It all started on October 27, 2024, with the Timothées flocking to New York to compete for US$50 and the right to say they most resemble Timothée Chalamet (who actually showed up to the event, but didn’t win). It has since spread to include the Paul Mescals of Dublin, the Dev Patels of San Francisco, the Harry Styleses of London, the Jeremy Allen Whites of Chicago, and even the Luigi Mangionis of Manhattan. The formula is the same: young, attractive male celebrities, low cash prizes, and a sea of spectators looking to entrap their celebrity-crush doppelgangers. Yes, these events have morphed into a sort of dating event for those desperately seeking celebrity look-alike boyfriends. A swayamvar of sorts that has now found its way to Delhi’s Hauz Khas, where people are being invited to compete to be a Sarojini market copy of Arjun Rampal.
And what’s in it for the contestants? Well there’s ₹500, a hug (not clear from whom), and cigarettes (yes, really) with a cap of 10. Which seems completely redundant given Delhi’s air quality problems. And, of course, the bragging rights to say that you look kinda, sorta, not-really-but-more-than-other-people like Arjun Rampal.
Read Simone Dhondy's story on the truth behind 2024's viral look-alike contest trend.
