Media invading privacy of celebrities: How much is actually too much?

Okay, so the media fraternity shares a love-hate relationship with public figures. We will tell you why. The audience (or the readers) have this avid hunger to know more about the people they idolise. This is where media would come handy for a layman. However, we have our share of hard work to get you the daily dose of information and entertainment you consume. We would chase a celebrity, capture his words and pack them for you. On the other hand, even the greatest superstar would always want to connect with his fans, share more about his deeds, send out messages. The bridge between you and them? That’s us again.

However, this does not run so smoothly always. The reporters and the paparazzi sometimes do not know where to stop, and it results in unpleasant consequences. There’s this question we keep asking ourselves. Till how much can we invade their privacy? How much is too much?

Let us admit one thing. A film star, or a sportsman or a politician is an individual with his or her own personal space, circle of close people and private times. It might be a very lucrative thought to sneak into it and get your hands on some scoop. But how comfortable is it for the concerned person? One simply would not enjoy unnecessary attention in moments of time with family, loved ones or work.

An ‘exclusive’ is something we long for, and to get one, we have to put those extra spoons of effort. However, there are a few ethical guidelines we all are expected to abide by. Nothing that we do should violate lines of decency or one’s privacy.

A few days ago, a leading publication clicked superstar Amitabh Bachchan in a different look which he was donning for a TV commercial. As per the contract, he was not allowed to reveal his look and requested the photographer not to click him. However, the photo circulated all over the internet. An offended Bachchan took to Twitter and slammed the publication, calling their action ‘unethical’. However, the concerned photographer immediately apologised and a letter of apology was sent to him. Very recently, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s mother Vrinda Rai was mobbed by the paparazzi at Mumbai airport and ended up injuring herself. Dig out the internet, and you will find many similar instances. Not a very proud feeling for working journalists!

You must have come across headlines that state how celebrities lost their cool and misbehaved. While we expect a certain co-operation and communication from their end, we should also re-check the interference we put in.

How much is too much, you ask us? It’s too much when your attempt of grabbing a fresh scoop results in embarrassment for somebody else, we tell you.

More than momentary conflicts, this causes one to lose faith in mass media which in every way can affect a future conversation between a celebrity and a media house. Does not sound like a good idea!

From the next time, let’s go slow. Can we?

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.