Infosys founder Narayana Murthy shares insights on humility and fame, sparks discussion on celebrity etiquette

In a viral video making rounds again, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy discusses the importance of humility and public interaction, using a recent encounter with Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor as an example. During a discussion at IIT-Kanpur, Murthy expressed his surprise at Kapoor's lack of acknowledgment towards her fans when they approached her during a flight from London to India. While the billionaire businessman believed in reciprocating affection from admirers, his wife Sudha Murty defended Kapoor, attributing her behavior to the fatigue of constant stardom.

Recalling the incident, Narayana Murthy described how people approached Kareena Kapoor during the flight to greet her, but she did not respond to any of them. In contrast, he personally engaged with everyone who approached him, highlighting the significance of acknowledging and reciprocating the affection shown by fans. Sudha Murty interjected, suggesting that with millions of admirers, Kapoor might have been exhausted, garnering applause and laughter from the audience. She compared the scale of fame between a software person like Narayana Murthy and a Bollywood star like Kareena Kapoor.

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However, Murthy persisted in making his point about the value of acknowledging affection and reducing one's ego. He emphasized that even a cryptic response could go a long way in showing appreciation to fans. As founders of a major IT services company and frequent travelers, the Murty couple has shared several intriguing anecdotes from their journeys, adding a unique perspective to the discussion on celebrity etiquette.

In a separate revelation on the "Khaane Mein Kaun Hai?" show, Sudha Murty disclosed her travel habit of carrying a bag of food and utensils when traveling abroad. Earlier, she had recounted facing elitist condescension for wearing a salwar-kameez on a flight from London to Bengaluru.

The discussion sparked a broader conversation about how celebrities should interact with their fans and the responsibilities that come with fame. Narayana Murthy's emphasis on humility and the importance of acknowledging affection resonated with many, while Sudha Murty's defense of Kareena Kapoor shed light on the challenges and pressures faced by Bollywood stars.