One can always expect something wacky -- either through thoughtless words or regrettable actions -- from those inhabiting the glossy world of television and B-Town. It's an intriguing aspect of stardom. These famous personalities quite make you wonder `What were they thinking?` or simply `Were they thinking at all?` every once in a while. Such characters tweak logic and provide some inadvertent entertainment in the process. There's no point complaining but still HitList would love to point out a few of those who don't seem to get it...
Sonakshi Sinha and Yaami Gautam
Lowdown: When there's an active online campaign going on against discrimination-based-on-skin-colour, it takes either ignorance or indifference or both to be the only two Bollywood actresses featuring in commercials for skin-lightening products. Especially when even the male actors are maintaining a distance.
Pratyusha Banerjee
Lowdown: You're not only part of the most popular TV show but also the protagonist. You literally sweep all the awards too. And then you decide to quit to move to greener pastures (read Bollywood). Whatever happened in the meantime doesn't matter when you see yourself in Bigg Boss in the end.
Anu Malik and Pritam
Lowdown: Plagiarism has been a debatable byword for Hindi cinema for ages now. But when it comes to music, names like Pritam and Anu Malik always crop up in a conversation. And irony died a bit when the latter accused the former of stealing music back in 2011. We learned last week how humour attached to such conundrums never grow old. Related: A news clipping of the accusation story was doing the rounds on social media with comments ranging from funny to ridiculous.
Star kids
Jackky Bhagnani
Lowdown: There are some brilliant actors waiting to break in but they just can't due to lack of avenues. And then there are some actors, the likes of Jackky Bhagnani, who continue acting in one disaster after another, funded by their dads.
Govinda
Lowdown: Here's an actor who could do everything on the big screen. Well, almost. And he was great at it too. People absolutely adored him. But the scenario began to alter when he reportedly started showing too much interest in superstition and what not. The latest buzz is he's making his comeback in 2014.
Sunny Leone
Lowdown: Did you know one of Sylvester Stallone's first screen efforts was a starring role in an adult film? Not judging just pointing out that porn stars have made fruitful transitions to mainstream cinema. However, what's unlikely about Leone is her wholesome attempt at trying to shed her adult star image. Overnight. Not happening.
Sajid Khan Lowdown: Nobody can really guess what will click and what won't at the box-office. But one thing is for sure: when you make a debacle like Himmatwala, you shouldn't be aiming too high. It's beyond rationality why its director spelt out loud that it would gross over R200 crore. Waking up to unreal dreams when reality bites?
Raj Babbar
Lowdown: Being Indians, we are used to politicians making a fool of themselves by passing comments meant to regret. Regardless, we couldn't do anything but be surprised when Raj Babbar claimed that Rs12 is enough to have a hearty meal in Mumbai. 2013 is coming to an end and we are yet to locate that eatery.
Prateik
Lowdown: His guarded act in Dhobi Ghat (2010) left an impression of a lasting talent. Perhaps we were mistaken. After all, this young actor has been dabbling in one bad project after another. On top of that, the series of bizarre middle-finger-wagging selfies he posted on social media this year didn't help his image either.
Ram Gopal Varma
Lowdown: Nobody really knows what happened to that filmmaker who gave us memorable gems like Rangeela, Satya and Company. And to make matters worse, Ramu seems occupied in his own bubble -- occasionally stepping out to deliver cringeworthies like Department, Satya 2 and The Attacks of 26/11.
Writers of saas-babu serials
Lowdown: It's 2013 for your information and most of the repetitive plots you work on merit extinction. A little bit of innovation and bigger dose of surprise won't hurt anyone. Also, there are upcoming forward-looking shows on air that educate, make us laugh and sit on the edge of our seats. The audience are essentially fed up of your cliches too. Your call.