The politics of image for celebrities

When fashion criers heralded the American First Lady’s outfits — shift dresses and non-fussed shirts — as her own line of recessionista chic, there was more to her dressing up than just the garments. While doing so, Michelle Obama also managed to portray a domestic side on one hand and a will-of-steel newsmaker on another through her look. Undoubtedly, she was creating an image. It’s that fragile make-up that can either enhance or seek to destroy an individual.

Take the example of Tiger Woods, whose persona took a beating due to his ‘escapades’. Or then closer home the recent Shashi Tharoor-Lalit Modi spat — it’s turning ugly with each decrying the other’s intentions. In such a scenario does packaging of a public figure become increasingly important?

It’s a thin line
Politician and designer Shaina NC says, “Everyone would like to believe that one’s public and private life are different; they aren’t! What you say is crucial in a society that is conservative. It takes long to erase and create the right picture.”

Television host Mandira Bedi feels one has to find the right balance. “It’s boring to be politically correct but one must find the balance and maintain decorum. It’s a thin line,” she says.

Damage control
Shooting your mouth off can have long-standing effects. Ace lawyer Satish Maneshinde warns, “If you want to be in the public eye, you must realise that what you say can bring you down in an instant. If you get carried away it can result in libel and slander. You’ll then have to forego your status. A person like Tharoor should have realised that his duty as a minister and a mentor are two different things.”

Author Chetan Bhagat, who was recently embroiled in a controversy, says, “I didn’t take anyone to court or say anything harsh and withdrew from the scene once my point was made. I was very clear that I didn’t want my image to be harmed. While I could have continued on it for a few days as it would have brought popularity to my book, I realised any further association with the matter would damage my image,” he says.

What can be done
While image consultant Rukhshana Eisa says talking crassly and loudly and mudslinging are strict no-nos, lifestyle consultant Chhaya Momaya reiterates that everything from one’s dress to tone and language are important. “Being laid-back with a balance works. Remember, class whispers but money shouts,” she says.

Columnist and writer Shobhaa De ends saying, “There is no substitute for honesty and integrity. Being transparent is always a good idea — but to expect that from seasoned politicians is unrealistic. Personal charisma can carry the day up to a point. The public is getting increasingly smart and clued in — these two (Tharoor and Modi), should come clean, and face the consequences regardless.”