The privacy dilemma

The obsession with Priyanka Chopra’s engagement brings up questions about lack of privacy in the lives of celebrities

Social media has heightened people’s obsession with celebrities. Their whole lives are put up on display for consumption online. It’s a powerful way for them to build their brand and stay in touch with their followers. With the lure of sneak peeks, fans are drawn closer to the lives of their favourite celebrities. But what’s the flip side to living public lives? The biggest drawback seems to be infringement on personal space. The latest victim of an online obsession is Priyanka Chopra. People’s interest in PC has doubled ever since she’s been linked to Nick Jonas, with many of them being fanatical about her engagement ring. Priyanka recently stated, “Everything about me is not for public consumption. 90 per cent of my life is for public consumption, but 10 per cent of it is for me ( sic).”

On her first day on the sets of Shonali Bose’s The Sky Is Pink, she was gifted a cake and a customised ring- shaped balloon to celebrate her engagement with Nick Jonas. She also posted a story on her Instagram page wearing the balloonring on her finger with the caption “Oh that ring!!!” This was the perfect response to all those who were obsessed with her ring.

This recent episode in PC’s life brings to mind the following question — Are people interfering in the lives of celebrities too much? Or do they enjoy the ‘ attention’, despite claiming people are encroaching on their personal space?