Why Tamannaah feels it’s best that people show their ‘sugar-coated’ version online
Given the pandemic when people should be more empathetic towards each other, it’s the growing toxicity on social media that has taken over becoming a concern, especially for actors, who have to deal with constant trolling. Actor Tamannaah Bhatia feels it’s time we get back to showing our good side online.
“I used to think why do people always present best parts of their lives on social media and why is it so sugarcoated? But today, sitting at home in these trying times, when I see so much negativity, I actually wish they go back to the sugar-coated stuff. We need to spread a lot more positivity around because we’ve never seen such difficult times before,” she opines.
Not just on social media, the actor feels there’s so much negativity on online platforms in general, which needs to end.
“I don’t even understand why so much hate? Strong influencers should go back to being entertaining. Social media is a great too. It impacts a lot of people, more so now when we’re using it to stay connected with each other. It’s entirely up to us to make these platforms empowering,” adds the 30-year-old.
Talking about toxicity, one can’t possibly overlook the concern being raised around mental health during the pandemic. Highlighting the importance of maintaining sanity, Bhatia feels it’s easier said than done. She reasons, “Everyone has different circumstances, but remember this is a passing phase. Though it’s a strange and unexpected one, we’re all going through this together. We need to view it like that and hold up.”
The Baahubali actor further explains her point citing the trend of being productive on social media and how it has become a sort of a pressure, especially during these trying times when people have a lot of free time at hand. “Many people have expressed curiosity as to how I am being productive. This expectation people have on us, and the ones that we create for ourselves, affects us. We all are fighting our own economic and emotional battles, so, please go easy on others and yourself. Don’t get bogged down by unrealistic expectations,” concludes the actor.
Not everyone is good at remembering birthdays, but Avinash Tiwary has no such worries when it comes to his special day. The actor, by his own admission, never had to experience people forgetting his birthday because it coincides with Independence Day. However, the Bulbbul actor admits that there are two sides of celebrating it on such a monumental date.
“It’s a dry day and ever since I became eligible for drinking, we’d complain that we can’t go out and party... that’s the worst part. So, I mostly would end up celebrating it on August 14 itself,” he says with a laugh.
While Tiwary likes that people don’t forget his birthday, he adds it often gets a bit overwhelming for him to a point where he starts feeling anxious. He shares, “I’m a bit weird with birthdays. I get anxiety attacks because everyone starts calling and I have a huge family. The calls start from midnight. So nobody ever forgets my birthday because it falls on August 15. I receive a lot of love and I hope it stays like this always.”
On how he has been celebrating his birthday over the years, the Laila Majnu (2018) actor says it’s mostly with family. “My parents feel very happy that I spend the day every year with them, so 15th is devoted to the family, and on 14th I chill with my friends, but the best birthdays are when you’re working.”
This year too, the actor might have a working birthday but if he’s not, “Then I’d be with my family and I’m sure my mum will be cooking some amazing dishes for me.”
Meanwhile, work has resumed in full swing for the TV industry, and some films and web projects have also gone on floors, however, many actors are still not comfortable to step out for work.
“Personally, I’m okay with it. Since I stay with my parents, so, I’d probably want to isolate myself from them. That’s the right thing to do,” says Tiwary.
Juhi Chakraborty