Fading appeal robs political lookalikes of livelihood

B. Ramachandran, a 52-year-old resident of Madurai, has more similarities with former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran, apart from his name. This stage artiste, who has been dressing up like the AIADMK founder since 1987, has taken part in hundreds of political campaigns, rallies and victory functions to the joy of crowds. He even follows a strict diet and exercise routine to ensure that he can be a lookalike of the former CM. But with a younger, more tech-savvy electorate, the rewards of being a spitting image are dwindling.