Pune, Sep 26 (FN Agency) Art should be used as an instrument to bring about a change in society, emphasised celebrities at the 11th Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad. Participating in a discussion on “Celebrities and Stardom: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” on the 3rd day of MIT School of Government’s (MIT-SOG) annual national conclave, called Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad or Indian Students Parliament here, they said celebrities are not just in the glamour industry, but in every other field and it is high time that people start recognising them and start celebrating them too, while talking about the power of stardom and how it should be used to bring about a change in society.
Dr Sonal Mansingh, a member of Rajya Sabha, celebrated Classical dancer said, “… Celebrity status doesn’t mean anything, it’s just a created hype. Art gives you the freedom to showcase different aspects of the society.” Elaborating further on the topic, Shabana Azmi, noted actress and former member of Rajya Sabha, pointed out, “I think it is a huge advantage to be somebody known and it is up to us whether we are content with just that or we want to use this very important opportunity which is given to us for the betterment of society.” The session also saw prominent dignitaries such as Nandita Das, noted film actress & director, and Shreyasi Singh, a member of Bihar Legislative Assembly (BJP), Arjuna awardee and international shooter. Nandita Das said, “A woman even today is defined by her looks. Skin colour, height, overall outlook defines whether one is capable of being called a celebrity or not. It’s no different for a man, too.
Celebrities are in every field, even teachers are worthy of being called celebrities as they are one of the biggest influencers in a student’s life. There are so many other people who are not in this glamorous profession but are probably contributing far more to society. Cinema should become a means of engagement and not just entertainment.” Immediately after the session, a resolution drafted by the students of the 11th Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad was passed, appealing to the government of India to entrust the celebrities with the responsibility to ensure involvement of intended beneficiaries in the flagship programmes such as Make in India, Skill India, Digital India, Stand-Up India, etc.