Switzerland embraces Sridevi’s influence to promote tourism industry
It is a well-known fact that a significant number of Indians are influenced by movies when it comes to choosing their travel destinations. Hence, the news of a proposed statue of the renowned actress Sridevi being erected in Switzerland, following the installation of a statue of the late filmmaker Yash Chopra in Interlaken a few years ago, comes as no surprise.
Switzerland’s decision to install a statue of Sridevi suggests that the country is counting on attracting Indian tourists who will want to take pictures with the statue. It is likely that the reason why there are no statues of Shahrukh Khan, despite the popularity of his movies such as Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (DDLJ), Kuch Hota Hai (KKHH), and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (K3G) in picturesque Swiss or British locations, is due to the convention of only creating posthumous commemorations through statues.
It is worth noting that exceptions to the posthumous commemoration convention have been made in the past for world leaders like Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose statues were erected during their lifetimes, as well as for more local figures like Mayawati. Nonetheless, it appears that the proposed statue of Sridevi in Switzerland will follow the traditional protocol of being installed after the person’s passing.
It is important to note that floating balloon likenesses do not qualify as statues. While film stars may not have been commemorated through statues during their lifetimes, they have been given generous representation through wax statues at Madame Tussaud’s.
Sadly, the time may be past for Raj Kapoor’s statue to be installed in foreign climes as film fans here and abroad have moved on; but he remains India’s most remembered film ambassador.
Regrettably, it may be too late to install a statue of Raj Kapoor in a foreign country as film enthusiasts both in India and abroad have shifted their focus to more recent stars. Nonetheless, Raj Kapoor remains one of India’s most celebrated film ambassadors and is fondly remembered for his contributions to the Indian film industry.
Source: https://bit.ly/3TrrbnA
