A 'Love Story' In All Languages: Why Indian Women Find Their Fairytale In Taylor Swift

Swifties assemble, “The Life of a Showgirl” is now streaming, and Ms Taylor Swift has done it again for the 12th time! Nearly two months after unveiling her new album on the New Heights podcast with fiancé Travis Kelce, October 3 finally arrived, and Swifties around the world celebrated it as the official 'Happy Showgirl Day'. The album is inspired by what was going on behind the scenes in her life during the record-breaking two-year-long “The Eras Tour”.

Hours after its release, The Life of a Showgirl broke the Spotify record for the most pre-saved album set by her previous album, Tortured Poets Department. Taylor shared her excitement on Instagram, stating she is "so proud" to share "an album that just feels so right."

She told Hits Radio that the album is a "complete and total snapshot of what my life looks like right now," adding that the coolest part is that it reflects the place she still is in her life.

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Swifties in South Asia

More than 13,000 kilometres away, in Mumbai, Ludhiana, Aizawl, Thrissur, and beyond, Indian Swifties have joined in on the Showgirl fervour, not letting time zones or cultural distances dim their excitement. 

In a society where women are expected to follow countless rules to be considered a "good girl", Taylor's 'Fearless' music serves as a reminder to 'F*ck the Patriarchy' and to be 'The Man.'

Her journey from a teenage popstar to becoming the richest female musician, and from overcoming gender bias to reclaiming her narrative, inspires so many young women in countries like India.

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Taylor shows how you can build your own empire if you dare to speak against wrong. Being a female artist, she faces discrimination and sexist jokes in the music industry.

She once famously said, "A man does something, it is strategic. A woman does the same thing; it's calculated. A man is allowed to react. A woman only overreacts.”

From facing negative criticism to being “the one they would be worshipping," she has set an example for women to strongly resist patriarchy and not to conform to societal norms.

The Eras Tour 

This wasn’t just a tour; it was a historical milestone. The highest-grossing tour, generating a revenue of $2 billion in just ticket sales, she is a tycoon in herself. The self-made woman.

This tour wasn't just about music, it was about going through all the Eras of life - the “awkward” teenage phase, the “crushing over that boy” phase, the heartbreak phase and the triumphs. The dance, the laughter, the friendship bracelets and the madness are still unbeatable.

Thousands of Swifties of all ages, all genders and all communities under a single roof, all dressed up inspired by her albums, show that her aura is infectious.

For those who couldn't make it to her concert, the "Eras Tour Movie" extended this communal magic, turning theatres into dance floors for packed crowds and continuing the tradition of swapping bracelets. (I went to the movie too; probably the best three hours I spent). 

Taylor Swift has taught us to "Shake It Off", 'cause the haters gonna hate, hate, hate. She is a reflection of how lives can be uncertain, undergoing different phases, and how to find joy in noise. It's a lesson to live your life on your own terms, because while the critics are busy talking, you are busy making history.

Views expressed by the author are their own.