welcome change to see film actors speaking and raising voices at a common platform like us. Deepika Padukone's recent outburst on Twitter on a leading newspaper has yet again reiterated the fact that today's stars are more vocal about issues and unlike their seniors do not always maintain a stoic silence on matters.
Gone are the days when the superstars put themselves on a pedestal of sorts and pretend to be exclusive entities who could be worshiped and admired from a distance. There would be an enigma around them, a certain level of mystery. On pertinent issues, they would rather keep quiet. They knew how to clearly demarcate themselves from their general public.
Not anymore. In an age where social media has become an important to tool to spread awareness, make friends and debate and discuss- film actors have become even more close to their fans and participate in discussions and debates. It is an easy medium to connect on but gives privacy as well. Deepika Padukone isn't the first celebrity to have voiced her opinion on a public platform. Film celebrities have in the past actively campaigned for political parties, cleared the air on controversies, and even poked fun at themselves along with others on social media.
Deepika Padukone took on a leading newspaper for publishing a video on her cleavage. Not only did she get support from her peers in the industry, Deepika also got immense response from her followers across the world. While such stories, objectifying women, have been published before in various news papers, Deepika is the first actress to raise an objection on it. Whether it out of sheer anger or just a stunt is something that can be left to debate, but the fact that an actress raised her voice for unfair projection in front of the public is laudable.
Another actress who has always been upfront and spoken on matters has been Preity Zinta. Years back she was called the only 'man' to stand up against the dominance of the underworld in Bollywood and record her statement in front of the police. A popular figure on Twitter, Preity often holds debates and discussions on her Twitter handle with her followers on varied issues. Then recently, she issued a long statement on her Facebook page clearing the air about what transpired between her and former beau Ness Wadia at IPL match which led her to file a complaint against him. In her long statement she described her 5 year long relationship and how she would not file such a case just to get publicity.
Newbie Alia Bhatt got respect and plaudits for being sporting enough to be a part of a spoof on herself. Subjected to several jokes and criticism for her lack of general knowledge, Alia collaborated with AIB, a group of stand up comics and made a spoof video which went viral overnight. Not only did she earn the respect from the youth for being a sport, she also subtly told the world that she is aware of all the jokes she is subjected to.
Priyanka Chopra's AMA on Reddit may have not gone too well with readers asking questions which Chopra refused to reply, but one should at least give her credit for venturing into such a platform knowing well that not all the questions thrown on her would be pleasant. How many of the yesteryear stars would attempt to answer questions in an open house format?
Among the senior actors Amitabh Bachchan, to be attuned to the changing times, is perhaps the most active celebrity on social media who blogs, is on Twitter and Facebook and updates all three everyday! All this makes him connect to millions of fan base across the world that gets a peek into his daily life.
Actors are no longer so perturbed to maintain their superstar image. They are receptive to criticism, they are interactive and know exactly how to make use of the social media for their advantage. Agreed, social media plays a huge role in bringing celebrities closer to their fans but one should acknowledge the fact that stars are willing to open up in front of their fans now making the whole process more personal.
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