A matter of belief

When New York-based French designer Sophie Theallet whose feminine designs have appealed to the likes of Michelle Obama refused to dress Melania Trump, everyone raised an eyebrow. But Sophie stood her ground. Designer Nachiket Barve states, “It’s important to stick by principles. As a pet owner, my mind changed about working with fur. I will never work with it even if someone asks for it, and specifically with a fur called karakul which is horrifyingly made with unborn lambs. Today, humans have the ability to design space travel... we can surely find humane substitutes for fur.”

Actor John Abraham is known to have refused to dance at weddings, unlike his other contemporaries as he believes that it is against his principles. Superstar Akshay Kumar who doesn’t indulge in drinking or smoking has stated that he would never endorse any liquor or tobacco brand. Even Pierce Brosnan, the suave Bond made headlines recently for pulling daring stunts for a Pan Bahar ad that left his fans shaken if not stirred. Did he believe in it? Well, we don’t know. Kajol’s sister, actor Tanishaa Mukerji who was last seen in Bigg Boss 10 agrees, “Celebrities are people and when people choose to not go against their beliefs, it’s a very human thing. Celebrities are no different from others and if they don’t believe in that product or cause then they should stand by their belief. They have their priorities too, they have to live with themselves and they have a conscience they are answerable to. It’s an individual choice. But, I believe that if somebody chooses to endorse a cause outside his belief, then they should have the freedom to do it. Freedom of thought, expression, to be who you are are important for every individual.”

Even Kangana Ranaut has refused a Rs 2 crore deal to endorse a fairness cream. Sandalwood star Sanjjanaa Archana Galrani says, “Endorsement of a product or cause just for the sake of money and compromising one’s ethics is something that doesn’t work for me. I believe in power yoga, and that’s why I promote it. I have said no to many requests that I feel are unethical.”