Pandemic shows how out of touch stars are

THINGS BOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES NEED TO STOP DOING RIGHT NOW

by ASJAD NAZIR

THE Covid-19 confinement means Bollywood stars are not getting the same kind of attention as before and many don’t seem to be handling it too well.

This is perfectly illustrated with some of the things they are doing during a pandemic that has paralysed the world and given countless people from all areas of society sleepless nights.

Eastern Eye has compiled a list of things Hindi film stars need to stop doing right now.

Seeking publicity: Did you know that there are stars still sending out press releases to media, leaking news stories about things they are doing during the coronavirus pandemic and coming up with manufactured publicity stunts? Instead of using their immense platforms to make a difference, many are regularly coming up with silly attention seeking stunts, which includes trying to get noticed for charity donations or showing off a rubbish secondary talent like playing an instrument or cooking.

Getting naked: People around the world generally keep their clothes on in the gym, but many stars are stripping off for exercise related activities online. Make no mistake, these stars know what they are doing when they exercise in tiny outfits on social media and a glance at the comments will illustrate that many of those watching are not there to learn about training techniques. Those who can’t be bothered to exercise are still uploading sexy photos in barely there outfits at a time when the world is indoors in baggy tracksuits and slowly getting out of shape.

Irresponsible posts: Some stars who try to help are actually becoming a major part of the problem. Ram Gopal Varma tried to make people laugh with an April’s fool post about him having Covid-19 at a time when tens of thousands have died from the disease. Amitabh Bachchan has had to delete posts because there was false information about coronavirus in there and deleted another with a racist joke about China. Others have spread false conspiracy theories and misinformation at a time when people have enough stress already.

Cashing in: You know when celebrities compliment a product or an organisation online, most times they are being paid to do so, and these actions would be illegal in the west, where it is required to identify sponsored social media posts. During this crisis, film stars should take time out from filling their bank balance and selling stuff to cash-strapped fans, including taking advantage of their social isolation. The same applies to producers registering insensitive titles related to Covid-19 like Corona Pyar Hai.

Acting normal: Bollywood stars are trying to act normal to show we are all in this together, except they look awkward while doing it and a perfect example has been Katrina Kaif attempting to do household chores. They seem to be blissfully unaware that everyday people have much bigger concerns like losing their job, money worries, loved ones dying and being cramped up in much smaller abodes, to be impressed by stars acting ‘normal’ in a fake way.

Boasting: People are dying, losing loved ones, have uncertainty about their jobs and are feeling isolated during the Covid-19 crisis, but Bollywood stars think it’s still okay to show off. This includes showing off trophies, half naked bodies, themselves on magazine covers and the inside of their luxurious homes. They could instead be spending more time raising awareness and using their massive social media followings to make a difference or give reassurance.