Many foreign muscle studs are hired as bouncers or easy-on-the-eyes bartenders at high-profile parties, especially spinster parties. Kuntal Pattanayak, owner of Art Goa Entertainment, says, “Beyond hostesses, there is a high demand for strolling tables provided by foreign women among Indians. Foreigners are exceptional performers and possess an ‘attractive factor’ that draws more attention from the crowd compared to the Indian service providers. The charges for a hostess are approximately `12,000 for 3-4 hours, while a strolling table can cost between `20,000 and `40,000.” The catering professional dresses up and stands in the centre of a table-like dress. Measuring 1200 x 900, the table is like any regular table, stocked with food and beverages.
Aditi Malhotra, founder, Image Consultant at Prink Immage Styling says, “The stereotypical definition of good looks being associated with fair skin, tall height, and muscle allows brands to take advantage and translate allure into revenue. The more eyes they attract, the fuller their venues and the greater their sales." Aditi speaks on the psychological impact of young foreigners, saying, “The foreigners hired as ‘eye candy’ start to believe that their worth is defined by their physical beauty and their personality holds no self-respect.”
Going Extra Miles!
Some foreigners who are on work visas find these jobs offer a quick entry into the showbiz workforce
compared to traditional sectors. Some young foreign students work part-time to fill their pockets with extra money to pursue their educational purposes in India. Others take up odd jobs solely by choice to generate quick income and a suitable standard of living in a country with better opportunities. Kuntal speaks
about his company’s foreign performers, "Artists are usually from Russia, France, and the United Kingdom. Nearly 40% of them are working in India on work
visas, while others operate on tourist visas or as freelancers.” Aishna Jain Singh, co-founder, Mad
About Parties says, “Young foreign performers are often hired for entertainment at weddings, private parties, and clubs due to their energy, charisma, and ability to bring a fresh and exciting vibe to the event. Their international appeal, diverse talents, and unique cultural influences also add a touch of novelty and sophistication to the overall experience.”
Body Objectification
Foreigners employed in various odd jobs are often seen as ‘exotic’ display figures or a live white mannequin. Their physical presence satisfies the curiosity and visual appetite of many people rather than their talents and skills. Sanjay Meriya, a Mumbai-based doctor turned DJ says, “The Indian society is obsessed with the white skin and quite racist towards them. The Indian crowd seeks a sense of pride by making the ‘white’ work for them. A lot of times, the job of these foreigners entails only to stand quietly at a place for the crowd.” They are seen as crowd pullers. This objectification stems from societal norms that hypersexualise foreign individuals as perpetuated by the media leading to inappropriate comments, gestures, and even physical advances. Additionally, the power dynamics inherent in these service-oriented roles and non-Indians working on work visas make it difficult for foreign workers to assert boundaries or confront harassment. However, Kuntal says, “We strictly maintain a professional relationship with our clientele and don't offer anything beyond our limited and specific services.”
