Bollywood is as notorious for its slick publicity stunts as it is for its infamous scandals. It’s hard to believe any news right off the bat, considering how Bollywood’s PR machines work overtime to maintain relevance in a country where fans already treat stars as figureheads. larger than life.
In the past, film promotions have led to some interesting campaigns like Abhishek Bachchan setting a world record for visiting the most cities during Delhi-6 promotions or Aamir Khan giving young a Gajini haircut to promote the film.
© Miss Malini
However, with the rise of social media and the increasing focus on celebrities’ off-screen personalities, marketing strategies have changed a lot. Instead of the usual mall promotions and college visits, publicists often advise stars to pull off some incredible publicity stunts—the latest being the economy before a movie’s release.
As Satyaprem Ki Katha inches closer to its release date, Kartik Aaryan has been spotted flying budget. Last year too, amid high praise for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and buzz around his upcoming films, he was clicked flying economy and enjoyed instant noodles on the flight.
Earlier this year, Kriti Sanon was seen flying with other economy passengers to Indore after its launch Shehzada. Similarly, Ananya Pandey and Vijay Deverakonda were seen flying in the finance department during Ligerhis promotions.
With stars charging for every film project and brand endorsements in crores, one would think they would always fly business class — which they usually do until they need to promote a film or return to public memory after a hiatus.
Not only is it a great way to promote their films, it’s also the perfect way to brand themselves as a people’s star — someone who connects with the masses and doesn’t act like a snob among those who made them who they are today.
It’s like hitting ek tera se do nisaane. However, it is a pattern that has become very familiar now as people have caught on to the trend.
It won’t be long before this trend dies a slow death. Until then, you can keep hoping that your favorite celebrity just might be your fellow passenger on the next flight.
Satyaprem Ki Katha is scheduled for release on June 29, 2023.
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