Indian film superstar Aamir Khan posted online a video of his visit to a Turkish ice-cream stall where the vendor shows him who is the bigger star.
Aamir is teased and tricked several times before he is handed his cone of Turkish dondurma ice-cream. The funny vendor has Aamir eat out of his hand, so to speak.
The 52-year-old actor and film producer appeared to relish not only the traditional ice-cream but also his failed attempts in grabbing the cone.
The video went viral on social media, receiving within two days thousands of times more response than some of Aamir's recent posts.
Aamir was welcomed by fawning fans when he visited Turkey from Oct 4 to 7 on an invitation from the Culture and Tourism Ministry.
"It really touched me to see such an emotional welcome," Aamir said upon his arrival.
The actor said he was not aware he was so popular in Turkey.
"I didn't know that in Turkey young people were watching my films," he said.
His 2009 funny movie "3 Idiots" dealing with the deficiencies in India's education system is one of the best-known Indian films in Turkey.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received him at the Presidential Complex in an acknowledgement of Aamir's popularity.
What's remarkable about Aamir's popularity in Turkey is that unlike places such as Britain, North America or the Arabian Gulf region, his fan base is not dominated by non-resident Indians (NRIs) or the Indian diaspora.
The Turkish Consulate General in Mumbai posted news and photographs of Aamir's activities in Turkey.
Known as a star with a conscience, many of Aamir's films have been well-received in foreign markets.
These include the 2014 blockbuster "PK", a satirical movie that questions superstitions and blind faiths of people, and "Lagaan", the 2001 film set in the British colonial period.
Despite many of his films heavily conveying social messages, Aamir has spoken about his primary aim as providing entertainment to the masses.
A few years ago, he hosted the popular television show "Satyamev Jayate," (Truth Alone Prevails) tackling several domestic issues such as caste system, killing of female fetuses, dowry, child sex abuse and violence against women. The show drew hundreds of millions of audience.
True to his nature, he didn't shy away from commenting on the Rohingya genocide.
"I think what is happening in Myanmar is very heartbreaking," he told the Turkish media.
One aim of Aamir's visit to Ankara and Istanbul was to promote his upcoming film "Secret Superstar", which focuses on gender equality and tells the story of a 14-year-old girl who wants to become a big singer.
He also said he would not consider acting in Hollywood movies.
"I feel the American culture (is) perhaps very alien to me and I don't know whether I fit into that, I don't know whether I would understand the emotional key of an average American audience; I am not sure I understand it," he said, according to comments published in the media.
In one photograph, Aamir is seen meeting Turkish actress Hazal Kaya, who is a household name in India having acted in the popular drama series "Feriha".
However, perhaps one person who wasn't awed by Aamir's stardom was the ice-cream man. He made the mega star work hard for the Turkish treat.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Oct 09 2017
Actor Aamir Khan speaks during an interview in Singapore, October 2, 2017. REUTERS
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.