What better way to start my recent foray into the diverse, sprawling landscape of India, than a blog post on that which reflects and molds the dreams of so many Indians: Bollywood? And more specifically, some of its most ardent of fans.
Now, you may think you’re familiar with the vital characteristics of a rabid fan: vocal chords to unleash screaming adoration, check; bedroom plastered with posters, check; the ability to memorise and recite the star’s biography spanning from birthday and hometown, to pets’ names and childhood imaginary friends’ names, check. But constructing a shrine for HandsomeGuy, where you feed cake to a picture of him on his birthday? Maybe not.
Of course, there are people all over the world who cross the line from nutty fan to psychotic stalker, but as far as zany but relatively harmless hero worship goes, I don’t think the type of adulation that movie stars receive in India is paralleled anywhere else in the world. A recently launched show in India, Lift Kara De, sees fans compete amongst themselves to win a few treasured moments on screen with their favourite movie star. One enraptured winner had solemnly vowed to not wear shoes until he met his hero, and allegedly upheld that vow for several years until gleefully skipping barefoot onto the show to achieve his life’s destiny. The runner-up was so shattered, he refused to accept the consolation prize (understandable considering it was a hideously kitschy gold watch).
What makes some people feel so strongly about a celebrity? Sure, attraction helps, which is why women of all ages are lining up around the block to have MrSensitiveVampire from Twilight sign their undies, but maybe the intense platonic devotion here stems from a need for escapism, rather than ordinary admiration. When it comes to looks, two of the most successful actors in Bollywood have just about average mugs. Yet, they’re loved by millions, and I think part of it is because of the Average Joe quality they exude: the guy on the street who isn’t ever going to drive a car, let alone a Ferrari, can spend his few rupees and escape into a world where dreams come true-even for someone just as ordinary as him.
Perfectly encapsulates the show and psyche of the people…penned in a most entertaining style
Look forward to enjoying many more!