When fandom becomes religion

Just when we thought social media couldn’t get any worse, it has surprised us again – with a new religion that does not reflect any culture or god.

Urvashi Rautela, a former Miss Universe Diva, actress, and model, is now venerated as a goddess by many of her devotees, and the most peculiar aspect in this is how she promotes these practices herself. There are countless Instagram and Twitter profiles with hundreds of followers.

It all started with a fan’s comment on the ongoing controversy involving the Indian cricket team’s wicketkeeper-batsman, Rishabh Pant. A fan of the actress went too far in her support when he commented, “Urvashiism will be the fastest growing religion in the world. I am a proud worshipper of my bhagwan, Urvashi Rautela. If someone dares to disrespect our god, then we will not stay quiet.”

Fans worshipping celebrities is typical in the country, but the actress pinning the remark has sparked a social media frenzy. While some see it as a “futile attempt” to stay in the spotlight, others support “Urvashism”.

Patriot connects with netizens to find out their reaction to what is apparently the “world’s fastest growing religion”.

Sanjay Solomon, a young documentary filmmaker, states, “This is not something new in India; people come up with their own superstitions. It has been going on since the times of Amitabh Bacchan and Rajnikant, and this just shows how people have free time and will do absolutely anything to go viral.

Devashish, a student, comes out in support of Urvashism and says people are free to choose whatever they want to do and what ideologies they want to follow, and if male superstars can be worshipped, then why not Urvashi Rautela?