Call it a publicity stunt or just plain lack of commitment, Indian celebs simply go MIA — missing in action. Whether they do so to ward off a controversy, or just lie low until it goes away, or oblige the paparazzi, they just don’t seem to flinch when it comes to ducking an obligation, be it a professional or societal kind.
Some may have a genuine reason, like Salman Khan who had to go MIA during the release of his much-awaited movie Bodyguard and Id, which he celebrates with his family every year. The star left Mumbai for US very recently to treat a medical condition, tweeting his goodbye: ‘Challo c u guys. On my way to fix the short circuit in my nerve, take care n hope u like bodyguard’.
His tweet with a picture started a whole cyber chatter of good wishes and star tweets. “Now that’s a genuine excuse. A handful of stars like Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt who have had their lives ripped apart in public are the only ones genuinely connecting to the masses as well, be it a charity initiative or entertaining a fan’s request,” says an ardent fan of Salman Khan.
Though micro blogging sites where abuzz with celebs expressing their outrage on the government’s move to thwart Anna’s fast, none of them actually stepped out on to the streets to join a march or raise a slogan in unison with the rest of the country.
The likes of Preity Zinta chose to give more importance to her TV comeback than being bothered to link up with a movement that’s churning the country. While the entire country tussled in the wake of Anna Hazare revolution for change, our superstars and the supposed icons were MIA.
“It’s appalling to note that stars who are the first to promote, endorse and flaunt at every possible opportunity didn’t come forward for such a noble cause. It clearly reflects the negligence and lack of social responsibility among these self-absorbed stars, but when they finally did support, too much was made out of it,” says Selina Ananth.