The recent news of influencer and actor Kusha Kapila's separation from her husband, Zorawar Singh Ahluwalia took people by storm. After the news broke out, people started a debate about the good and bad aspects of it. But this is not the sole incident where much-adored celebrities, like Charu Asopa, Malvika Sitlani, and Kritika Khurana have parted ways with their partners.
Many people idolise celebrity couples. Their actions, including their fashion choices and relationships, can shape our perceptions and behaviours. We tend to consider their lives as a roadmap for our own. It leaves a deep impact on people's lives when this seemingly perfect relationship of our loved star breaks. To know more about it, we spoke to Damini Grover, Counselling Psychologist, Heal Your Life Coach, Founder - I'M Powered Center for Counseling and Well-being, Delhi.
Fantasies about Romance and Ideal Relationships
"Unconventional couples and seemingly perfect celebrity matches can reinforce our fantasies about romance and ideal relationships," said Grover. She added that we start believing that our dreams of love and companionship can come true, as long as we find the right person and express our love in the same way. "We tend to idolise these celebrities and their relationships, normalising unconventional pairings, and breaking societal norms like age gaps or second marriages," she mentioned.
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"When high-profile couples break up, it brings us back to reality. It reminds us that even celebrities experience heartbreak and separation," Grover said. She added that it shatters the fantasy and makes us realise that love and romance are not always perfect. It shows us that celebrities are also human beings.
"This normalisation process helps us understand that if even these good-looking and talented individuals struggle in their relationships and it's okay for us to feel lost and confused," said Grover. She said that it humanises them and reminds us that we all face challenges in love and relationships. We realise that celebrities are not infallible, and it provides some comfort.
Grover said, "We have a strong tendency to view celebrities as our idols and role models. We become deeply affected by their actions and choices, living vicariously through them." She said that it often influences our own lives, as we try to fulfill our dreams and aspirations by emulating them. "We learn how to dress, talk, and behave with our partners by observing these celebrities," she added.
Perception of Love and Relationships
"The impact on people's perception of love and relationships depends on the couples they admire. When favourite celebrities get together, it gives us hope that we too can find love and companionship," explained Grover. Citing an example, she said that watching an interview with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, a beloved couple, can make us believe that a successful marriage is possible based on friendship and companionship.
"Conversely, if we see a real couple constantly arguing or fighting on screen, it may influence us to believe that conflict is a normal part of relationships. The portrayal of relationships by celebrities provides a framework for our own experiences," she added.
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Impact on Mental Health
The idolisation of celebrities and their relationships can have a significant impact on mental health. "When we highly associate ourselves with a particular couple or their relationship ideology, we may lose hope and feel disillusioned when we realise their lives are not perfect. This negative impact can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a loss of hope in our own lives," said Grover.
Role of Social Media
Social media plays a crucial role in idolising celebrity couples. The information we consume on social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, greatly influences our perceptions. Grover said that these days, the algorithm used by social media is designed in a way that shows you more of what you search for.
So, if you search for celebrity couples or ideal relationships, you will start seeing more of that in your feed. "It's essential to be mindful of what we consume and maintain a distinction between the fantasy presented on screen and the reality of our own lives," suggested Grover.
Conclusion
Celebrities serve as role models, influencing our ideas about love and relationships. Their actions and relationships can create fantasies or shatter illusions. While it's important to appreciate and learn from celebrities, we should also maintain a healthy perspective and recognise that they too have flaws and challenges. By doing so, we can avoid the negative impacts of idolisation and maintain a realistic view of love and relationships in our own lives.
