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By:

Riya Dubey

6 June 2026 at 4:16:51 pm

Aamir Should Not Be A Role Model

Mumbai: Aamir Khan is undoubtedly one of the most influential actors in Indian cinema, with a career filled with landmark films and a reputation for perfectionism in his craft. However, the growing debate around whether he should be considered a “role model” for youngsters is not just about films – it is about the gap between public image and personal life, and how that gap is now being judged in the social media era. A role model is not just someone who succeeds professionally, but someone...

Aamir Should Not Be A Role Model

Mumbai: Aamir Khan is undoubtedly one of the most influential actors in Indian cinema, with a career filled with landmark films and a reputation for perfectionism in his craft. However, the growing debate around whether he should be considered a “role model” for youngsters is not just about films – it is about the gap between public image and personal life, and how that gap is now being judged in the social media era. A role model is not just someone who succeeds professionally, but someone whose life choices are seen as stable, consistent, and worth emulating. This is where the criticism begins. Over the years, Aamir Khan has often spoken in interviews about love, relationships, and personal values in a way that projects certainty and conviction. However, his real-life decisions, particularly around relationships and marriages, have often appeared to shift over time, leading critics to question that consistency. Whether it is his multiple marriages or the way his personal relationships have played out in the public eye, these events have ensured that his private life remains under constant scrutiny. In today’s digital world, every public statement and every personal development is archived, compared, and debated. As a result, any perceived contradiction between what is said publicly and what unfolds privately quickly becomes fuel for criticism and trolling. This is why the backlash he faces online is not entirely random. It comes from a section of users who feel that when a public figure builds a strong moral or disciplined image, there is an expectation of alignment between that image and real-life behaviour. When that alignment appears weak or inconsistent, disappointment often turns into ridicule, especially on social media platforms where nuance is usually lost. There is also a broader cultural expectation at play in India, where film stars are often treated as more than entertainers. They are seen as lifestyle icons, moral examples, and in some cases even informal influencers of youth behaviour. In such a context, any perceived inconsistency in a celebrity’s personal life is magnified far more than it might be in other entertainment industries globally. At the same time, the discussion also exposes a double standard in public perception. While audiences admire celebrities for their success, discipline, and achievements, they also demand personal perfection, which is rarely realistic for anyone – public figure or not. This tension between admiration and expectation is what makes figures like Aamir Khan frequent subjects of debate. It is also important to separate professional excellence from personal life. There is no doubt that Aamir Khan’s contribution to Indian cinema is significant, and his films have influenced both audiences and the industry. But being a great actor or filmmaker does not automatically make someone a template for personal life decisions or relationships. Ultimately, the criticism and trolling he is currently facing reflect a larger question about modern celebrity culture: should public figures be judged as role models based on their professional achievements, or should their personal lives also meet the standards of public expectation? In the case of Aamir Khan, social media has clearly leaned toward the latter, and that is where the controversy continues to grow.

Indecision Kills Personal Branding

Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Indecision Kills

In a world that celebrates clarity and confidence, hesitancy is a silent yet powerful force that can diminish your personal brand. When people dwell in the realms of “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” they unknowingly project uncertainty and unreliability—traits that can undermine the foundation of a strong personal brand. Your ability to make decisions and stand firm on them is not just a reflection of your leadership but also a testament to your personal brand’s strength.


Every interaction we have leaves an impression. Be it a professional email, a networking event, or a casual conversation, these moments contribute to how others perceive us. When you continuously oscillate between indecision and vague responses, it sends a message that you lack confidence or direction. In business, where trust and reliability are paramount, this can become a significant roadblock.


Imagine a scenario where a client approaches two service providers with the same inquiry. The first one confidently outlines a plan, clearly stating the next steps, while the second hesitates, replying with, “I’m not sure; let me think about it.” Even if both have the same expertise, the client is more likely to gravitate toward the first provider. Confidence fosters trust, and trust is the bedrock of all successful relationships—professional or personal.


Indecision can often stem from the fear of making mistakes or being judged. While this is natural, it’s important to remember that perfection is an illusion. The act of making a decision, even if it turns out to be less than ideal, demonstrates courage, responsibility, and accountability. These are the traits that elevate a personal brand, distinguishing you in a crowded and competitive world.


Being decisive doesn’t mean being impulsive or reckless. It means gathering information, weighing options, and then committing to a choice with confidence. In personal branding, this is particularly crucial because every decision you make—how you respond to challenges, present yourself, or communicate with others—forms part of the narrative others associate with you.


Hesitation and indecision don’t only affect how others perceive you; they also impact how you view yourself. Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to self-doubt, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more uncertain you are, the more others will mirror that uncertainty, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.


One way to counter this is by setting clear priorities and aligning your decisions with them. For instance, if your personal brand is centred around being a thought leader in your industry, your choices should reflect expertise and foresight. Even in moments of ambiguity, acknowledging the uncertainty while showing a proactive approach—such as saying, “I’ll find out and get back to you”—conveys both honesty and determination.


During my recent trip to Australia, I was reminded of how decisiveness shapes impressions. Whether interacting with global clients or navigating unfamiliar professional terrains, I realized that certainty in communication was key to building trust and rapport. This was particularly evident when representing my personal brand on international platforms. A clear, confident tone opened doors and strengthened relationships that would have otherwise remained distant.


The next time you find yourself leaning on phrases like “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” pause and ask yourself: Is this hesitation necessary? Sometimes, it’s about silencing the inner critic and choosing to act decisively. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, the act of making a choice positions you as someone who is reliable, proactive, and worth trusting.


Your personal brand isn’t defined by the absence of mistakes but by how you handle them and move forward. Decisiveness isn’t just about making choices—it’s about owning them. And in a world that often feels uncertain, those who lead with clarity and conviction stand out.


Make your decisions a reflection of your confidence, and watch as your personal brand strengthens, opening doors you never imagined.

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(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+countries. Views personal.)

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