India may be far from Tibet but not Bollywood as its songs and stars are very popular among the youths of this remote Himalayan region.
India may be far from Tibet but not Bollywood as its songs and stars are very popular among the youths of this remote Himalayan region who swear by the names of Shahrukh Khan and Ashwariya Rai.
The new generation Tibetan youth, who love to dress in jeans, drink coca cola or go to a disco, love to listen popular Hindi songs like "Pappu can't dance saala" (Jane Tu Ya Jaane Na) or "It's the time to disco.." (Kal Ho Na Ho) and wear kurta with capris.
"I love Hindi songs. I may not understand them but I like the beats and rhythm. They are a real treat," said Sounag Gentsen, who works with the Tibet Autonomous Region administration.
The DVDs and CDs of Bollywood movies and songs are easily available in the music shops of Lhasa's busy streets like North Nyngthan or Barriku. Most of them are allegedly smuggled into China through either Nepal or Hong Kong and are available at a price between 10 to 20 Yuan (Rs 70 to Rs 140 range).
"The peppy Indian numbers just drive us crazy. They have a fresh effervescence," said Dechu Dekyi Chudrun, who is currently pursuing her engineering degree in Sichuan province, said.
Many Tibetans love Bollywood stars so much that posters of Shahrukh, Ashwariya or Preity Zinta are easily spotted in homes, shops and city buses.
"Indian stars are very good looking. I love Shahrukh and Ashwariya," said Gentsen.
It is not only the songs and stars but Indian women's dress salwar kamiz is also very popular among the young Tibetan girls.
"I have two pairs of the Indian dress. It is my prized possession and I wear them on special occasions like birthday or parties," a 20-something Tibetan girl, who identified herself with her English name Diana, said.
She, however, could not say properly whether the Indian dresses are made in China itself or come from India.
There are many Tibetans, who have never seen a sari in real, but like it very much and are crazy to own one.
"I have seen saris only in films. They are so bright and colourful I just cannot describe it. A woman looks so gorgeous when she wears one," said Jessica, a salesgirl with a local departmental store.
Most of the Tibetans have no idea how to wear a sari and the materials used to make them but given a chance, they want to wear it any day.
"Will you gift me a sari if I visit Delhi one day?," asked Diana.
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