What does the celebs' stand say

Here’s taking a close look at the body language of some hot celeb couples like Michelle and Barack Obama, Twinkle and Akshay Kumar, Gauri and Shah Rukh Khan and many more.

There’s something about each couple that makes them special. The way they pose for pictures together, hold hands at prominent events, smile the same smile, or make eye contact. Love and intimacy find their way to the public domain effortlessly for them. We decode the body language of some charming celeb couples.



Michelle and Barack Obama

Their recent visit to India proved that state boundaries don’t matter when it comes to intimacy. Their relationship seems to be one where each reflects comfort and strength. You will find them holding hands often, which says a lot about a couple’s connectedness.



Expert View: "There’s much like-minded mirroring in their gestures. Their hands are intertwined, indicating that they feel at ease with one another, and are protective of each other. Barack looks in control, secure and comfortable. His hand is on top of hers, showing how he leads the way and is determined to safeguard his wife. His eyes are firmly focussed ahead, portraying confidence. Michelle looks comfortable and in step with him," says image enhancer Rita Gangwani.



Twinkle and Akshay Kumar

Akshay seems to be leaning more towards the photographer than his wife - a suggestion that his public image is more important than his relationship. But considering he is a Bollywood star, many would say it’s not surprising for him to favour his public persona more.



Expert view: "They’re standing close to each other, which shows good chemistry — it could even be one of the strongest factors in their relationship. However, they’re looking in different directions, which shows they’re both independent, and may have different interests. Watch how their clothes don’t coordinate (his — too casual, hers — elegant), again a sign of each going in their own direction," says Rachna K Singh, lifestyle counsellor.



Gauri and Shah Rukh Khan

They give the impression of a closely-bonded couple that is comfortable and relaxed in each other’s company. They seem to give off a been-there-done-that vibe. The mirroring of each other’s body posture shows that they share a strong rapport with each other, built over time and mutual confidence.



Expert view: "Shah Rukh’s face is set with a determined look, indicating he’s seen it and done it all before. His shoulders are hunched, the left fist is clenched, and it looks as though he wants to escape, with or without her. The hip touch shows closeness. It’s also interesting how she’s holding her purse. When couples are really into each other, the woman automatically moves her purse to the hand furthest from her companion," suggests Gangwani.

Sunanda and Shashi Tharoor
The couple has gone through a lot of ups and downs in the past. Shashi is letting his wife take precedence. The conscious smiles say how they want the world to know how happy and secure they are.

Expert view: “Here, Shashi is doing something called ‘overlapping’, where he’s positioning his body behind her, and leaning slightly towards her. This means he is comfortable and at ease with her, but he’s not enveloping her so tightly that he feels he needs to control her. Her crossed arm indicates she wants to protect their relationship from the public eye. He is possessively clutching the trolley with her purse on it, attempting to show the world that he belongs to her,” says Gangwani.

HT Image

Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra
They are proud to be in public together, and they don’t mind posing intimately with each other. Shilpa is glowing with happiness, like the ‘pussycat that got the cream’. She seems relaxed, secure and happy to be near the man she loves.

Expert view: “Shilpa’s body faces Raj’s completely, showing she is totally into him. Most women do not pose this way. She doesn’t care that people are taking photos; she is clearly proud to be next to him. Both of them have a broad, relaxed smile that shows they are at ease with each other. As for Raj, his pelvis is angled slightly toward her, and he has his arm around her in a protective manner, but not a controlling one. Their knees are pointing at each other’s, showing great bonding and intimacy,” says Gangwani.