Mera Hero No. 1
The thought behind the recently released book titled, ‘101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived’ is simple; it basically aims to explain “how characters of myth, legends, television, and the movies have shaped our society, changed our behaviour and set the course of history”.
And what prompted the authors to come up with this idea?
Authors Allan Lazar, Dan Karlan and Jeremy Salter say: “The idea came to us that influential characters didn’t have to exist, that fictional characters were just as important in our lives, even in some cases more so than real people.”
Topping the list in a book is surprisingly The Marlboro Man - a 1950s marketing creation to boost cigarette sales. The book’s three US co-authors say that his biggest influence has been to cause the death of millions from cancer.
Only characters that have managed to “shape society, change our behaviour, and set the course of history” made the list. For example, the ever popular Barbie is ranked 43rd and is blamed for “setting an impossible standard for beauty and style”. Santa Claus is placed at number four position because he “makes us believe we are entitled to goodies just for living in an affluent society, and governs our entire economy for the last quarter of the year”.
Even the dreaded Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde made it to the list and that too at number ten position.
Now if the same philosophy is given a touch of our desi-tadka then the following fictional characters would definitely top my list.
Mr. India tops my list
Mr. India - He is in a way our very first super-hero. In short, knight in shining armor for us, the aam janta.
Umroa Jaan - The ultimate beauty and practically every man’s fantasy and every woman’s inspiration for eternal love.
Karamchand - Again, this dude could be regarded as our very first detective aka. Sherlock Holmes ka desi avatar. Plus he gave ‘Gajar’ a whole new personality.
Salim & Anarkali - A much more compassionate love-story in comparison to Romeo and Juliet.
And lastly from the recent times, I would be apna very own Circuit bhai. I mean who wouldn’t want a friend like him. He perfectly fits the phrase, “A friend in need is a friend in-deed”.
Now its your turn - Tell me who would you pick?
We all have a right to express our views. In many instances; it will be against ours and in some; with us. To hear them out is 'decency' but to let them get to you is 'weakness'. 
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2 comments | Leave your comment
Oct 20th, 2006 at 12:03 pm | #
Circuit and Mr. India in my list too…
She part of longest running ad-campaign in India and is so much into our lives. Every event and she comes up with some comments.
I would add Amul Girl too
Also the common-man, our own Desi version of a cartoon strip giving messages and influencing ppl for so long.
From one bro to other, add swami too
as the best kiddo having the most wonderful bachpan who never existed
Oct 21st, 2006 at 6:12 am | #
Salim was Akbar’s son in real life. He was the boy who lived. a real character. minor quibble.
the air india guy add to list.
mogambo
Gabbar
Vijay
Velu Nayakar
to add some of my own.
and happy diwali!!
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