The Dark Side of Fame: When Visibility Becomes a Curse
There’s something deeply unsettling about the way fame is manufactured today, and Shekhar Suman’s recent critique of Bollywood’s PR culture hits the nail on the head. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how it exposes the hollow core of modern celebrity. It’s not just about being seen anymore—it’s about being seen constantly, at any cost. And that, in my opinion, is where the disease begins.
The PR Machine: A Double-Edged Sword
Shekhar Suman’s remarks about the rising PR culture in Bollywood are more than just a rant—they’re a mirror to a larger societal issue. He calls the obsession with visibility a ‘disease,’ and I couldn’t agree more. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about actors paying paparazzi to show up at airports or write flattering articles. It’s about the erosion of authenticity. If you take a step back and think about it, the very essence of acting—the ability to embody someone else—requires a certain detachment from the self. But when actors are so consumed by their own image, where does the art go?
One thing that immediately stands out is Suman’s point about megalomania. The constant need to be in the spotlight isn’t just narcissistic—it’s creatively draining. From my perspective, this trend isn’t just holding actors back; it’s diluting the quality of the industry itself. When energy is spent on appearances rather than craft, mediocrity becomes the norm.
Airport Sightings: The New Red Carpet?
Let’s talk about airport sightings for a moment. What was once a candid glimpse into a celebrity’s life has now become a staged photo-op. Suman’s claim that actors pay paparazzi to be there isn’t just a conspiracy theory—it’s an open secret. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this practice has turned airports into makeshift runways. But what this really suggests is a deeper cultural shift: fame is no longer earned; it’s bought.
This raises a deeper question: are we, as an audience, complicit in this? By consuming these curated images, are we fueling the very system that Suman criticizes? Personally, I think we are. The demand for constant visibility comes from us—our clicks, our likes, our obsession with celebrity culture.
The Creative Toll: A Hidden Cost
Suman’s concern about actors losing their creative energy is something I find particularly alarming. If all your focus is on being seen, where does the art come from? Acting isn’t just about looking good in designer clothes or stepping out of luxury cars. It’s about storytelling, emotion, and connection. What this really suggests is that the PR culture isn’t just superficial—it’s destructive.
In my opinion, this trend is a symptom of a larger issue: the commodification of talent. When actors are reduced to their public image, their craft suffers. And that’s a loss not just for them, but for the audience too.
Looking Ahead: Can Bollywood Break the Cycle?
Shekhar Suman’s critique isn’t just a call-out—it’s a call to action. But here’s the thing: changing this culture won’t be easy. The PR machine is too lucrative, the temptation too great. However, if you take a step back and think about it, there’s a glimmer of hope. The industry has always been cyclical, and trends come and go. Perhaps, with enough voices like Suman’s, we can shift the focus back to what truly matters: the art.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it ties into broader global trends. From Hollywood to K-pop, the obsession with visibility is universal. But Bollywood, with its rich history of storytelling, has the potential to lead by example. Personally, I think it’s time for the industry to reclaim its soul.
Final Thoughts
Shekhar Suman’s words are a wake-up call, not just for Bollywood but for all of us. The ‘I want to be seen’ disease is a reflection of our times—a time where image often trumps substance. But here’s the thing: fame is fleeting, but art endures. In my opinion, it’s time we prioritize the latter. Because, at the end of the day, what’s the point of being seen if you have nothing meaningful to show?
