What’s bringing Hollywood to India?

Baywatch star Pamela Anderson created quite a stir with her big entry in a reality show. Grease star John Travolta too had everyone dancing to his fingertips on his trip here, as did X-man Hugh Jackman. Several here can’t stop flaunting their association with Gerard Butler too.

Pearl Harbour Josh Hartnett’s India visit grabbed attention, as did Harvey Keitel’s Bollywood debut. Not just cricketer Shane Warne, even the rest can’t get enough of Elizabeth Hurley, while Sylvester 'Rocky' Stallone is expected to make his foray in Bollywood again…

While Hollywood names are fast becoming a staple diet here and champagne flutes are being clinked to celebrate their association with anything Indian, observers point out that many of these stars are in fact actually more in demand here than back home.

“Any out of work Hollywood star who needs an ego boost, should try making a trip here. The way the celebrities go all out to get a share of their international two-second handshake is enough to make them feel all-important once again,” says one film industry veteran. And though some are still calling the shots there, some are actually out of work too.

Anderson and Hurley for instance are not exactly hot property back home. Travolta, Stalone, Hartnett or Keitel too aren’t roaring at the Hollywood Box Office. The only exceptions are Butler and Jackman and even Jackman hadn’t had a single release last year.

However trade analyst Komal Nahta offers a different explanation. “Sly, Travolta or even Pamela are stars and will remain so for their fans irrespective of the work in hand. So, the excitement they create even among industry circles is understandable as most have grown up as their fans,” he says.

But they all do admit that most often than not, it’s a case of firang-fixation. Case in point being Kites actor Barbara Mori who was celebrated here as a Hollywood star when back home she only had one semi-hit Spanish film to her credit.

“Anything with a foreign tag gets more attention here, even back-up dancers. So, when it comes to stars, it’s hardly surprising that everyone wants to get that slice of international flavour,” quips another filmmaker.