TOO HOT TO HANDLE?
TV actors, who play demure roles, often get trolled for their sexy avatars online. Why?
Recently, Nia Sharma’s video on Instagram created a furore on social media, as she was inundated with many reactions that questioned her character. The actor was spammed by trolls, who went to the extent of calling her a “porn star”. However, this is not the only instance. Photos of several actors in bikinis such as Rubina Dilaik, Leena Jumani, and Sriti Jha faced a barrage of offensive comments online.
So, what is the cause of these extreme reactions towards popular actors on TV? Industry experts believe the fans of actors who do super hit TV shows can’t relate to the bold, modern avatar they see online. “With TV actors, the connection and bond is stronger, and it is tough for them to accept that their favourite bahu or beti, who they see clad in Indian wear daily, can look hot in real life,” says Leena.
BIASED MENTALITY
On the other hand, Nia thinks it’s their “sick mentality”. She is quick to add that it doesn’t deter her at all. She feels models who post these kinds of photos are not subjected to such remarks, as people don’t look at them “differently”. “I’ll do what I want. If I can play a bahu, I can play a bold girl too. If my job requires me to be sexy, I will be. People don’t follow me on social media to know about my TV roles, but my real self,” she says.
Director and producer Ravindra Gautam does not agree. He says, “Unlike film actors, TV actresses are not looked upon as glam dolls or fashion divas. Instead their characters become part of viewers’ their daily lives. The audience looks at them as their daughters, bahus, etc.”
CHARACTER MATTERS
Leena feels the reactions also depend on whether the actor is playing a negative or positive role on the small screen. “For actors who play positive roles, reactions range from ‘You shouldn’t have worn such revealing outfits’ to ‘How could you do so?’ The ones playing negative roles, like me, get comments such as, ‘She is shameless. What could one expect from her?’ These are just opinions but they hurt. You have to learn to ignore them.”
Rubina stated in an interview that she didn’t post her bikini picture for instant gratification, but to represent herself on social media. As actors are known by the characters they essay, fans get shocked when they see their real personality.
However, Leena believes that people would react to any photo, be it “sexy or not”.
She says, “I have put up photos of my makeup and hair, yet people have been nasty.” However, Leena states she isn’t discouraged and won’t stop posting photos of her in revealing outfits.
A MATTER OF OPINION
While there are speculations that some actors upload photos to showcase their glamorous or sexy side in order to catch the attention of film-makers, producer Siddharth Malhotra feels differently. He says, “I don’t see honest film-makers casting actors because they see such pictures. They click pictures because they like it, and to get spoken about or to increase their fan base.
I’ll do what I want. If I can play a bahu, I can play a bold girl too. If my job requires me to be sexy, I will be. People don’t follow me on social media to know about my TV roles, but my real self. NIA SHARMA, ACTOR