In today’s fast-paced digital world, where opinions are abundant and social media provides a vast platform for individuals to gain recognition, it has become increasingly easy for people to rise to great heights of fame or face severe criticism overnight. The ongoing controversy involving Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia serves as an example of this unpredictable nature of internet-driven popularity. Addressing this issue at the latest edition of Expresso, acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of digital discourse and the responsibilities that come with public influence. He pointed out that the internet has given everyone a voice, making it easier for people to form and spread opinions, often without much scrutiny. However, he expressed concern about how easily individuals can be influenced, particularly in a society where fame is often mistaken for credibility.

Tripathi elaborated on how many people become internet sensations overnight, gaining widespread recognition and influence without necessarily possessing the intellectual depth, literary knowledge, or social awareness required to engage in meaningful discourse. He stressed the importance of understanding the cultural fabric of society and ensuring that public figures, especially those with a significant following, exercise a sense of responsibility in their communication. The actor expressed his concern that in the absence of strict censorship on digital platforms, many individuals feel free to say whatever they want under the pretense of entertainment, often disregarding the potential consequences of their words. While he acknowledged that humor and lightheartedness have a place in entertainment, he firmly stated that taking pride in speaking nonsense is unacceptable. He further emphasized that content should not be purely nonsensical, as meaningful engagement requires depth, relevance, and a sense of purpose.

Providing an example, Tripathi highlighted satire as a form of communication that may appear frivolous or absurd on the surface but often carries profound social and political commentary. He urged content creators and internet personalities to distinguish between mindless chatter and purposeful speech, reminding them that with great influence comes great responsibility. He also reflected on the transient nature of internet fame, advising individuals not to place too much importance on virality. He compared the fleeting nature of online popularity to a viral illness, which captures public attention for a short period before fading away as people move on to the next trending topic. According to him, the real question that needs to be asked is why and how someone becomes successful. While he refrained from taking sides in the ongoing controversy, he underscored the importance of being mindful of the impact that words can have on society. He concluded by reiterating that those who hold the power of influence should shoulder their responsibilities with care, ensuring that their communication contributes positively rather than fueling unnecessary controversy or misinformation.

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