FAME: A paradox that intrigues and perplexes.

Fame is a state of being known, talked about or written about by many people, mainly because of notable achievements. Famous is a favourable character known for its public eminence and widespread reputation.

The negative side of Fame is like drinking seawater—it creates an unquenched thirst that intensifies the more you drink it.

 “Talent is God-given – be humble.

  Conceit is self-given – be careful.

  Fame is man-given – be grateful” . . . JOHN WOODEN.

Fame is worthy when earned and deserved through genuine and well-intentioned deeds. Unworthy Fame, sought after with an ulterior motive, is like a mirage in the desert. It may seem real from a distance, but it quickly evaporates upon closer inspection. The value of genuine and well-intentioned deeds in pursuing Fame cannot be overstated, as it is the foundation of lasting recognition.

Two flamboyant friends wanted to become famous despite having no talent or achievements to reach the pedestal. They decided to loot a bank and, in the process, killed a few people in the bank. The next day, they became famous and were on the front page of all news dailies. They were, however, doomed by the judiciary. Before kissing the gallows, they adulated each other for the Fame they earned.

Fame or infamy is a big enigma or paradox, but the consequences of seeking Fame through negative actions are clear and dire.

This instance validates this – ‘Life without fame can be good, but fame without life is no life at all.’

Despite the lack of vibrant social media and the internet, our forefathers and national and international celebrities gained Fame because of their deeds, charity, and philanthropy. Their names travelled the globe via mouth-to-mouth publicity and referrals.

People have bought ‘likes’ and paid the masses to flatter their laurels and make them famous. There is a sea difference between the Fame our ancestors endured or earned and what the neo-fame is trying to gather or beg.

Being ‘Famous’, an adjective, generally means that most people know the person. ‘Fame’, a noun, describes the state of a person being known. In other words, Fame is what you have, and Famous is what you are.

The issue is understanding and fathoming the genuineness and authenticity of the respect one gets for being famous. Everyone seems friendly and flattering. Every word uttered is a hymn, and every deed is a principle. You’re in a conversation, and everybody agrees with what you are saying—even if you say something crazy or irrational.

It would be best to have people tell you what you don’t want to hear or can’t tolerate.

‘I used to think I did the best poetry until I found a critic.’ RAJIV KHANDELWAL. 

With an aura of Fame or the tag of being famous, when you attend a social gathering, you don’t get to give a first impression any more. The world knows everything about you—what you eat and drink, your bathing soap, your wardrobe design, your undergarment brand, your perfume or cologne, your break-ups and recent relationships, etc … everything.

Fame, while alluring, also brings with it a ruthless invasion of privacy. The tragic fate of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, chased by paparazzi into Paris’s doomed Pont de l’Alma tunnel, is a stark reminder of this.

There is a price for being famous —

*Thousands of people smoke in public, but Mr Shahrukh Khan was banned from entry to Wankhede stadium for flaunting a fag.

*Richard Gere was socially ridiculed for publicly kissing Bollywood Diva — Shilpa Shetty.

*Three Bollywood heroes faced ire for promoting ‘Gutkha’ on social media.

Living their day-to-day lives in the public eye, many celebrities must contend with the fabrications and distortions of gossip columnists and the infatuation of stalkers who follow them everywhere, making their lives and families hell. They are being clicked on the moment they peep out of their window. Is the Fame worth it?

Can Mr Amitabh Bachchan ever think of candidly stopping at a Paani Poori Wala at a road crossing for a quick, delectable bite? How much time and energy does he forcefully spend selecting his wardrobe and dressing during every public appearance? Imagine how much he and celebrities like him have been missing in their lives.

Chasing Fame and wealth is like chasing the horizon. A famous and wealthy person doesn’t stop—he endeavours more, spreading his tentacles, crossing the local, city, state, country, international borders, and, if possible, intergalactic borders. This is the addiction and lust that goes relentlessly for the biggest PARADOX.

“What is Fame? The advantage of being known by people whom you know nothing and for whom you care as little.”

Fame is when my children are adulating me – ‘You’re the best Papa in the world.’

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