Thursday, January 29, 2009
Obama's popularity has really spread around the world. Everything from streets, hotels and even people are being named after the newly elected president of the United States of America.For one magazine photographer in Indonesia, it is not the name Obama that has thrown him into fame but rather his face.It's Ilham Anas, an Indonesian magazine photographer who bears a striking resemblance to the president-elect. The 34-year-old is now collecting paychecks as an Obama look-alike.The look of Ilham Anas was noticed when his colleagues played a practical joke on him by making him wear a suit, tie and taking pictures of him posing as Mr Obama. The photographer is already a celebrity in Obama's former hometown, Jakarta, and is set to reach greater heights. He has been offered several contracts to be an Indonesian TV star.Filipino drug company has cast Anas in a commercial showing him dressed as Obama visiting the Philippines, and he has also received marketing offers from Indonesian and South Korean companies. Anas, who was born and raised in Bandung, West Java, said he feels lucky to resemble Obama.
"I never thought I would be a star in a commercial, then this happened. It's very fortunate," Anas said.
"I was in the airport in Malaysia in transit and a man approached me and asked: 'Are you Obama?'. I was very surprised when he asked to take a picture together and bought me a meal," said Anas, flashing a broad smile.
If he ever gets the chance to meet Obama, Anas said he would ask the U.S. president to take a firm stance in dealing with the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Scribbled @ 4:10 PM
Obama's popularity has really spread around the world. Everything from streets, hotels and even people are being named after the newly elected president of the United States of America.
