BEWITCHED BY BOLLYWOOD

I wonder if you are done arguing about Dato' Shah Rukh Khan. I am also wondering whether the star himself appreciates the honour or worse, whether he knows that he is honoured so.

I guess many Malaysians could not help falling under the spell of Bollywood. Even Steven Spielberg (who is definitely not a Malaysian) bade farewell to Paramount to make pictures with a Bollywood mogul.

Once upon a time in Terengganu, every time a Hindustani film (then without subtitles) plays in Capitol Cinema, many households would lose eggs if not their chicken from their reban. 5 eggs sold would buy a 3rd class ticket. A chicken would make the seller sit in "Reserve" seats with change to spare for kacang putih. Popcorn wasn't in vogue yet. The Kapoor Brothers were as popular as P.Ramlee and S. Roomai Nor. Now it is Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan or even Saif Ali Khan who is currently pushing my favourite shampoo. Anyone out there a fan of Genghis Khan?

Shah Rukh is a competent actor and a successful one. Whether he deserves a Malaysian datukship or not is another question. Maybe one should sing and dance around a tree first and after 5 costume changes one should get an answer.

Labels: Bollywood, Datuk Shah Rukh Khan