These celebrity lookalikes are affordable and available. That's why they were seen inaugurating shops and attending events this festive season, reports Nishant A Bhuse
Star struck
Not only are they super expensive, Bollywood stars are impossible to get hold of for guest appearances during festivals, so the small time businessmen and event organisers are settling for what's next best. They are replacing film and cricket stars with their duplicates.
'Sasta sunder kaam chalao' aapke dil ki tamanna bhi complete kare aur jeb bhi bhari rahe. There are no tensions and tantrums. Just pay off the cash and they arrive for your event and surprisingly, they are great crowd pullers," says Shantaram Pandit a proprietor of a garment showroom in Navi Mumbai, which was inaugurated on the eve of Diwali. The look-alike of actor Anil Kapoor attended the function.
"The lookalikes charge around Rs 25,000 for an appearance and attract hundreds of customers too," adds Pandit. Mid Day spoke to few lookalikes of stars who were in demand this Diwali and Eid. | Feroz (Amitabh Bachchan)
"My Babli aur Bunty getup is the craze in town. I inaugurated a saloon in Baroda a few days ago and hundreds of Big B fan thronged the venue, resulting in a gate crash," says Feroz, who is one of the most successful lookalikes of Big B and has attended more than 500 events.
Charges
Amitabh Bachchan: Rs 50 lakh to 1 crore.
Lookalike: Rs 20,000 to Rs 35, 000
Functions attended
Kaun Banega Lucky Dip, Sion Colony on Diwali; Bollywood Saloon, Baroda and Garment House, Shoes Place, a perfume shop, video game parlor, private IAS officer party and Eid Mela in Surat (Gujarat).
Arif Khan (Anil Kapoor)
"I visited seven venues as chief guest as Anil Kapoor is back in demand after Musafir," said Arif, who also entertained the guests with a five-minute imitation of Anil. "Bollywood stars are too pricey unless the organisers have some close connection with them. But lookalikes come at a small price and provide great entertainment as some of them are multi-talented dancers, singers and mimics," says Arif Khan, who arranges shows featuring lookalikes.
Charges
Anil Kapoor: Rs 5 to 10 lakh
Look Alike: Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000
Functions attended
Gulmohar Fashions, Vasai; Shreepati garments, Dhule; Niwas Mela, Thane; Sheetal Sweet Mart, Nagpur and Iqbal Flooring, Ahmednagar.
Balbir (Sachin Tendulkar)
"I am really lucky that Sachin paaji has come back into form, which has given me 12 shows and functions across the country," says Balbir.
Charges
Sachin Tendulkar: Rs 10 to Rs 20 lakhs as guest appearances by sportspersons are generally endorsed and on contract basis with agencies.
Lookalike: Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000
Functions attended
Mehra Classes in Ludhiana, King Sports, Allahabad; Poonam Shoes, Ghaziabad; Mahesh Food Court, Ashwini Jewellers, Shriya Cosmetics, Vicky Electronics, jeans store at Bhopal and Indore. Appearance at Eid celebrations in Lucknow.
Nirmal Guleri (Johnny Lever)
"As Johnny Bhai has reduced shows, I have got more chances to perform especially during Diwali and Eid," says Guleri, the only comedian lookalike, who is in public demand.
Charges
Johnny Lever: Rs 2 to 5 lakh per show
Look alike: Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000
Functions attended
Inauguration of jewellery shop at Ulhasnagar; Hasna mana hai show at Kalyan, Amarnath, Thane and Dombivli. Eid-e-Milad party at a four-star hotel in Bhayander.
Raja (Shah Rukh Khan)
"I have a series of shows lined up abroad. I could attend only three functions this Diwali and at present I am at an Eid event in Muscat," adds Raja who has a striking resemblance with King Khan and has a great stage presence.
Charges
Shah Rukh Khan: Rs 10 to 15 lakh for a 15 minute appearance.
Lookalike: Rs 20,000 to Rs 45, 000
Functions attended
Shiva Garments, Badlapur; Smartlook Salon, Igatpuri; Rash Fast Food Corner, Valsad; and an Haseena Event at Muscat | | |
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