Despite the close proximity of the world afforded by the Internet and global media conglomerates, intercultural ignorance is still pretty common. Richard Gere almost got himself arrested in India when, during an AIDS-awareness event last month, he grabbed Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty and kissed her.
Public physical displays of affection are no-nos on the subcontinent, and, besides having his likeness burned in effigy by conservative Hindu groups, Gere was also threatened with incarceration by one offended judge. Cooler heads in the country tried to play down the prurient reaction, saying that it reflected badly on India's profile as an emerging economic power.
But even if you grew up in a Vegas whorehouse the sight of Gere grabbing Shelty and bending her over backward in a comic attempt to sweep her off her feet may make you wonder if he shouldn't be arrested for something. Isn't there a law against being corny? At 57, Gere is no longer the stud-muffin he was when he made "American Gigolo." Cary Grant and Fred Astaire were still romancing ingenue Audrey Hepburn in movies when they were well into their 50s, but off-screen and on they maintained their poise.