Nothing is more satisfying than giving someone a tight slap or a few choice abuses when — for no fault of yours — they are rude towards you. But if you are a celebrity, this can never be an option, no matter how tempting the proposition sounds. Look at the Indian cricket team, players swear there was no brawl at the bar in the West
Indies, where they say they were just grabbing a meal when drunk NRI fans started hurling abuses at them for playing badly after India was thrown out of the T20 World Cup. Nobody cares about what the fans said, but suddenly Yuvraj, Jadeja and Rohit Sharma look like villains. Why? Because it appears that they were partying after losing a major tournament. If you lose a match, don’t starve, but don’t go out and look like you are having a blast either.
Celebs need to understand that they have to conduct themselves right and project the correct image at all times. Yuvraj Singh was accused of not giving his best during IPL and he sadly didn’t click during T20 either. With BCCI slapping a showcause notice on him, not only is his branding dented, but chances of being picked at a high price during the next IPL player auction also look slim.
After learning it the hard way, singer Sonu Nigaam says, “Once I lost my cool at a party. There was a lot of media around and the incident got blown up. I got angry because someone was doing something wrong so I took things into my hands. In retrospect I don’t think I will do that now. I won’t even allow myself to get into such a situation.” Sonu feels that some people display their feelings openly while others are very cautious about their image and what the media writes about them. “I think it is more about personal conduct. Rather than thinking about what could be written about you, it works better if a person behaves well,” says Sonu.
Actor Suniel Shetty also regrets letting anger get the better of him in the past. “I have gotten into situations at my restaurant. Unfortunately, I have treated some people the wrong way. I’ve realised my mistake and handle situations more peacefully now,” he says adding, “There are some fans who can get very difficult at times. Some of my friends in the film industry too have gotten into trouble and when we talk about it, we realise that it is a lesson learnt!”
It’s always better to refrain. Once poor Zayed Khan was hit with a bottle on his head when things got out of control at a nightclub a few years back. Ranbir Kapoor and Subhash Ghai allegedly got beaten by Salman Khan at a pub. How humiliating is that. One mistake and everyone forgets all the good you have done. Talk of former AP Governor N.D. Tiwari and only his sex scandal comes to mind. Ditto Tiger Woods, he will always be known for being the greatest golfer ever and the world’s most famous sex addict. Actor Shiney Ahuja is another one, forget actresses, no woman will want to go anywhere near him after his maid accused him of raping her. Stigmas and dented reputations are hard to erase, so learn to behave well.