Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia recalled an old incident where a catering worker touched a Bollywood actress’s feet at his home. The act left his American guests stunned and confused. Bhatia said, “I won’t name her.” He used this story to show how celebrity worship is deeply connected to Indian society.
Sabeer Bhatia has recalled an old incident at his home when a catering worker recognised a Bollywood actress and reacted in a way that left his American guests puzzled.
Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia has recalled an old incident involving a Bollywood actress that made his American guests question the way celebrities are treated in India. He shared the story while reflecting on celebrity culture.
Bhatia said the incident happened years ago when he hosted a gathering at his home. A popular Bollywood actress was among the guests, but he chose not to reveal her name.
A Catering Worker Recognised The Actress
Bhatia had arranged food from an Indian restaurant for the gathering. During the event, one of the catering workers recognised the actress.
According to Bhatia, the man put down his tray and touched the actress’s feet. He then went further and lay flat on the floor in front of her. The reaction surprised Bhatia’s American guests, who did not understand why a film star would receive such a response.
They kept asking who the actress was and why the worker had touched her feet. Bhatia said explaining the cultural meaning behind the gesture was not easy for him.
Bhatia Reflects On Celebrity Culture In India
Looking back at the incident, Bhatia said the memory stayed with him for years. He used it to raise a larger question about the way public figures are treated in India.
The entrepreneur suggested that celebrity worship is deeply connected to Indian society. He said behaviour that may seem normal to many Indians can appear very unusual to people from other countries.
Bhatia did not identify the actress involved in the incident, saying, “I won’t name her".
Users Debate Whether Celebrity Worship Is Unique
The post led to different views from users. Some agreed with Bhatia and said the incident showed how strongly people can treat celebrities and other influential figures.
One user argued that this kind of behaviour reflects a wider issue in Indian society. The commenter said excessive respect for powerful people can create a “master-servant" mindset and make social progress harder. The same user also shared a personal example, saying they felt uncomfortable when hotel staff in India constantly saluted them or gave them special attention at luxury properties.
Others disagreed with the idea that celebrity worship is mainly an Indian trait. One user pointed to the way famous personalities are admired in other countries as well. The commenter mentioned former US President Barack Obama, saying academics, media figures, entertainers and ordinary people have also shown strong admiration for him.
The response argued that putting public figures on a pedestal is not limited to India and can be seen in different societies around the world.