How shooting stars could fund charities from the selfie-generated income

Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah may prefer to be likened to fellow Royal, British Princess Anne, when it comes to his new fund-raising initiative, but the allusion to pop royalty Justin Bieber is inescapable too. Indeed, the very idea of charging for selfies has taken show business by storm with many other celebrities besides Bieber warming to this new revenue-generating method. Of course, Bieber plans to charge a cool $2,000 for selfies during his mega tour next year, whereas Shah reportedly intends to ask his constituents for a mere Rs 10 per click (that too optional). So, Shah cannot be accused of being selfie-ish — as Bieber is — given that the collected money will not go into his own pocket but be used to build a hospital. In that sense, he has more in common with the princess — whose patronage funds dozens of charities whether she actually charges for photo-ops or not as Shah believes — than the pop star.

Selfie mania seems an attractive but as yet underappreciated income-generating opportunity. Film stars, cricketers and singers would naturally be among those commanding the highest selfie rates in India, but enough politicians could also make the cut, with rates commensurate with their stature, naturally. But the takings should be funnelled to a national relief fund, for suitable un-selfie-ish disbursement.