People in Lebanon are a big fan of our dear Bollywood. They know all the actors, films, and songs! Bollywood connects me to these people. Every time we meet, they ask me how is Amitabh Bachchan doing. I secretly wish that I knew him that well to know how he was doing! I feel like I am the 'focal point' between the Bollywood actors and these lovely people! I should really thank the Indian filmmakers for all the good-bad films they have made as they bring me a bit closer to my new friends; which otherwise was a bit difficult considering that I still am struggling to speak their language!
Recently, I got to know an adorable Lebanese family. When I visited their place, their mother was really happy to meet someone from 'India'. The initial formalness disappeared when we discussed Bollywood and her favourite actors such as Shammi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan etc.! She told me that when she was young, around 30-35 years ago, she and her sisters were allowed to watch only Indian films and not the Hollywood hits, let alone their own Arabic films. I was very surprised at this revelation and when asked why, she said, "the reason was simple! Only Indian films showed the love for family, it had spectacular sets and beautiful songs and dances! My parents disapproved of all that intimacy shown in the Hollywood films and violence in Arabic Films. So, I love the Hindi films since then!" Wallah!
Apparently, in Lebanon, they stream Zee TV where the Bollywood aficionados can watch all old-new Bollywood Masala films! When we turned on the Zee TV that evening, to my most wonderful surprise, the evergreen "Andaz Apna Apna" was playing and the "Crime Master Gogo" was in full swing and that too, in Arabic! The icing on the cake was when she sang "Chahe mujhe koi jungli kahe" and "ayayyo sukku sukku"!! I couldn't believe my ears that I was listening to these songs from an old sweet Lebanese lady in her house in Beirut, miles and miles away from home! Talk about randomness!
Last week I visited one of the schools in Lebanon's largest Palestinian Refugee camps for work. After the usual introductions, the school principal got to know that I was from India. He told me immediately that he was in love with Bollywood and he especially adores Aamir Khan and Anil Kapoor! Apparently, the film 'Disco Dancer' affected him so much in his adolescence that it changed his perspectives about life!! (Jeez! 'Life-changing' Disco Dancer? I should really check that film out!) He was very happy to retrieve that film after a long search for it and now apparently he has it on his laptop and listens to the songs all the time! He even offered me to bring some films on USB if I wanted! I politely refused his offer considering the general awkwardness in the room and joined my boss for the presentation.
Apparently, in Lebanon, they stream Zee TV where the Bollywood aficionados can watch all old-new Bollywood Masala films! When we turned on the Zee TV that evening, to my most wonderful surprise, the evergreen "Andaz Apna Apna" was playing and the "Crime Master Gogo" was in full swing and that too, in Arabic! The icing on the cake was when she sang "Chahe mujhe koi jungli kahe" and "ayayyo sukku sukku"!! I couldn't believe my ears that I was listening to these songs from an old sweet Lebanese lady in her house in Beirut, miles and miles away from home! Talk about randomness!
Last week I visited one of the schools in Lebanon's largest Palestinian Refugee camps for work. After the usual introductions, the school principal got to know that I was from India. He told me immediately that he was in love with Bollywood and he especially adores Aamir Khan and Anil Kapoor! Apparently, the film 'Disco Dancer' affected him so much in his adolescence that it changed his perspectives about life!! (Jeez! 'Life-changing' Disco Dancer? I should really check that film out!) He was very happy to retrieve that film after a long search for it and now apparently he has it on his laptop and listens to the songs all the time! He even offered me to bring some films on USB if I wanted! I politely refused his offer considering the general awkwardness in the room and joined my boss for the presentation.
The school which we visited yesterday was in one of the most orthodox areas. On such visits my main work is to take pics of students talking, participating in the discussions and of the general ambience of the school along while helping my boss for the presentation. All girls yesterday wore 'hijab' and were very shy. They would turn their face the moment they saw my camera in action. I was a bit disappointed as I couldn't take many pictures and was waiting at the entrance of the hall after the presentation. To my surprise, a group of few girls approached me and asked me if I was really from India. They had asked my boss about it and wanted to confirm! When they got the expected answer, I could see the thrill on their faces! Probably I was the first Indian they were ever meeting! They shook hands with me, asked me if I had Facebook. Of course, Bollywood had made this contact possible. To my own surprise, this time, it was "Shahid Kapoor" who was in demand. I was awestruck! Never expected this! One of the girls sang some song which I remembered faintly and asked me to sing along! Talking to these girls made me forget my disappointment and I was very happy that they were opening up and trying their best to talk in English! It was far more rewarding. Shukran Bollywood!
There have been many such incidences but these three were unforgettable! However, I must mention that our Indianness is limited to only our films and the other aspects of our culture, except spices, have failed to reach Lebanon!
But I am looking forward to more such encounters hoping and counting on the Bollywood connection, till I learn some Arabic! This way I can open them the other doors of our culture!!
1 comment:
WOW nice experience Devaki!!!!
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