‘Aamir Khan’s movies made me fall in love with India’

There was one major factor that convinced 24-year-old Merve Aydin to travel 3000 miles from her hometown in

Turkey

to pursue higher studies in India — and that's her love for Bollywood, and specifically actor Aamir Khan. Aydin, who is currently pursuing BA Psychology in St Francis Degree College for Women in Hyderabad, says it was her childhood dream to meet the

Bollywood

superstar.

“I have come here for Aamir. Before watching his films, I had no clue about India, but after watching them, I fell in love with the country. Among my favourite films are PK,

Taare Zameen Par

and

3 Idiots

,” shares Aydin. And while her love for the actor brought Aydin to India, she admits that she faced a culture shock and took a while to adjust to her new surroundings. “Initially it was like a different world to me. Be it people, clothes, culture or the language — everything was different. I’ve had my share of good and bad experiences. Even though I knew English, it was difficult for me to understand teachers during my first semester.

The curriculum, rules and regulations of the college, everything seemed tough as I had no idea about how things work here. But my classmates helped and guided me through this process. And after my first semester, I didn’t need any help. But, I still have friends who are always there for me,” she says.

While Aydin has had good and bad experiences during her stay in India, she says that she feels much closer to India now. “While most of the people embraced me warmly, I was also subjected to eve-teasing on a few occasions, which made me really upset. Having said that, I love this city and its diversity. It feels like my second home right now and I would love to pursue my masters here,” she says, signing off.