While the craze for selfie and group-fies is trending amongst smartphone users across the globe, the flipside of it’s effects are a cause of grave concern after a series of deaths have been reported due to irresponsible acts while capturing extreme activities through selfies. The recent death of a youngster who drowned even as his friends were taking group-fies, and the latest incident where three Bengaluru students were run over by a train while taking a groupfie, we explore how thin the line between safe and sorry is. According to the police, the students were taking selfies on railway tracks near Wonder-La, and were killed while trying to capture a passing train.
Several films have depicted this craze in reel life too like this recent one Life Jothe Ondhu Selfie (LJOS). Actress Hariprriya, who is on a roll with a series of films including LJOS, and the huge success of Bharjari talks to Bengaluru Chronicle about being selfie responsible, and more. “It is very sad to learn about such incidents. My heart goes out to the families of the deceased. I could not believe it when I saw reports of a young boy who drowned to death while his friends were busy taking groupfies. No one even noticed him drowning. It is the utmost responsibility of anyone, to first take care of themselves. I, personally make sure that everyone wears seat belts while travelling in a car, and insist on helmets while riding. I appeal to all, especially the younger generations to make use of technology for a good cause and behave responsibly,” says Hariprriya.
While the actress is shooting for LJOS — a story about celebrating life, she adds, “The story is written by Manasa, the wife of Dinakar Thoogudeepa, and Dinakar himself is directing it. The films relates to everyone irrespective of age and gender. Just like how all of us like to capture our best moments in life, the film revolves around a realistic subject. Everything has a positive and negative side, and one must reach towards positivity, that is the essence reverberating in the film too.”
As to her role in LJOS, she plays ‘Rash’ or Rashmi, who is a straightforward girl. “In real life, I feel a bit discomforted when I have to interact and socialise in a large group, but it is the opposite for ‘Rash’. Manasa has penned the story beautifully from a girl’s perspective. Moreover, it is one of the films where I play my age, unlike other ventures, where I have acted in a more mature role, or imaginary ones.” She just completed shooting for a series of films including Sooji Dhara, where she essays a mature character; Kanaka, in which she is a village girl; Samhara, where she is seen in a negative avatar; Katha Sangama, which has a bit of a modern spin, and the mythological character Maya in Kurukshetra.
SELFIE
The movie titled Selfie released in 2016. It was made by a team of enthusiasts. The film was about the life of an IT professional. It was shot during the weekend breaks, as most of the cast and crew are real IT professionals.
