“There’s no such thing as bad publicity,” an American showman of the mid-19th century P T Barnum had said. True to this notion, a little video suddenly took social media by storm. It was the recent footage of a skimpily-clad woman travelling on the Delhi Metro that was widely circulated and talked about. Wearing a bralette and the miniest skirt possible, apparently influenced by Uorfi Javed, a social media favourite, the young woman was a picture of confidence as she got her 15 minutes of fame. The woman is seen sitting or standing inside the Metro with no eyes prowling on her. All her co-passengers are seen immersed in their mobile phones and a semi-clad woman seems to be of least interest to them.
The woman did what she did and, in the process, got what she aspired for – publicity. Next, she may land in some reality show or may even get a film offer. But for the world outside the Delhi Metro, the video clip appeared to be shocking and the woman ‘questionable’. The woman is not from the reel world, but the real one. Actors do photo-ops, create scenes and entertain audiences. This woman on the Metro did what many are describing as non-conformist, even revolting, but for some, it is all about freedom. In any case, the woman’s move is too bold to be dismissed. Perhaps that is what she wished for – to be talked about, to be noticed. For some, this Metro woman may be the new ‘icon’.
It seems building narratives is the new norm. The woman, a 19-year-old, has this to say: “I was exercising my freedom to wear what I want to wear…. I don’t care what people have to say.” She said what we all knew she would say, and she also added that she has “no interest in the publicity stuff.” The tumultuous reaction forced the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to release a statement. “Commuters should not indulge in any activity or wear any attire which could offend sensibilities of fellow passengers. DMRC’s Operations & Maintenance Act in fact lists out indecency as a punishable offence.”
The DMRC’s statement on appropriate attire for public transport could be termed iconic. It’s both a warning and an appeal. After this statement, it is to be seen what the woman’s next move will be. Will she continue in some other style and do something equally bizarre? To stay in news and get the necessary traction on social media, no matter how, is the aim of such people. For those wanting to lead, it is not anymore about principles or setting the right example. It is all about staying in news and getting as many likes and responses as possible on social media. Feminists may say it is about the quintessential freedom of expression for women, but for the majority, it is a cheap way to seek publicity.
