CURIOUS CASE OF CELEBS AND THEIR JABRA FANS
Security consultants, publicists weigh in on how to handle unruly behaviour in public spaces
Recently, a fan of Aditya Roy Kapur got overwhelmed upon meeting him and tried to kiss the actor. Elsewhere, an emotional fan firmly held on to actor Kartik Aaryan as a security guard tried to pull her away. The internet was also abuzz with reports of a violent altercation between cricketer Prithvi Shaw and a fan. These are just a few of the many incidents that have sparked a debate about celebrities’ privacy being violated by fans who don’t want to miss out on meeting and getting photographed with their favourite stars.
“Celebs are as entitled to privacy as others are. The only problem is that their right to privacy gets violated more often than others,” says Dilip Cherian, image guru. He adds, “We prepare celebrities for ambush questioning. But, physical violation of their space is something that’s new and, sadly, rampant and growing in India.”
For celebrities, the love and validation of their fans is of utmost importance. But, they are caught off guard when things get out of hand. “The actor needs to handle such instances with calmness, but it is equally important for fans to understand boundaries. They (celebs) are public figures, but they are also humans,” says Radhika Nihalani, founder of Think Ink Communications and Think Talkies, whose clients include Kapur and actor Kareena Kapoor Khan.
The craze for selfies and social media has made the situation trickier, feels Shailesh Giri, a media coordinator who handles celebrity events in Delhi.
“People want to show that they are close to an actor, which is why they want a selfie and try to touch or hug a celebrity. That is when things get uncomfortable for the artiste,” says Giri.
Cherian adds that “wannabes and faux influencer-type people” try to fetch likes on social media: “They need to understand that a line has to be drawn.”
However, establishing clear boundaries does not seem plausible to Yusuf Ibrahim, the security consultant for celebrities such as Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Shah Rukh Khan. “It is tricky every time we move out. When it comes to boundaries, there can never be any, because everyone comes with a different mindset and attitude. We can’t set a boundary for anyone, nor will they be comfortable with it. They will act as soon as they get a chance to do so. All we can do is be extra vigilant and not let fans get a little too close to an actor,” he says.
An industry insider opines that security plans need to be chalked out on the basis of the situation. “For instance, 10-15 bodyguards are deployed for a Kartik Aaryan press conference. For an outing in the mall, there should be more bodyguards. In fact, we need more female bouncers so that things can be handled when female fans cross their boundaries,” the insider adds.
We can’t set a boundary. People will act as soon as they get a chance.
YUSUF IBRAHIM, Celebrity security consultant
People want to show they are close to an actor and try for a selfie or hug a celebrity.
SHAILESH GIRI, Media coordinator