Hassles of Fame
In this instalment of “Hassles of Fame”, TV and film actress Tisha talks about the predicaments she faces thanks to her growing popularity:
When I was a child, I used to hear that ‘hassle’ always accompany fame. Reading about celebrities made me chuckle at times. But as my face became more visible in the media, I got a firsthand experience of the troubles fame brings.
It is natural for fans to seek autographs, and it’s also fun for me to meet fans during my shooting break. But when they form a mob, it’s usually troublesome. Posing for pictures with fans is no hassle, unless someone starts taking random snaps with their cell phones without my consent.
Another problem I face is the limitation to roam around and do what I want. Even if I want to have a plate of phuchka in between my shooting hours, there’s always a crowd milling around me. Sometimes when I go shopping without a burqa — the extent of the hassles can be seen. Even the shopkeeper raises the price when he realises who I am.
The most irritating price to pay for fame is unwanted phone calls. This is the reason I don’t always answer all calls. But somehow the fans find a way to get their hands on my number and call at odd hours. Instead of treating me like a fellow human being, they consider me only a “star”.
When in overseas I don’t face much trouble unless a fellow Bangladeshi recognises me and comes up to me; but in the country it’s always a different story. Even if I travel to Cox’sbazaar for a shoot there’s always a crowd forming around me.
I’ve also faced hassles mid-air. When flying, passengers sometimes try to take a peek at me and ask for autographs. They also praise or criticise me for my works. But when someone wants to take a picture mid-flight, it always irritates me.
In the end I have to admit that there are two sides of the coin of fame. I have to face what I dislike because that’s how the fans express their love and admiration towards my work. That is a great achievement.
Courtesy of The Daily Star
