We saw Shahrukh Khan's Bollywood video tribute to Michael Jackson on Saturday. Michael Jackson was a major influence on Bollywood stars. Everyone sings "he was the sound of our music and our lives" in the tribute. While everyone is affected by the loss of MJ, I also think they are identifying with the pressures of the entertainment industry.
The pressures of the entertainment industry are never ending. So what do you do about it? Sonu Niigaam had some smart riffs on the music industry and its conventional dogmatism. I think Sonu has it right, go outside the industry to talk directly with fans through new media like Facebook. Sonu said he has hopes to build an independent music industry through new methods like the one he used to create his MJ tribute.
Bollywood stars face a lot of pressure and that's not going to change. But we're seeing stars take the lead on new methods and creating new expectations. I like this a lot better than some of the typical complaints we hear.
Even the pressure for women to be thin in Bollywood is changed. While of course Rani Mukherji had to be thin for her comeback, even dropping to 108 pounds, she did it through yoga instead of some diet frenzy. Of course, it could have included both, who knows. Still!
My point is, that Bollywood stars came together to reflect on one icon and his life within the industry. What they are also doing is changing their expectations of the industry! Instead of feeling the pressure, they're creating new ways to connect with their fans and hold their own amidst all the pressure. I like the new lead some of Bollywood is taking!
More Chatter...
Kylie Minogue and A.R. Rahman finally let us see "Chiggy Wiggy." They look great, but most of us left disappointed.
Shahrukh Khan is everyone's target these days! Salman Khan lashed out at him this week too. Did Salman hit a nerve, is Shahrukh really insecure? Maybe, no response so far.
Sonu Niigaam is so excited about Facebook and its potential for new music collaborations. Just wait till he twitters, there will be no stopping him!
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