Sometimes celebrities deliver controversial statements thinking as if they are talking wisely and caught into troubles. In 2005, Dalit Panthers of India protested against Kushboo for her controversial remarks on premarital sex and the Supreme Court freed her from the case only in May 2010. Tall Beauty, Sultry Siren, South Indian Heartthrob Anushka’s recent statement in an AIDS awareness event has been receiving mixed responses from the public. Her statement provoked strong disagreement from conformists while her supporters say it is the need of the hour.Here is Anushka’s statement for you: "These days the youths are having many ‘relationships’ in their life. Though the social organizations are trying to change the youths regarding this, statistics reveal there has been no significant change. What all the youth have to do is buy a pack of condoms and always keep with them like they carry cell phone in their pockets. ‘Safe relations’ save you from dreaded diseases like AIDS"
What conformists say is Anushka would have advised youths to restrict their ‘relationship’ with one girl only and not to have many relationships. Her advice to carry condoms is like encouraging the youths to have many relationships, which is immoral and not our culture. So, they condemn Anushka for her controversial statement. The supporters of Anushka claim that her statement is not for those who are already cultured and behaving morally. Her advice is for those who are fond of having many relationships. Only to save the lives of those who are not yet aware of this dreaded disease, she advised to use condoms, which is the need of the hour.
Why social organizations use celebrities for these awareness programmes means the public could be easily attracted if a celebrity appears in such an event/advertisement and they listen to these celebrities watchfully than to a scholar. Moreover, celebrities usually have a huge fan following for them and these fans too follow their advice and they spread this advice among others through word of mouth.
You all know very well that a good writer need not be a good speaker and a good lyricist need not be a good singer. They are only masters in their field. Similarly a good actress need not be an intelligent speaker. Anushka’s intention is good but she presented it ambiguously. Enjoy her luscious beauty, adore her acting prowess and forgive her innocence!
Is also published at http://www.dailomo.com/tamil/articles/1029/1/Anushka-Controversial-statement-about-AIDS-and-Condom/Page1.html
