Indian superstars
I never understood why as Bangladeshis, we are so enamoured with Indian/Bollywood stars. I bring this issue up and it is most definitely an issue because of the love I see in my fellow countrymen for these so called superstars. I myself have seen one Bollywood movie in the past twenty years but I do know my mother loves Shabana Azmi as an actress and has been her fan since Shabana Azmi's debut on the golden screen. Recently, Ms. Azmi made an appearance in Bangladesh. She made an appearance last week at a prominent business tycoon's residence for dinner and snubbed a lot of these ladies(adoring fans) attending the party. Superstars never should forget what got them there - their FANS ! Ms. Azmi should do well to remember that the high precipice that she walks on was built by her fans. She should not be riding such a high horse just because a few adoring fans wanted their pictures taken with her.
Recently, I had the pleasure of working in an establishment where an evening, Mr. Tom Cruise was dining with movie producer/director David Cronenberg. Midway into their dinner, another guest at the establishment walked up to Mr. Cruise's table and started inquiring about Scientology. I thought you would have to be a complete fool to do something like that but surprisingly Mr. Tom Cruise spoke at length to this gentleman for at least 45 minutes (letting his entree go cold) and even got up and gave this person a goodbye hug. WOW ! I was blown away. This is why, Tom cruise is one of the biggest superstars on the planet. He always has time for his fans. Even I got in on the act - story for another day.
Ms. Azmi was a guest of Dhaka Club and was attending a soiree in her honour the following day. My mother wanted to meet Ms. Azmi and was invited to the function. When she got back, naturally I was inquisitive. My mother was very sad and irritated.
I echo these sentiments exactly. Apparently Ms. Azmi came to the event, complained about the smoke(non smoking room) and took off with her nose up in the air. I might not watch Hindi movies but I am pretty sure she has not been in a hit-movie for quite sometime. I actually feel sorry for old actresses who cannot hold candles anymore to the new breed and are withering away like dead flowers.
Moral of the story - next time give the money to charity when intentions are getting stars of Amisha Patel's calibre(have no idea who she is) for opening of clothing stores or even washed out Shabana Azmi for God only knows what and pronounce with a huge sign at the door that the money was donated to the ....... charity instead of the presence of so called superstars. I think people will appreciate that more.
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