Paparazzi culture not a reality in Bollywood

By Shilpa Jamkhandikar

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's newborn twins are hip in Hollywood but in India celebrity watching hasn't quite matched obsession levels in the West -- although experts warn that could soon change.

Reports of a $11 million deal for exclusive rights to the first photographs of the Brangelina babies may shock Indians today but there is no doubt Bollywood's influence is on the rise in a country where the lives of movie stars are staple fare on news channels.

"There is a rapidly changing audience who want to consume more and more celebrity news and takes vicarious pleasure in the knowledge of celebrities' lives," said Ayaz Memon of the DNA newspaper.

"The amount of television channels who are vying to keep ahead of each other will only mean that the paparazzi culture is inescapable for India," he said.

The number of paparazzi tailing Hollywood's young elite has swollen in recent years and dozens of photographers often crowd celebrity hot spots.

But in India, the concept of star photos being sold in million-dollar deals is still unheard of despite a rapid rise in the number of celebrity magazines, channels and television shows.

'People' magazine launched its first issue in India last week but its editor insists it will not indulge in intrusive journalism and will certainly not bid for celebrity photos.

"For most Indians, there are various religious and cultural beliefs associated with putting out pictures of newborns. These beliefs override all financial considerations," Saira Menezes told Reuters in an email.