He thinks that social media has revolutionized our life and lifestyle. “Yes, it has at least mine. It gave me the motivation to experiment more with voice-over. While I don’t get affected by those who don’t like me because there will always be such people, I definitely find inspiration in what resonates the most with people. It’s a boon for those who want to find their style and see what works the best. Also, social media has changed the affiliate marketing game and made it more accessible to the general public. There are newer and creative ways of doing business now. And of course, the ease of staying in touch with people.
It’s a tool. It can be very beneficial if used in the right way,” he said.
People follow celebrities and emulate them, especially via social media so it is a huge responsibility, but everyone is not taking it seriously.
“With any great power comes great responsibility, we all know. That holds true here as well. If you can positively influence your followers with good content, you have the power to change their lives and make it better. It can be the smallest of things like hope, positivity, motivation to act or it can be practical tips in a particular area,” he said.
According to him, people get inspired by the focus on fitness, dressing sense, voice, face or anything that you work on and is your strength.
“But there are two main things to note here, being responsible doesn’t mean showcasing an ideal form. Nobody is perfect, which is why reality should be portrayed. Not an unrealistic standard that promotes anything fake. Secondly, a right social message should be the underlying intent,” he said.
The number of followers has become an obsession with almost every person. “There’s a deeper background to this. Why do people do it and not just what they do? Is it a need for external validation, fame, success or something entirely different? If someone wants fame to become a hero, they should not forget that talent and capability are required as foundations. Does buying followers give you the same satisfaction than organically connecting with people? Then you need to introspect a bit and be true to yourself,” he said.
The world of social media is fake, everyone says so, but at the same time, everyone wants attention on social media. “It’s a natural human tendency to feel good when appreciated.
So let’s just accept reality for how it is. You want to be accepted or liked or recognized or appreciated, and that’s why you are on social media or you might have another purpose altogether. The point is, you exist there for some reason,” he said.
The world of social media is being called fake because one becomes many, he shared.
“It’s the power of collective, of trends that’s the main aspect. If used right, it can create a social revolution. If not, it can also develop insane unreal standards of beauty, lifestyle and happiness. What you as an individual can do is not propagate it further and maintain your originality,” said Ranaksh.
Social media has become an ego massaging tool and it is disturbing regular lives of actors as everyday they need to put new content. “Not necessarily. There are so many great actors who are either not on social media or they keep doing digital detox.
The aim has to be clear. If it is about making money, then you’ll focus on more reach and you’ll do more engagement diligently. And there’s no harm in that. But if your aim is to boost your brand image and popularity, stay connected and be reachable to people who look up to you as an artist, there won’t be pressure linked to what you do on social media, it will be fun,” he suggested.
He thinks there will always be trollers. “When you are a public figure, it essentially means you are in front of the public and one becomes many.
You must learn how to ignore and not let others who don’t even have a face in front of you, affect you. Patience is a great virtue an actor should have and tolerance follows patience,” he said.
As for dealing with trolling, he said, “I don’t. I was in sales during my corporate stint and I have learned how to handle rejection through professional milestones. The trick is to pay attention to what you want in life and not pay attention to what doesn’t matter. I embrace my life as it is, and that is a powerful realization. That life is very colourful and whatever happens, teaches you something or the other. Living in the moment to the maximum and doing what you are supposed to do, is very satisfying. Why waste time on what you can’t control?”
