Celebrity Worship…
On another forum, a question was raised thus:
“Be it a cine actor or a sportsman or anyone else, most of those who are hero-worshipped seem caught up in some issue or the other. In a negative vein. If one were to look at the most celebrated personalities in India, they are right there – with tax evasion allegations, dabbling with dirty politicians, land grabbing at the expense of lesser folks who are displaced and have their normal lives disrupted, underworld connections, betting racket connections, relationship controversies etc.
Are these mortals really role models? Why then is there such a huge fan following for them as individuals? Sure, we can appreciate and acknowledge and put our hands together for their performances in their chosen field.
Can’t it stop there?The emotionally charged arguments and discussions that crop up when the person in question is discussed makes me wonder!
Do we need these heroes? Can’t we do without such hero-worship? Can’t we have some ordinary folks in our lives whom we interact and come across as heroes instead?”
My response to that first takes off from the Watchmen, that classic graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons:
“As I see it, part of the art of being a hero is knowing when you don’t need to be one anymore, realizing that the game has changed and that the stakes are different and that there isn’t necessarily a place for you in this strange new pantheon of extraordinary people. The world has moved on, and I’m content to watch it from my armchair with a beer by my side and the smell of fresh oil still on my fingers.”
I too think the world moves on and with them the heroes of an earlier time, giving place to newer heroes. In this vein, a few actors and actresses from yesteryear Indian cinema who have gracefully exited when this realization dawned. However, most of them continue to wear their game-face in a manner by which the persona takes over the person. And in that process, they believe themselves infallible and expect to be treated so.
Take the case of Sushmita Sen, who is still arguing with the customs authorities over her illegal import of an four-wheeler by abusing the Transfer of Residency Rules and subsequent evasion of customs duties. Last I heard, she pleaded that she is a good and respectable citizen of India and this is her first misdemeanour so she should be let off. I lost respect for her when I read about that. Taking cover under the cloak of Indian citizenship on the one hand while not adhering to the fundamental duties in our constitution… Shameful!!!
Also, human nature being what it is, its like watching a car crash and perversely wishing we were a part of it if only to get our two-minute share of the limelight… And when we do not succeed, we lavish that pent up energy on the ones that managed to win the lottery at the genetic bank…
And lastly, we are so caught up with the “Will the doctor with a cure for cancer sit the fuck down, what’s Madonna wearing to the club this Saturday evening” syndrome that we fail to recognise ordinary heroes, let alone appreciate them.
Cheers
S