Annoy your Man Friday and watch your secrets unfold

With the clout and star power, not to mention the muscle power, one would imagine that actor Salman Khan’s not afraid of anyone. But the actor surprised all when he recently revealed his fears: ‘Of his bodyguard writing a book on him!’ Interestingly, he’s not the only one in the industry who’ll admit to being afraid of their most trusted aides.

Out in the West too, actors have been living in the terror of their personal trainers, bodyguards, even nannies, afraid that they may leak their personal information or sordid details that they try so hard to keep private. In fact most even have a ‘no-talk’ clause added in the contract itself. In the film industry, clearly hell hath no fury, like a personal aide scorned! Ask the actors who’ve had to face their wrath.

When a leading actress went under the knife for breast augmentation and refused to pay the doctor for the surgery, the doc had his own sweet revenge as he went about town talking about her assets being enhanced, leaving the actress squirming with embarrassment.

Similarly when a model played truant with a hair stylist, the stylist got back to her by accidentally leaving the iron longer than usual that resulted in damaged hair.

Yet another actor found his secret dalliances being discussed on news channels after he terminated the services of one of his own PR managers. Actress Priyanka Chopra too had her personal information leaked out when she apparently turned against her then manager Prakash Jaju.

For public figures like actors ‘image’ is everything. “Even a little leak can often cause a lot of damage to their reputations. So, it becomes important for the stars to not rub any of them the wrong way lest they are made to face embarrassing situations,” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

Others agree, but add that it’s not only to do with having access to the vital information. “There have been cases when false stories have been planted to get even or out of spite that have proved harmful,” says a producer.

An actor reveals, “We have to rely on so many people, that despite the trust factor, there’s always a remote possibility of our information being used against us, but we have no choice. Even if someone takes a legal action, damage would