After establishing a niche for itself in the United States, the United Kingdom and the Gulf countries,
Bollywood is now making people in the Scandinavian country of Norway ''sway to its
charms''.
Among a special favourite of people in Norway is Bollywood "youth icon" John Abraham whose recent
releases 'Dhoom' and 'Garam Masala' have been doing excellent business in the country, with the
VCDs of the two films selling like "hot cakes".
''People in Norway love John Abraham. In fact, his dashing act in 'Dhoom' and his 'comic timing' in
'Garam Masala' has people there asking for more,''former Miss Norway Anna Lena Hansen
says.
Talking here, Anna Lena, who features in the music video for the debut music album of Indian Idol
singer Ravinder Ravi, said she herself is a big fan of John.
''I just adore John. I loved his "dashing boy" act in 'Dhoom'.
More recently, his 'comic act' in 'Garam Masala' left me impressed,'' Anna Lena said.
Infact, it is the charm of Bollywood, replete with its 'song n dance' sequences and the slick action
sequences a'la 'Dhoom' symbolising the "new look" Bollywood, that impelled this Norwegian beauty
to appear in the music video, shot in the Spanish city of Barcelona.
''People in Norway are in love with Bollywood films and its stars like Shahrukh, John and Akshay
Kumar. They are specially glued to the song and dance sequences of the Bollywood films that exude
an "exotic" appeal.'' ''There is a huge part of Oslo that is like a "little India" where one can get the
VCD of any Bollywood film and which is full of restaurants offering Indian cuisine and department
stores selling Indian wardrobes,''she said.
Anna Lena's statement only reiterates reports of John's huge popularity in Scandinavian countries
largely because of his "Greek God looks and his "dashing" on screen persona.
Monday, January 23, 2006 13:14 IST