Fandom or fanatic?

Various reports of film stars being targeted and attacked while in the public eye, being trolled online and the like have become common place today. Most actors ignore such empty comments, and respond only in extreme circumstances. While this is the scenario with respect to film stars, popular small screen actors are also facing the heat with such instances these days. A recent incident involving a Kannada serial actor Deekshith Shetty who was allegedly attacked by a gang who called themselves his fans has raised concern and questions on where one can draw a Lakshman Rekha? Bengaluru Chronicle treads this thin line between fandom and harassment.

“When I first saw the newsflash on TV about a serial actor assaulted by ‘fans’, I was simply shocked. Irrespective of whether he is a movie star or a serial artiste, such rowdy behaviour is uncalled for. There must be a limit to everything. We as artistes have our own personal life, and when an artiste says no, it is a ‘no’ just like any common man. An actor becomes a star only due to the unconditional love and support of his fans and well-wishers who admire and encourage his work. It is a lovely relationship and any actor will admit that. Such incidents are not carried out by fans, but by some mischievous pranksters who want to create problem. Such persons should be dealt with legally, so as to serve as a warning to others. Be it attacking physically or obscene and personal reactions in public or online, all of it should be brought to book,” says Naveen, an actor.

According to reports, Deekshith Shetty, who plays the male lead in the popular tele-serial Naagini on Zee Kannada was attacked by a gang who followed his car for a selfie! The actor’s car was stopped by the gang who demanded a selfie but the actor, according to reports, refused their demands sensing that they were drunk and eventually he was allegedly assaulted and even his car was damaged. Later, the actor filed a police complaint.

Actor Santosh says that the bridge between TV and cinema has shortened and television actors are as famous as movie actors, hence people easily recognise them, and there are instances of them being mobbed. “Film stars have their own layer of security who prevent any such frenzied fan from misbehaving but popular actors from the small screen are easily accessible. Most of the time, fans express their gratitude and ask for a selfie unlike in the past, an autograph was most cherished. When a request turns into a demand, actors are forced to draw a Lakshman Rekha,” he adds. “Who would not love a fan who respects one’s privacy, and requests for their attention? After all, they do exist because of their fans,” sums up director Vinay.