Ranbir Kapoor's finger salute

Ranbir Kapoor has made it a habit to flash his middle finger at the paparazzi. His clothes change, his head gear changes, even the hand changes but his irritable expression and the finger wave is a constant. Yes, everyone liked it when he flashed his middle finger in Rockstar because it was at the establishment. Off-screen RK's flipping people is F***k You. The big question is: Who is it meant for? At the guys clicking the pictures? Or the fans who see it in print and on television? It maybe called a finger salute, but it is viewed by society in general as an obscene gesture. Ranbir should know better coming from a family of celebrities. From his great grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor, to grandfather Raj Kapoor to his parents Neetu and Rishi, they have all practically lived in front of cameras but no one has displayed such hostility and hatred for the media.

Musical artistes, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Adele have all publicly made the gesture. Britney Spears gave the gesture towards members of the paparazzi, but had to apologise when fans interpreted the gesture as directed at them. Actors stick out their middle finger in public, on average, less than pop and rock stars. After all, the demographics of their audiences tend to be much broader, which means that everyone watches them, from kids to grannies, from rebellious teens to Bible-huggers. They have to be much more careful about their image. For example, a Pete Doherty gets bonus points from his fans for exhibiting moronic, anti-social and self-destructive behaviour. Brad Pitt, on the other hand, has to be more careful what he says and does. However, Ranbir doesn't subscribe to that theory and has made the middle finger flip-off almost a fashion accessory, unapologetic about being rude and ill-mannered.

The middle finger: Is it just another way to pose or express your lack of wit when faced with an "enemy" paparazzo? You be the judge.