Tweet for tat
Mona
Celeb spats have a new platform — social media. Namely Twitter. The ongoing ‘war’ between popular singer Sonu Nigam and Divya Khosla Kumar, wife of Bhushan Kumar and the chairman and managing director of T-Series, turned ugly with bitter exchange of words and videos.
It all started with Nigam saying that the music industry is being run by ‘mafia’, without naming anyone.
Genuine grudges or simply to pull off a publicity gimmick, celebs are going all out washing their dirty linen in public. “Bollywood today is like a fish market on social media. Stars have even left politicians behind in this race,” says filmmaker Pammi Somal.
Sushant Singh Rajput’s death has made the nepotism debate raging all over, with Bollywood insiders and fans being equally vocal about it. Many celebs have left Twitter to escape negativity. Is it the tipping point for the industry?
“Maybe, by the posts one wonders what’s gone wrong. Maybe it’s the frustration built up by the lockdown, with shootings stalled, parties not happening, everyone is just venting it out on virtual platforms.” Somal says.
Actor-writer Nandita Puri admits that there are issues in the industry that concern certain sections. “Those aggrieved ones would like to express it. Earlier, when big daddies didn’t pay heed, celebs would do it through media, holding press conferences. Now, there is social media.”
When talented singers like Sonu Nigam are sidelined, she thinks it’s their right to be heard. “Social media gave stars a platform to connect with fans; they have gotten praise as well as brickbats on it. Now, if there is an issue that needs to be addressed and it creates a flutter, there is nothing in anyone’s power to do but accept it.”
Personally, director Ashwini Chaudhary would rather pick up the phone and clear any issue he has with his industry colleagues but then that’s easier said than done. “For almost a decade, we have given the importance to social media. Now, there is little we can do to reverse it. We have to live with its pitfalls.”
He, however, doesn’t think those venting on social media are doing it for a publicity gimmick.
War of words
Controversy’s favourite
Kamaal R Khan probably holds the credit of indulging in tweet wars more than anyone else. His spat with late Rishi Kapoor turned particularly abusive. He also got into a verbal duel with comedian Kapil Sharma.
Sense of humour
Karan Johar and Ram Gopal Varma had it ugly between them. Commenting on My Name Is Khan and Kurbaan, Varma wrote, “I got a better idea… I will make My Name is Raavan and Mani should make Raavan ki Kurbaan.” And Johar got back with, “You have an amazing sense of humour Ramu! Never shows up in your films though.”
Hit and miss
Not able to take Shobhaa De’s criticism for her performance in I Hate Luv Storys, Sonam Kapoor took to Twitter going all offensive with, “Guys please don’t take Shobhaa De seriously. She’s a fossil, who’s getting no action and going through menopause. So just for her.” She later apologised for her tweet.
Who’s she?
Ayesha Takia and Sidhartha Mallya indulged in a tweet war with regard to Kingfisher Airlines experience. Ayesha’s tweetsmade young Mallaya go ballistic, “Been getting re-tweets about Ayesha Takia & KFA. Not too sure who she is, an actor of some sorts? But it seems something has upset her!
Triangular battle
The cover song of Life of Pablo Famous led Taylor Swift, Kayne West and Kim Kardashian warring it over social media over the permission to use wax figures. The matter broke the internet with Kim sharing the phone call on her page.
Petty issue
Actress Amanda Bynes took on pop star Rihanna, hurling insults at her over Twitter, the likes of “@rihanna Chris Brown beat you because you’re not pretty enough.” The diva answered the tirade with “Ya see what happens when they cancel intervention?’.
