By Anil Thakraney
Katrinaji is quite pissed off these days. No, not because Salman Khan pooped another one of her parties, but because a filmy mag carried pictures of her in a bikini, as she holidayed with boyfriend Ranbir in Ibiza. The actress has shot off an open letter to the media, and it's printed below. Within the letter, in brackets, is my open letter to Ms Kaif.
I am writing this to say that I feel most upset, distressed and invaded at my pictures published in a film magazine and which were carried by other media. (Er, Kats, you should feel thrilled. You look hot, happening and desirable in the bikini, the only thing the pictures do is sex up your already sexy image. Enjoy them, in fact, thank the photographer and the magazine. Careers of female stars in Bollywood are short-lived, so make the most while the Ibiza sun shines on your sexy bod.)
The pictures were taken while I was on holiday by someone who, in an act of cowardice, has shot without permission and then used the pictures for commercial gain. (Er, Kats, the photographer would be a fool AND a coward if he failed to click. Had he been working for me, I would have sacked him without notice. The chap's done a super job and deserves a huge pat on the back. Permission? Would you and lover boy Kapoor have granted your happy consent? Confession: I would have shot even more 'revealing' pictures.)
There is a breed of journalism that preys on celebrities in the worst possible manner crossing all lines of privacy and decency. Running these pictures shows support for this school of journalism. (Er, Kats, the breed of journalism that raises my blood pressure is the one that prints/broadcasts puff pieces on you and your films. And that, sadly, is happening in plenty. As for privacy, the pictures were shot in a public place, so you guys asked for it. Instead of canoodling with RK on a beach, you should have chosen one of the unused studio rooms inside RK Studios in Chembur. Lots of privacy there.)
I request that all media running these pictures please refrain from doing so. I have a wonderful relationship with the media and have been accessible to the media at all times. There is no reason for this furtive and invasive behaviour. (Er, Kats, you make yourself 'accessible' to the media only when a movie release is coming up, otherwise the poor reporters have to run around in circles to get that piddly sound byte. And yes, if you have chosen to be a movie star, furtive and invasive journalism becomes par for course. Don't like it? You can return to your quiet life back in London. As a bonus, Sallubhai won't be able to poop your party there, poor guy can't get himself a UK visa.)
PS: Hehehe. So this is how creative agencies actually function. Must-read for all clients before they sign up one.
Anil Thakraney is a senior journalist and commentator. He is also Editor-at-Large, MxMIndia. The views expressed here are his own. He can be reached via Twitter at @anilthakraney
🥳
0