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How many times have we seen or heard people
setting themselves on fire for their family member or a close one,
for that matter? Well, zilch is the answer! But, surprisingly when
a film star is in question - whether he is on his deathbed or is already
dead - fan frenzy starts soaring to the core.
So, is there any limit to this madness? What's the power that makes
celebrities nothing less than the Almighty?
Recently, when Salman Khan, was jailed (though a short stint), housewives
skipped their lunch, people left their work mid-way, lovers cancelled
their dates, fans thronged outside the jail for a glimpse of the hottest
hunk of Bollywood. And not just that, many fellow celebrities also
turned out to support the star.
The issue, of a superstar being jailed, became such a hot topic of
discussion for everyone that it must have the fan power which finally
led to Salman Khan's freedom from jail, after spending merely three
agonizing days in Jodhpur jail. The actor was branded a criminal!
But, do fans care? No way!
So, what really is the thought process involved among the masses?
Delhi-based psychiatrist Samir Parekh explains the reason for fetish
behaviour. "Most of the film stars who are worshipped as demi-Gods
are usually successful individuals. They reflect a sense of achievement,
moreover because they have contributed for in the public sphere as
well.
"Most of the stars have a mass following. Public want someone
they can look up to, someone they can identify with. Most importantly,
a common person looks for someone they see as an extension of self.
Film celebrities portray a character that fans relate to. Fans are
able to feel the highs and lows of the mass icon. Here comes a dilution
between real and reel life, which is not a good sign because the individual
self get diluted when the person starts worshipping someone who is
actually not the Almighty."
Fans have the power to either make or break a star. When Amitabh Bachchan
met with serious illness last year, public went nothing short of being
mad as it brought back the haunted memories of Coolie days, when Amitabh
got a fatal hit in the paunch by a fellow star.
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