Saif Ali Khan attack case: Decoding the media frenzy around the stabbing incident

Actor Saif Ali Khan

An unfortunate incident involving the Nawaab of Pataudi made all kinds of keywords trend on Google search. Top searches included ‘Saif health update’, ‘Lilavati hospital’ and ‘Daaku Maharaj’, a film that made a surprise entry into the much-publicized stabbing incident. Insensitive wordplays and problematic memes flooded social media timelines. As did the room tour videos of Pataudi’s quadruplex, with most wondering “Why does Saif live in a flat?” On the night of January 16, Saif was stabbed in an alleged robbery and home invasion. The actor sustained injuries and was subsequently admitted to Lilavati hospital.

Saif Ali Khan Attack: ‘Respect Our Privacy’

The media circus began. Contradictory reports about the events that unfolded on the dreaded night came out. Some alleged Kareena Kapoor Khan’s absence at the time of attack, with others questioning if the house help/security staff colluded with the attacker. The ultimate gutpunch was Ibrahim Ali Khan taking Saif to the hospital in an autorickshaw, a moment of reckoning for it made most of us reflect on the fleeting nature of life itself.

A now-deleted Instagram post by Kareena Kapoor Khan read “Have a heart, leave us alone”, posted shortly after the incident. The post (rightfully) drew mixed reactions from netizens. Is it okay for stars to use the photogs and paparazzi to their advantage but when it is inconvenient, ask them to ‘respect their privacy’? Is it fair for public figures who capitalized on their fan base and popularity to ‘ask for privacy’ when it was them who shared every aspect of their life with the public?

Saif Ali Khan Attack: Pap Away! 

Conversely, shouldn’t the paparazzi have exercised caution when it comes to photographing Saif’s immediate family as they visited the actor in hospital? From Sharmila Tagore being blinded by flashing lights to complete invasion of space by Saif's kids, the photogs cannot exactly walk away scot-free. A larger discussion began on social media — if an average man, let’s say someone who isn’t a Nawaab worth Rs 1500 crore were to be robbed --- will the general public get swift justice?

Getting justice is easier when one is a celebrity, much less a nawaab. Those living in poverty be damned, the police wouldn't register an FIR if it was a common man. It is possible to empathize with Saif and his immediate family members (including the kids who witnessed a triggering and traumatizing scene) while also questioning why the justice system isn’t as robust for the common man.

It is possible to feel horrified, sad and alarmed by the incident while simultaneously calling out the justice system for not being equitable. Agar Saif ke saath ho sakta hai toh…” was a common sentiment on social media. Larger questions were raised on the lack of safety in Mumbai, more so after Baba Siddiqui's murder and threats by Lawrence Bishnoi.

Saif Ali Khan Attack: The Race For Numbers

Post the attack, several YouTube channels changed their thumbnail to reflect Saif Ali Khan’s image. If their video/short had the slightest mention of Pataudi’s Rs 45 crore Bandra home (complete with a swimming pool on top floor), the thumbnail reflected it. And rightfully, their views skyrocketed. There is a keen interest from netizens to know about the attack and its aftermath. Why shouldn’t news portals then supply these revelations and juicy tid-bids when there is a demand for it?

Then again, where does one draw the line? Where does the buck stop? TMZ, a popular gossip and newstainment website now has a bad reputation of exploiting the most vulnerable moments of celebrities (think: Britney Spears and Amanda Bynes mental breakdowns), fueled by the voyeuristic tendencies and the entitlement of the general public to know the most private details about celebs.

Saif Ali Khan Attack: A Double-Edged Sword

With Saif Ali Khan at home, the autorickshaw driver handsomely rewarded, and Daaku Maharaj (presumably) making a few extra crores, normalcy seems to have returned, — until (good forbid) another such incident makes one rethink and reevaluate the problematic paparazzi culture. The incestuous, unholy relationship between celebs and photogs is only getting more complicated. While most celebs know they need the paps for promotions, they want to maintain a comfortable one-arm distance from them that allows them to shut the gates when they want to.

Also read: Saif Ali Khan attack: Mumbai police links Saif's attacker to human trafficking racket

Their life can either be a walk-in closet or a fortress that no one can intrude. Of course which of these two forms it takes depends upon their movie and fashion launches. Paparazzi, meanwhile, also walk this difficult line between giving their viewers enough masala, while also being somewhat respectful. As the media circus grinds to a halt (only to resume in case of a similar event), one can’t help but wonder how many different iterations of these events will play out until either side (actors of paps) draws healthy boundaries. Till then, sit back, grab a snack and watch the travesty unfold.