Well, if you’re thinking that this article is about his films and all the splendid work he does, you’re not thinking differently. This isn’t about the great Ananth Mahadevan we all know; rather, it’s about this humble and enlightened man I know. I’m a selfish man, and all the articles on this blog are always about me — to an extent.
I’m always sitting in a corner with my questions. But the first question is how, in this age of vanity and madness, did a common man get access to a cinematic celebrity in the first place? The answer to this question isn’t even clear to me, but when I say that he’s a friend, I mean we’re friends on Facebook.
It all started somewhere in 2009-10 when I joined social networking sites to make social friends. I wasn’t satisfied with what I had and started sending unethical friend requests to strangers — many times to Bollywood celebrities whom I admired all my life or just to look cool and connected. I sent a friendship request to many, including this gentleman. And guess what, he was humble and accepted my request.
For many years, when I was on my ego trip because I’d a few popular film celebrities in my friend list. But, as usual, I was blind to see that none ever responded. I still chose to be blind till 2014-15, while I was on an inner journey, and realized that it’s not about numbers or people in my friend list; it’s about the people who care and connect. I realized this and removed all of them except this gentleman — he was the only one who responded sometimes.
I’ve seen him in films since childhood, but I got to know a completely different perspective about him through this social media friendship. Although it was never about asking for any favors, rather just about admiration, this friend never-ever questioned me about my unsolicited friendship request. I don’t know why he accepted my request, but I’m grateful for this gesture.
If you need to know the character of a man observe the way he interacts with a stranger.
Mahatma Gandhi
If we consider the above quote, he’s the only man from the film fraternity who has interacted with me — however small the interactions were. This is the part that has touched my heart, and I’m writing this post. I understand that it’s not ethical to send friend requests to people you don’t know, especially celebrities, but I made a mistake, and I ain’t regretful about the last one whom I didn’t unfriend.
Whatever happened is gone, but he’s the only man who has still kept a stranger like me on his friend list, and I have kept him on mine as a reminder of unquestioned humanity and compassion.
In 2017, I was fortunate enough to meet him personally and take his autograph in my autograph book.
