The Hindi film industry today thrives as much on perception as on performance, and writer and socialite Shobhaa De recently reflected on how image-building has become central to a star’s public persona — particularly through paparazzi photos.

In a conversation with Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, De explained that airport appearances are often orchestrated rather than spontaneous. Paparazzi, she said, are frequently summoned by celebrity managers who ensure photographers are in place to capture stars’ “airport looks.” Advertisement

Comparing the current system to an earlier era, De noted that older generations of actors were far more accessible. Back then, stars were managed by secretaries, not teams of image consultants and PR agents. Interviews and photo shoots could be arranged directly.

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