Wannabe

The term "wannabe" might be new, but their existence has been in being since forever.

From the ancient Babylon, Athens, Constantinople to the streets of medieval Delhi, Samarkand, to contemporary New York, or Mumbai. The wannabes have been active and growing.

I have nothing personal against Wannabes. They have all the right of existence and expression, similar or at times better than my own. Its just the curiosity and observation of this clan, which has compelled me to explore the depth.

Next time you are in a high net social party, just observe some loud voices, few empty discussions on Louis Vuitton or Jimmy Choo. On contemporary Arts, Christie's, Guggenheim Museum or the silk laced Lingerie. Discussion's could either be tinted at intellectual level minus any substance. You will hear about some fab gadgets, fine joints, loud watches, cars and rare spa's. Certainly, few might be very genuine conversation but chances are a Wannabe spreading his/her tentacles.

You will find them in most ecstatic pubs, filled with both sexes, high on tequila shots. Hoping to manage at least a Porsche 911 smooth drive by an unknown stranger, desirable enough for a quick physical bite.

The clan exists in all social echelon and stratum, it has absolutely nothing to do with money or refined ambiance. Its just the nature of man to be better [A] either one develops oneself by the sheer power of will and grit determination, or[B] just emulate the better other, becoming the second hand and cheaper version. The wannabe falls into the [B] category and remains for a period of time. Till reality finally sinks in.

Once I asked an Indian friend absorbing the Roman History, if she has ever read anything on Mughals. Her reply was brutal and honest. " What for? Mughals were Indian", I was so shocked that I just could not react, quietly finished my cigarette and walked out, refusing to take her calls for many months, and the poor soul didn't even knew the reason of my bestial behavior.

Every party or PR event I attend, I fail to see bona fide clients but instead the same faces, cute hot dolls and clean shaven men, holding almost perfectly the champagne glass, with a touch of fake aristocracy. Wearing replica watches from Bangkok with confidence. These faces appear regularly on the decayed social magazines, only events differ. Wannabe's dig into the social happenings, and surprisingly they manage invites too.

I have seen men, walking and holding Porsche key in hand and displaying the logo. Pathetic suckers desperate for cheap attention. Cigar in hand with categorically no idea of the make or smoking etiquette. An idea borne by them to be respected and desired has confused many. Getting lost between real self and the desired social strata, too high to reach.

Due to work, I get to know and meet old and genuine money. Most I found, humble and understated. Cause money has been the way of life, and not taken for granted. I met a 26 years old wearing Journe Tourbillon, and next day again he came wearing a Patek Minute Repeater which cost him quarter of a million US dollar. He is a simple guy who will open the door for you, will never flash his cars or watches at your face, yes, he does call 1000 dollar watches "fun Gadgets" and keeps them for amusement.

A dear friend stubbornly refuses to get a blackberry cause its closest one can be on becoming a Wannabe, and keeps reminding me not to keep the berry on table or walk while holding it. He does carry a Vertu though. Its not about vulgar display of wealth but a sprinkle of taste in chaotic life's motion. He refuses to be in events buzzing with wannabes.

I myself wonder at times if I have already crossed the line and ended up becoming one, whom I resist. The desire to be in parties with sizzling babes gets hauntingly irresistible at times, but its fun to swim the other side of river too. Watching the crowd from far. Devil still waits for my soul. "Hold on", he waits for one more Wannabe.