There are people in the world you do great things and achieve so much success. These are the people who are thought to be the change makers, the ones who are stars of their fields. Although, they are individuals with extremely successful careers, often people tend to worship them. Some people believe that they are simply successful individuals, while many others tend to worship them.
Who are the most popular singers or groups in your country?
India has some legendary singers to its bucket list. There is Lata Mangeshkar who is thought to be the nightingale of our country. Then, we have A.R Rehman, also Sonu Nigam, Asha Bhosle, Mohit Chauhan are some of the reigning superstars of our country. From the past, we had some great singers like, Mukesh, Kishore, Rafi. These were the singers who are thought to be great at what they do.
What are some crazy examples of fan worship you have heard of?
India being such a vast country, there is so much that you hear, all of that being so unique. There are temples in South India for superstars like Rajnikanth, Amitabh Bachchan and others. Even pundits go to these film stars home to get prashad for the worshippers. There have been cases when people have modified their appearances to such an extent when they start looking like their film stars. People have even gone out to propose their favorite stars and so much more.
How far is too far when talking about fan worship?
I think when fans start interfering into the personal life of their superstars, that is when it becomes too far. When they start believing that they own a particular superstar, it becomes irritating. There have been cases when people have gone out of their way too much just for a star. For example, recently in our country Anushka Sharma was shamed a lot because of his connection with Virat Kohli and Virat’s poor performance. People linked the two and caused rift in the pair’s personal relation. This I think was too far.
Is there any particular band that you are huge fan of?
Oh, Yes! I am in love with One Direction. I think they sing superb and the music and the beats it is so great that just listening to their song once is not enough. The videos are good and the meaning of their songs is even more beautiful.
What were some of the groups that you really loved when you were younger?
When I was young, I remember following Pussycat dolls a lot. I really did liked their songs. Some of them like, When I grow up. This was the song that I used to hear a lot and would imagine myself doing all of these things said in the lyrics.
Who do you think promotes superstars?
I think superstars never promote themselves on their own. They have their marketing teams and all of those academicians out there to help them. From the very basics to the things that they like, everything is put out in such a manner as if they are trying to sell the superstar and it does help. The more brand image a superstar carries, more are the chances of them being successful.
Do you think superstars should be given the importance they are being showered with?
Superstars are doing a great job entertaining people, be it in the field of music or films. But, in my opinion, they are given much more importance than they deserve. There are so many others who do deserve the respect and the fame superstars are given. For example, we have our soldiers who are doing a great job, helping our country and the people live a peaceful life. And then there are so many other sportsmen who are not given the due respect even thought they outshine themselves at the world stage.
Why do you think certain entertainers live such a long life of success while others tend to lose it quickly?
In my opinion, it is more about consistent hard work. There are people who even after gaining success are constantly improving themselves and these are the ones who tend to stay successful for long time. The ones who stop practicing after gaining a short stint at success tend to fall out.
Who is your favorite superstar and why?
My favorite has to be Priyanka Chopra. I admire her more than any one else out there. She has been a great model, great actress, singer and such a philanthropist. All of that on her own. There were times in our country when women were not respected as much in terms of money and the job that they take. But, this girl went out and changed the way things are there. She has worked with some great artists and yet maintained her own identity.
