Writer Shobhaa De has made a bold revelation about the growing fake publicity culture among celebrities. Speaking with Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, she said that many “airport look” appearances are carefully staged for media attention.
According to Shobhaa De, paparazzi are not accidentally spotting celebrities at airports. They are called there by managers who keep photographers on standby to capture “candid” moments that are anything but spontaneous.
She explained that earlier, film stars were more approachable and relied only on secretaries. Today, entire teams of image consultants, stylists, and brand managers manage how stars appear in public.
Shobhaa De noted that this new model mirrors Hollywood’s publicity machinery, where every appearance is a marketing strategy. Stylists coordinate with brands, and even casual outfits are often linked to paid sponsorships.
In one of her most striking claims, she revealed that some younger celebrities even visit airports without any real flights. They arrive in Ubers, pose for photos, and circulate the pictures to media outlets for publicity.
Her comments highlight how authenticity in the entertainment world has been replaced by image control, where even a simple airport sighting becomes a calculated performance.
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) October 22, 2025
