Every fan of the Indian, specifically Hindi, movie industry is mourning the loss of the charismatic Rajesh Khanna, the nation's first superstar who swept every woman off her feet during his peak in the 1970s. His mannerisms, songs and innocence captivated the heart of every movie-goer, and all the articles I read, since I wasn't born until the next decade, claim that no one has ever commanded that kind of popularity since. He was, quite literally, a craze. Women used to kiss his car windows, touch the ground beneath his car tires to feel closer to him, and send him countless letters in blood!!!
Ironically, though, his meteoric rise was only rivaled by his meteoric fall, and at the time of his death, he was nothing but a forgotten shadow of his past. His ego, alcoholism, controversial personal life and poor movie choices ensured his downfall completely. Nonetheless, his death inspired millions to brave the harsh monsoon rains in Mumbai, India to attend his funeral. The forgotten legend during his lifetime has now been immortalized after death.
Ironically, though, his meteoric rise was only rivaled by his meteoric fall, and at the time of his death, he was nothing but a forgotten shadow of his past. His ego, alcoholism, controversial personal life and poor movie choices ensured his downfall completely. Nonetheless, his death inspired millions to brave the harsh monsoon rains in Mumbai, India to attend his funeral. The forgotten legend during his lifetime has now been immortalized after death.
What is it about movie stars (around the world) that inspires such fanaticism? Why do we dedicatedly love the mavens of the glamour world, knowing very well that their on-screen persona is just a facade. We don't know what lurks beneath those pretty faces and polished diplomacy. What's worse, despite knowing the horror stories of some stars, we continue placing them on a pedestal. We idolize them. We defend them. We fight among ourselves to prove THEIR superiority. Why? Is it because they unlock a magical, perfect, idyllic world through their roles and performances? Are we so enchanted by their beauty and poise on-screen that we are often willing to ignore the potential reality? Do we associate their roles with their personality? That is, if an actress plays a faultless angel on screen, do we immediately believe that such a natural performance is not possible unless they embody the same virtues in real life? In an era where it's difficult to trust your own kith and kin, how do we have the courage to trust complete strangers?
On my part, I am devoted to certain celebrities because their performances keep me happy. They make me smile. They make me cry. They make me FEEL. But, again, I don't know them, and hence my obsession is still confusing. For instance, I am an ardent, ardent, ardent (haha) fan of an Indian actress called Madhuri Dixit. To me, she is the epitome of grace, womanhood, expressiveness, talent and modesty. I get irritated when anyone makes a less-than-flattering comment about her. I have stopped liking people because they don't share my adoration and admiration for her.
Objectively, my behavior is irritational, but when has obsession ever been rational? Obsession is, by definition, insane, and insanity is never a quality to be proud of. Still, when she responded to one of my Facebook comments on her page today, I jumped with joy. I called this 'the happiest moment of my life', (only to learn from a fellow fan that the person who responded isn't actually the movie star, but a member of her fan club!!!!). And if something bad ever happens to Dixit, I might very well swim in depression. Why do I feel this extreme sense of connection and bonding with her? I feel almost silly writing about this, but the 'moviestar-mania' that grips nations is mind-boggling, isn't it?
Would love to hear all your thoughts...so 'comment' away!
On my part, I am devoted to certain celebrities because their performances keep me happy. They make me smile. They make me cry. They make me FEEL. But, again, I don't know them, and hence my obsession is still confusing. For instance, I am an ardent, ardent, ardent (haha) fan of an Indian actress called Madhuri Dixit. To me, she is the epitome of grace, womanhood, expressiveness, talent and modesty. I get irritated when anyone makes a less-than-flattering comment about her. I have stopped liking people because they don't share my adoration and admiration for her.
Objectively, my behavior is irritational, but when has obsession ever been rational? Obsession is, by definition, insane, and insanity is never a quality to be proud of. Still, when she responded to one of my Facebook comments on her page today, I jumped with joy. I called this 'the happiest moment of my life', (only to learn from a fellow fan that the person who responded isn't actually the movie star, but a member of her fan club!!!!). And if something bad ever happens to Dixit, I might very well swim in depression. Why do I feel this extreme sense of connection and bonding with her? I feel almost silly writing about this, but the 'moviestar-mania' that grips nations is mind-boggling, isn't it?
Would love to hear all your thoughts...so 'comment' away!
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