Aishwarya, SRK, others' getaways updates: To connect with fans or keep buzz alive?
On Sunday, the streets of Paris were filled with joie de vivre as France clinched the FIFA World Cup title. And among the jubilant Parisian fans were Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya, who happened to be holidaying in the French capital at the same time. The actress took to Instagram to share photos of the revellers who thronged the streets after the win.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya holidaying in Paris
Given the stressful life most film stars lead, sneaking in a quick weekend getaway to catch up on some well-deserved R&R may seem almost necessary. But given the action and play-by-play updates on their social media handles, one can also sense a desperate need for staying in touch with fans, while keeping social media crawlers up-to-date.
Be it a glimpse of their favourite couture stores, the view from their vacation villas or a boomerang video followers would find hilarious, celebs today are always connected.
Shah Rukh Khan with sons Aryan and AbRam on the streets of Barcelona
The European summer also saw Shah Rukh Khan pose with his children and wife at various destinations. Mrs Khan shared a picture of SRK, Aryan and AbRam in hoodies on the streets of Barcelona, which she captioned as “Best a woman can get, soaking the sun with my boys in Barcelona (sic).”
Turns out the Khans took their kids for summer break after the shoot of Zero was wrapped up, away from media glare to have a perfect time. Gauri’s latest picture on Instagram shows her chilling in New York with her daughter Suhana.
Social media expert Mayank Jain believes that being active on social media helps celebrities connect more with their fans. “They are humans like everyone else and they want to share their lives with people. It’s just that being celebrities, they have a big reach. In fact, they are advised by their social media team to upload their pictures when they are vacationing just to keep the buzz high,” says Mayank, who adds, “It is indeed their me-time but they don’t share any personal moments. It is only human nature and we can’t deny them that.”
Veteran actress Neetu Kapoor also celebrated her 60th birthday with Rishi Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and husband and daughter along with elderly mother-in-law Krishna Raj Kapoor in London. Neetu shared a picture on Instagram with her daughter and grandchild enjoying a sunny day out at lunch. The vacation continued to Paris where she posted pictures of her excited granddaughter near the Eiffel Tower.
Ajay Devgn celebrated his 49th birthday with his wife, Kajol and their children in Paris
The city of love was also the venue of choice for Ajay Devgn’s 49th birthday — a low-key affair along with his wife, actress Kajol and their children. The Singham actor also shared pictures of the memorable day, roaming the streets of Paris.
Many celebrities juggle between their need to get away from the paparazzi and keep their fans informed about their lives. They love adulation and yet want to spend some personal time with their family and friends. But, in today’s day and age, is it possible to truly unplug?
According to psychologist Sneha Jain, the attitude of being updated on social media is also a part of their glamorous life. “Celebrities need space to openly enjoy with their kids, which is not possible in India as they cannot avoid the paparazzi. The pictures they share on social media are for their fans. When you get so much importance, you are inclined to flaunt it too! Also, they love attention which is one reason why they like the glamorous life,” explains the psychologist.
