In a world where teenagers meticulously curate their online presence, especially on ‘finstas’ – secret Instagram accounts where they share unfiltered moments with a close circle of friends – it’s easy to assume social media is solely for the young. Finstas, in particular, are a casual and often humorous way for Gen Z to engage with social media, a refreshing contrast to the highly curated feeds that have become the norm on mainstream platforms.
However, you might be surprised to learn that one of the last people you’d expect to have a secret Instagram account is 67-year-old Dimple Kapadia, a renowned Bollywood actress known for her reclusive nature and preference for staying within the confines of her art-filled home. After 51 years in the public eye, Kapadia has chosen to remain largely detached from the social media frenzy, deeming it unnecessary to participate in the rat race.
In an interview with Vogue India, Kapadia candidly admitted, “But of course I scroll through Instagram,” acknowledging her status as a lurker, someone who enjoys observing but doesn’t feel compelled to post. When asked if she would ever consider joining her peers, Zeenat Aman and Jackie Shroff, who have embraced Instagram wholeheartedly, she challenged, “What for? Give me one good reason.” Her response highlights her reluctance to engage with the social media sphere.
Despite her long and illustrious career, Kapadia prefers to keep her personal life private. “But do I want to say anything about myself?” she quipped, emphasizing her disinterest in putting herself out there for public scrutiny. When asked about sharing her artwork online, she hesitated, “Oh, I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready. It took me years to put up my art in my own house.”
While her peers find connection through social media, Kapadia finds solace in a different digital realm: mobile gaming. She revealed, “I love playing games on my phone,” citing “Empires & Puzzles: Dragon Dawn” – a fantasy game that allows players to engage in imaginary battles – as her top choice. These virtual confrontations offer Kapadia a welcome escape from her hectic work schedule, providing her with a private moment away from the world of film.
Kapadia’s approach to fame and public scrutiny has always been complex. Despite making her dream debut in “Bobby” (1973) at the tender age of 16, she was forced to take a break from the industry as every major director vied to sign her for their next project. Today, with 88 films and two OTT series under her belt, she stands above the allure of fame and celebrity. When people on set referred to her as an icon, her response was firm, “You can show me whatever you want to in the world. Nothing changes my mind. It’s lovely that people have accepted and loved me for who I am, and I’m so thankful to them but I do not consider myself a star or an icon.”
Kapadia also candidly admitted that the life of a celebrity is far from easy. “It’s like taking an exam every second of the day. You’re judged 24/7.” This constant scrutiny likely contributes to her aversion to social media, a platform where judgment and criticism are always lurking. It makes sense why adding another platform like Instagram, where public scrutiny is inescapable, would feel unappealing to someone who started their career so young and has been in the public eye ever since.
When asked what profession she would choose if she could switch careers for a day, Kapadia’s answer was unconventional, revealing a desire for control and freedom: “I always wanted to be a race car driver. Woh Formula One driver nahin hote? Bachpan se shaukh tha. ” This longing for the thrill of the open road and the driver’s seat suggests an aspiration for a different kind of autonomy, one where she is in complete control of her own destiny. What does this reveal about her aspirations, given that she has never actually driven on a circuit? Your guess is as good as ours.
