Bollywood press junkets in Dubai are facing stricter rules, with journalists handed gag orders banning questions on personal lives, cultural backlash, or film inspirations. The move sparks debate on media freedom, as interviews risk becoming scripted PR exercises instead of genuine conversations.
Bollywood press events in Dubai are undergoing a dramatic shift, with journalists increasingly finding themselves bound by strict guidelines that dictate what they can – and cannot – ask film stars. These rules, often issued by publicists before interviews, are raising concerns about transparency and the declining space for meaningful conversations in cinema journalism.
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At recent junkets for two major Hindi-language films in Dubai, reporters were handed detailed “no-go” lists. These lists went beyond personal boundaries, barring seemingly harmless questions such as a lead actor’s experiences with fatherhood, as well as culturally relevant topics like community backlash in India or comparisons to international films that may have inspired the projects.
The result? Interviews that feel increasingly rehearsed and sanitized, where stars only answer “safe” questions that align with promotional narratives.
Industry insiders suggest that Bollywood stars and their teams now fear uncomfortable questions more than they fear harsh film reviews. A journalist attending one such junket noted that even raising valid queries—like how the film’s storyline resembles a Hollywood blockbuster—was strictly prohibited. This tightening control, they argue, reflects an industry anxious about image management in an era where social media can amplify controversies instantly.
Dubai has become a preferred international destination for Bollywood promotions, premieres, and fan events. With its large South Asian community and world-class hospitality venues, the city offers global visibility for Indian films. However, the introduction of gag orders at these junkets may limit the vibrancy of these interactions, leaving fans with polished but less authentic stories from their favorite stars.
While publicists claim these restrictions are meant to protect the personal lives of celebrities, critics argue that barring discussions on relevant creative and cultural issues undermines the very purpose of press events. For journalists, it reduces opportunities to ask the questions audiences genuinely care about.
As Bollywood continues to expand its presence in Dubai, the debate between media freedom and celebrity image control is likely to intensify. Whether the industry strikes a balance between openness and privacy remains to be seen.
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