Most people have a role model. They can be teachers, sports persons and even film actors. However, it is rare that some of the fans who look like their idols eventually end up copying them in real life. Syed Shadab Ali Gillani met a few celebrity doppelgangers to understand their fascination for the actor they like, copy and love
In the captivating dimension of celebrity culture, a curious phenomenon unfolds as fervent fans venture beyond admiration and delve into the fascinating lives of their idols. A tapestry of motivations weaves this intricate tale, as fans enthralled by the allure of a seemingly enchanted existence, seek inspiration and solace in the aspirational allure that the celebrity lifestyle embodies, momentarily escaping the confines of their realities.
This passionate pursuit becomes an act of self-expression and metamorphosis, as fans harness the energy of their beloved stars to fashion their own identity, experimenting with threads of fashion, creativity, and individuality. Over the years, the rise of celebrity doppelgangers has left fans awe-struck and taken the social media landscape by storm.
Kashmir, too, has its fair share of Bollywood look-alikes. From Junaid Shah, a striking resemblance to Ranbir Kapoor, to Tariq Mir, who mirrors the likeness of Peter Dinklage, numerous individuals in Kashmir have gained recognition as celebrity look-alikes through their social media presence.
A Sunny Deol’s Look-alike
Mudassir Ahmed Lone has a fascinating story. A resident of picturesque Pahalgam, it was his teacher who first noticed the uncanny resemblance and uttered the words, “You look like Sunny Deol.”
Inspired by this observation, Mudassir began mimicking Sunny Deol’s actions and delivery, immersing himself in the world of his favourite star. “People used to tell me that I resemble Sunny Sir. Intrigued, I started watching his movies, and now I am his huge fan,” Mudassir shares with enthusiasm.
Nowadays, Mudassir often finds himself approached by admirers who cannot resist the urge to capture a moment with him. “People have shown immense love and affection towards me. They come up to me to take pictures or record videos,” he reveals, touched by the support he has received.
Harnessing the power of social media, particularly Instagram, Mudassir creates captivating videos and reels, expertly mimicking Sunny Deol’s famous scenes and delivering his popular dialogues.
Social Media Challenges
Unsurprisingly, he has amassed a substantial following on Instagram, where the majority of comments he receives are positive. “The response on my Instagram account has been overwhelmingly positive, and it brings me great joy and satisfaction,” he confesses.
However, Mudassir has decided to distance himself from Facebook due to the negative comments he encountered there. “I deleted my Facebook account because of the negativity that prevailed on that platform,” he admits. Nevertheless, he recently embarked on a journey on YouTube, expanding his reach and connecting with a broader audience.
While Mudassir’s passion for impersonating Sunny Deol remains his primary focus, he also manages his restaurant in the scenic Pahalgam area and engages in various other part-time occupations.
In a world where social media can transform lives and open doors to unexpected opportunities, Mudassir stands as a testament to the captivating allure of celebrity look-alikes. Witnessing the overwhelming love and admiration from people, Mudassir’s family gradually came to support his choice. “Initially, they were hesitant, but as my following grew, their perspective changed,” he reveals. “The environment here in Pahalgam posed challenges, but things are improving now.”
“For the past 15 years, I have been an ardent fan of Sunny Sir, and I’ve been acting like him,” Mudassir shares. “I even participated in a program in Betaab Valley where I portrayed him. However, I eventually stopped doing shows.”
With a determined spirit, Mudassir plans to continue entertaining people through his videos. He cherishes a dream of meeting his inspiration, Sunny Deol, someday. “Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to meet him yet, but I am actively working towards it,” he states.
A desi Mithun Chakraborty
Another prominent figure in the region is the Amitabh Bachchan and Mithun Chakraborty look-alike.
Farooq Ahmad Wani, a resident of Srinagar and proprietor of a vegetable shop on Hari Singh Street, has been an ardent Mithun fan for the past four decades. “It all began with Mithun’s film Tarana. People started calling me his doppelganger, and I began imitating his style and dancing to his songs in my locality,” Farooq recalls. “I adorned my room and workspace with his posters, and this brought me fame within my community.”
With an infectious smile, Farooq reminisces about his encounters with Mithun. “I had the opportunity to meet Mithun several times during his film shoots in Kashmir and once at his residence in Mumbai,” Farooq said. “We sat together, had tea, and when I showed him my photo album, he was amazed by the multitude of photographs capturing our resemblance. It brought me immense joy.”
Recalling a visit to Mithun’s residence, Farooq recounts, “Mithunwas delighted to learn that I had come from Kashmir to meet him. He invited me inside, but I expressed my contentment in merely seeing him.”
Regarding his presence on social media platforms, Farooq admits that he refrains from using them personally. Nonetheless, his fame has transcended through social media, making him known to many.
While Farooq may shy away from virtual reality, his presence resonates far beyond the digital landscape.
Influence and Impact
Within the heart of Srinagar, where the bustling streets come alive with vibrant colours and the aroma of delicacies, Farooq’s Mithun persona has become a symbol of joy and entertainment. Visitors flock to his shop not only to purchase fresh produce but also to bask in the infectious energy that radiates from his uncanny resemblance to his actor.
Visitors frequent Farooq’s shop solely to capture pictures or videos with him. “People appreciate me, and often I discover that I have gone viral on Facebook,” he excitedly shares.
When discussing his family, Farooq reveals that they have always been supportive of his endeavours. “They know about my passion for emulating Mithun, so they have never discouraged me,” he affirms. Running his vegetable shop for the past ten years, Farooq proudly states, “Everyone knows me as Mithun, and that brings me immense happiness. If you ask anyone to take you to my shop, just mention that you want to visit Mithun’s shop, and they will guide you to me.”
The Amitabh Copy
Alyas is yet another character who bears an uncanny resemblance to the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. From his stature to his fashion sense and even his hairstyle, Alyas is a spitting image of the iconic Bollywood superstar known for his commanding presence and distinctive voice.
Having completed his law degree from the University of Kashmir, he currently practices as a lawyer at the High Court in Srinagar. Originally from Mendher in Poonch district, Alyas arrived in Kashmir in 2015 and now resides in Hazratbal. “I am planning to build my own house here,” he reveals, envisioning a future in the city.
“As a tall person, I realised that certain clothes did not suit me. It was my tailor, Alam Khan, who suggested that I adopt the Amitabh Bachchan style,” Alyas said. Since that moment, Alyas has embraced the legendary actor’s fashion choices, and his barber even advised him on adjusting his hairstyle accordingly.
“Since I reached adulthood, I’ve always wanted to maintain a distinct and individual personality. That is why I adopted this dressing style,” he said.
Personal Style and Impact
Maintaining his distinctive appearance comes with its challenges. “I have trained myself to manage my dressing style with ease. However, it can be challenging when I go shopping for clothing. I have to carefully choose colours to keep the outfit balanced,” He said. “All of my attire is custom-made, and I invest a significant amount in maintaining my costumes. Even my socks are branded. I also ordered customised shoes to complement my outfits.”
In the diverse world of celebrity look-alikes, Mudasir and Alyas represent the passion and dedication that fuels their striking resemblances to Sunny Doel and Amitabh Bachchan, respectively. Their stories showcase how a deep admiration for these iconic figures can inspire individuals to embrace their uniqueness and captivate the imagination of those around them.
Alyas emphasises that on social media platforms, he consistently receives motivation from netizens to maintain his distinctive style. “I receive abundant positive feedback, and it seems that people genuinely appreciate me in this attire,” Alyas shares with confidence.
Alyas’s sartorial choices serve as a bold proclamation, a testament to the power of self-expression. In a world that yearns for authenticity, Alyas becomes a living embodiment of embracing one’s distinctiveness, inspiring others to shed their inhibitions and embrace their true selves. Whether he is strolling through the crowded streets of Srinagar or gracing the corridors of the High Court, Alyas stands as a symbol of audacity and individuality, a testament to the transformative power of fashion and personal style.
“Negative comments do not affect me at all,” he asserts, emphasising his unwavering commitment to maintaining a positive mindset.
Interestingly, Alyas’s striking looks and unique dressing style have attracted several offers from Bollywood movies. “People hold me in high regard,” he acknowledges. “They respect me to such an extent that if I were to visit a shop without any money, they would still extend their generosity.”
Alyas also mentions that people frequently approach him to capture pictures and videos, further showcasing the fascination he evokes among admirers.
However, there’s a surprising twist in Alyas’s story. Despite being dubbed as Kashmir’s Amitabh Bachchan, he reveals that he is not a fan of the legendary actor. “Although I respect him as an actor, I am not his fan, nor do I follow his work,” Alyas clarifies, adding an intriguing layer to his unique journey.
