SO YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS? WRITE AN OPEN LETTER

AMITABH BACHCHAN WROTE TO HIS GRANDDAUGHTERS IN PUBLIC. JENNIFERS ANISTON AND LAWRENCE CLIMBED THE BANDWAGON. WHAT’S THIS TREND?

For me, 2016 was a year of introspection, as it may have been for many of you. I happened to be musing one day on what life was like prior to the Internet, social media and this constant moment-by-moment bombardment of our senses with information… and for once, rather than coming up roses after wading knee-deep in romanticised memories, my thoughts struck a serious note. Firstly, let me admit that I browse websites like the Daily Mail on a daily basis and end up reading about what a particular actress was wearing on a coffee run, or how another one’s face looked particularly bloated as she stepped out of the gym in unflattering clothes, with the same concentration and intensity that I would tackle a classic novel. And later, I inevitably feel disgusted and wonder why I am perpetuating this kind of ‘literary’ culture.

The truth is, there’s no escaping it. With stiff competition in the media world, there is increasing pressure to draw as many ‘fans’ as quickly as possible. I guess it’s safe to say that the celebrity world and entertainment journalism are drawing blood from each other’s veins.

Back in the 80s, when I was growing up, many of the clickbait stories that grab eyeballs online today would probably not have made it into the news (I can’t imagine reading 500 words in print on a famous singer’s thigh-length boots or her torn jeans in 1989, unless it was a part of Vogue). Unlike today, stars managed to retain an aura of mystery and charm.

Now that social media and the Internet have invaded every facet of our lives, how can celebrities be left unaffected? And when they go all out to explain themselves in ‘open letters’ and op-eds, are we supposed to get all starry-eyed and hang on to every word they say? Or are these just publicity stunts?

Back in August, Jennifer Aniston (who is not on social media) wrote in the Huffington Post: I’m fed up with the sport-like scrutiny and body shaming that occurs daily under the guise of ‘journalism,’ the ‘First Amendment’ and ‘celebrity news’. She was addressing the many articles that speculated on her ‘pregnancy’. Now, personally, I’m a fan of Aniston, think she has great comic timing, and was absolutely terrific in Friends. But when she accuses the media of objectifying women, isn’t she (as one of the people who poses airbrushed on the covers of magazines) guilty of being part of that process too?

Jennifer Lawrence wrote a piece called ‘Don’t Be Afraid, Be Loud’, addressing young women in the face of a Trump presidency. She writes, “But like Hillary, you can still be an inspiration and get important things done. Do not let this defeat you — let this enrage you! Let it motivate you!”

While we appreciate the pep talk, maybe Lawrence should concentrate on the day job — acting — because this letter comes across as more of a dig at Trump and an open endorsement of Hillary, rather than a heartfelt call to action. “Don’t riot in the streets,” she says, but sometimes, women’s voices need to be heard above the everyday din, and keeping quiet is not a solution.

In September, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan shared a letter he wrote to his granddaughters, Aaradhya and Navya Naveli. In contrast to the above two instances, Bachchan’s letter seems to be a spontaneous outpouring of emotion, as he gives the two girls tips on how to handle life as women, in a scenario where the fairer sex is subject to harrassment, unnecessary rules and restrictions, and judgmental attitudes.

But Bachchan could have just had a heart-to-heart with the two (Aaradhya obviously when she’s old enough). Why make a personal letter public?

Also, later on, the actor was accused of using the letter as part of a promotional strategy for his movie Pink, which deals with harrassment of women.

What do we make of celebrities flaunting their latest romances, fighting with fans on social media, or making outrageous statements? I think, what if some celebrities are bored with their private lives and so are making everything possible public? Maybe, like us, they need to broadcast themselves somehow (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram addicts, take note). Or maybe (heaven forbid) they’re taking cues from the reality TV hurricane that is taking over the world of entertainment now (we’re looking at all of you, Kardashians).

As entertainment journalists, what do we make of this bizarre overload that we’re inundated with today? Two things should never suffer — creativity and ethics. And a little bit of humour never hurt anyone. Meanwhile, I have to think of a way to cure my addiction to gossip websites. And I can’t deny I’m intrigued at the thought of what my favourite celebrities will get up to in 2017.

I’m a fan of Jennifer Aniston — great comic timing — but when she accuses the media of objectifying women, isn’t she (as one who poses airbrushed on the covers of magazines) guilty of being part of the process?