Look at Virender Sehwag. The former opening batsman is all over TV social media and YouTube’s trending videos through his expert comments during the Champions Trophy or attempts at witty tweets or talking about his first endorsement in London with actor Mahima Chaudhary (in a faint effort to revoke some nostalgia).
Another episode on TV: Viru was with Sachin Tendulkar, both holding umbrellas in the rain and talking about the great bond they share when playing together many years ago! The camera then shifts to V.V.S Laxman in the studio and he too gets nostalgic, the programme goes on for another half hour!
Once upon a golden crickety time, the sight of Sehwag and Sachin holding umbrellas in the rain and talking about their special bond would have given goosebumps to any cricket fan. But now, though a few may momentarily enjoy the sentimentality of such social media frolic, to most of us, it looks like a bunch of fading stars trying hard to keep their sparkle from extinguishing forever. It’s not just sportspersons, who are prone to such tendencies. Actors and celebs from many walks of life also struggle with the fading limelight.
A valid question to pose then would be: do celebrities at times try hard to stay relevant and popular?
Abhirup Bhattacharya, the author of Winning Like Virat: Think and Succeed Like Kohli, opines, “Someone like Sachin, with such a legacy that he has created, can always sustain the aura among fans. But if you look at other cricketers — those who have not achieved as much as him — though they still hold special place in fans’ hearts, the amount of craze for them certainly diminishes.”
Image consultant Sunaina Somu agrees that it is indeed ‘amusing’ when ageing celebs want to stay in vogue — “Suddenly missing the limelight is understandable, but you should ease into the new era with grace.”
Sharing his opinion on former cricketers trying hard to remain in the news, Abhirup adds, “It’s certainly not to boost their marketability. Because, in the modern era, most of the cricketers invest in so many ventures and many also play in the Indian Premier League for two to three years even after hanging the boots at the international level. I feel the increased presence they show to public — especially social media — is probably because of the need to stay connected with the world.”
“Take note here that all sportspersons, when they are at the peak of their careers, have a packed schedule — around the country and overseas — and have practically no time to spare. When they are rushed back onto the pitch after barely recovering from an injury, how will they have time to be active on social media, even indulge in any activities, or make themselves known to the public? Secondly, a lot of sports channels and organisations keep their presentations only about the game,” explains anchor and sports entertainment expert, Mamathi Chari.
She adds that as far as their second innings is concerned, only a former player can make sense as a commentator or an expert; so definitely it’s the right thing to come back into the spotlight.
“But as far as their public/social media image is concerned… everyone is entitled to their opinions and of course, they make mistakes or look silly, but they learn from them! Let’s not forget, this isn’t exactly their strongest skill,” Mamathi says.
Cricket commentator Bosskey adds that although it is difficult for cricketers to suddenly accept the lack of camera flashes post retirement, they can still be idols for their fans. “Look at Sehwag, his tweets are quirky and he talks about anything and everything. His comments are short, they are still entertaining and that’s why there is a huge reception for the former cricketer even now. Fame is similar to form — former stars can’t only harp about the past, but must evolve with time for fans to always love them,” concludes Bosskey.
(Inputs from Gautam Sunder and Balajee CR)
