In the age of curated feeds and hyper-online fandoms, fame has taken on a new face. Being a celebrity in 2025 is no longer just about glamor, exclusivity, or unattainable perfection. In fact, what really sells today is relatability. The stars who seem “just like us”—despite multimillion-dollar endorsements and luxury lifestyles—are the ones winning hearts, clicks, and, ultimately, relevance.
So, what does it mean to be a relatable celebrity in the digital age? Why do some stars feel like friends and others feel distant—even if they’re equally talented? Let’s unpack the new PR formula for relatability and explore how today’s celebrities build trust, engagement, and loyalty through authenticity.
1. Showing the Messy Side
Gone are the days when celebs hid behind PR statements and polished perfection. Today’s audiences crave realness. Vulnerability—whether it’s talking about mental health, body image, heartbreak, or career failures—is a powerful currency.
Case Study: Deepika Padukone
Deepika’s open discussions about battling depression have made her one of India’s most respected voices on mental health. She didn’t just share her experience; she launched the LiveLoveLaugh Foundation and continues to normalize therapy in interviews.
Why It Works:
Audiences feel seen. When a star opens up about their own struggles, they break down the pedestal, and fans connect on a deeper emotional level.
2. Behind-the-Scenes > On-the-Stage
We no longer just want to see what celebs wear to red carpets—we want to know what they eat for breakfast, how they manage anxiety, or what their Sunday looks like. The “off-duty” content is what makes fans feel like insiders.
Case Study: Vicky Kaushal
From gym selfies to goofy behind-the-scenes clips of Katrina pulling pranks on him, Vicky’s feed is a masterclass in natural, everyday content. It’s polished enough to look good, but raw enough to feel real.
Why It Works:
This kind of content blurs the line between celebrity and community. It builds trust and loyalty far beyond promotional posts.
3. Social Media = Authenticity Test
In 2025, authenticity is the metric that counts most—even more than follower count. People can spot scripted, overly edited content a mile away. Whether it’s a candid Instagram Story or a random TikTok dance fail, the more natural it feels, the better.
Case Study: Alia Bhatt
Alia has mastered the balance between being a movie star and a millennial internet user. Her cooking fails, baby updates, and awkward Q&A moments have made her incredibly relatable to young moms and Gen Z alike.
Why It Works:
She doesn’t try too hard. Instead of acting like a social media expert, she behaves like a regular user, which makes her content charming and authentic.
4. Humor > Perfection
Perfection is boring. A well-timed meme, a self-deprecating tweet, or an embarrassing confession makes a celeb more likeable. In 2025, being funny is a serious branding tool.
Case Study: Ryan Reynolds
Reynolds’ social media strategy involves constant sarcasm, trolling his wife (playfully), and poking fun at his own movies. It’s not overly rehearsed—it’s just very “him.”
Why It Works:
Laughter humanizes. It takes the shine off the celebrity image and replaces it with approachability.
5. Authentic Activism, Not Trend-Chasing
Being vocal about social causes isn’t new, but in the digital age, performative activism is instantly called out. The stars who take a stand consistently and intelligently—without doing it for clout—build long-term credibility.
Case Study: Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Whether it’s women’s education or refugee rights, Priyanka backs her advocacy with action. She partners with global organizations, donates, and speaks at forums—but avoids hashtag activism just for likes.
Why It Works:
Consistency matters. Real activism builds respect—not just engagement.
6. Flaws & Filters: Celebrating Imperfection
In a world of beauty filters and AI-enhanced appearances, showing your real skin, stretch marks, or an unfiltered face is an act of rebellion—and relatability.
Case Study: Sara Ali Khan
Sara’s no-makeup videos, awkward workout bloopers, and goofy “Namaste Darshako” travel vlogs showcase her willingness to not take herself too seriously.
Why It Works:
It’s refreshing. She embraces her flaws, and that gives fans permission to do the same.
7. Nostalgia = Emotional Hook
Celebrities who share their old photos, childhood stories, or early career throwbacks tap into a universal emotion: nostalgia. It’s a subtle way to remind fans, “Hey, I started from zero too.”
Case Study: Shah Rukh Khan
From posting throwbacks to his TV days (Fauji, Circus) to humble stories about his Delhi roots, SRK consistently reminds fans of his journey from outsider to icon.
Why It Works:
Nostalgia is a bonding tool. It evokes emotion, triggers memories, and builds intimacy.
8. Fan Interactions That Don’t Feel Scripted
Engaging with fans is no longer just replying “Thank you ❤️” to tweets. The best interactions today feel genuine, personal, and unexpected.
Case Study: BTS
ARMY fans frequently share how BTS members respond to fan art, jump into comment sections, or like random fan tweets. Their approachability has become legendary.
Why It Works:
It breaks down the barrier. Fans feel seen, and that’s the ultimate emotional win.
9. Public Relationships That Feel Real
Celebrity couples today are under intense scrutiny. But those who maintain a balance between privacy and personality win the internet with their realness.
Case Study: Kiara Advani & Sidharth Malhotra
Their wedding wasn’t an over-the-top media circus. Instead, it was intimate, tasteful, and felt relatable. Their online presence together is sweet, not staged.
Why It Works:
They never overdo it. A little PDA, some candid moments—and plenty of space. It feels authentic, not forced.
10. Being ‘Chronically Online’—But in a Smart Way
The new wave of celebs are extremely online—but not cringey. They understand meme culture, know their fandoms, and participate in trends without hijacking them.
Case Study: Zendaya
Zendaya quietly likes memes about herself, uses niche internet references, and drops witty one-liners that feel perfectly timed. She’s not overexposed—but when she does post, the internet listens.
Why It Works:
She speaks internet fluently, without losing her mystique.
The New PR Formula = Real + Raw + Respectful
Relatability in 2025 is about humanity over hierarchy. Celebs who embrace their flaws, show real emotions, laugh at themselves, and engage with fans authentically are the ones thriving in this new era. The polished, plastic perfection of old Hollywood (and old Bollywood) is being replaced by personalities that feel real—and that’s a good thing.
