Mumbai: In recent weeks superstar Akshay Kumar has been subjected to the worst of trolling. When it comes to social media trials, he is a veteran. From influencers to celebrities to brands to teachers in Kerala, none is off limits for the netizens, who have apparently taken right to freedom of speech way too far.
So, why did Akshay and his upcoming film Laxmmi Bomb left keyboard warriors fuming? The reasons are multiple: While one section of netizens are alleging stereotypical representation of the transgender community, others feel the film's title is derogatory as it insults the Hindu Goddess Laxmi. Still, others accuse the film of promoting the much-debated love jihad. This is because Akshay's character in the film is reportedly titled Asif while Kiara Advani plays a girl named Priya.
Obviously, all these voices have taken social media by storm even before watching the film and that is what happens in most cases when makers are forced to change titles, character's names, lyrics of the songs and covering Deepika Padukone's 'exposed' midriff through computer graphics in a song from Padmaavat. The tremendous amount of criticism and agony that Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his team faced while making the film and till the time of its release is unprecedented.
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The negativity around film before the release builds pressure on the makers who barely have any choice but succumb to cyberbullying as a huge amount of money is at stake. Changing Loveratri to Loveyatri, Padmavati to Padmaavat and what not. Bollywood filmmakers have also altered scenes owing to social media chaos. In a situation where rational discussion stands no scope, creative and commercial, both forces surrender.
Online abuse is a growing worldwide phenomenon. From Grammy winner Lizzo to our Dabangg girl Sonakshi Sinha, when it gets hard to get head above water, they take a break from posting or have ditched it forever. On the other side, when news of celebrated rapper buying fake followers and fake views hit the headlines, the credibility of trends, popularity and authenticity of the virtual world comes crumbling down.
Trolling, the modern-day menace has steep down to a level where female stars receiving rape threats has become a norm. And when a teenager form Gujarat issues rape threats to cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni's five-year-old daughter, the act makes one believe that humanity is on verge of disappearing.
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There is no dearth of social networking sites in the age of the internet to find and connect with each other. While each has its benefits, it’s important to remember that social media can never be a replacement for real-world human connection. Thus when a certain section of social media keeps spitting venom against the celebrities but then there is another world beyond this virtual world which makes Akshay Kumar a fixture on Forbes list of highest paid actors for five consecutive years.
To curb the online abuse and amount of negativity that spills over, stricter cyber laws are need of the hour. Modern India, a place of tolerance and acceptance, doesn't need cacophony of opinions but constructive criticism across the spheres of arts, politics.
