When a fictional character shape my reality

  “I'm like a bad penny I always turn up” is spoken by Dr. Jones when he was caught by Nazis during his search for the holy grail in the movie ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ the third film in the Indiana Jones franchise, created by the famous American filmmaker and screenwriter George Lucas. 

Indiana Jones, a movie franchise about the adventures of the title character and protagonist, Dr. Henry Walton "Indiana" Jones Jr., played by Harrison Ford. The franchise spans from its first installment, Raiders of the Lost Ark, released in 1981, to the fifth and final installment, Dial of Destiny, released recently in 2023.

George Lucas created the characters' basic story world in 1973. During story discussion with Lucas, Philip Kaufman suggested the central goal of the first film, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Initially, Lucas wanted Kaufman to direct the film, but he was already committed to a western movie. However, Lucas paused the idea and focused on Star Wars. In 1977, while vacationing in Hawaii, Lucas met Steven Spielberg. They discussed their next projects. Spielberg expressed interest in directing a James Bond film. Lucas then pitched him the idea of "Adventures of Indiana Smith" and asked Spielberg to direct. Spielberg agreed and directed the first four installments. The fifth and final one was directed by James Mangold.

After Spielberg came on board, the name "Indiana Smith" was changed to "Jones." In 1979, Lucas secured an agreement with Paramount Pictures to produce the film, relinquishing creative control. This collaboration resulted in one of the most iconic characters in world cinema, and one of my personal favorites as well.

Dr. Jones is a renowned archaeologist, adventurer, Professor, artifacts collector, grave robber and a veteran soldier who lives in America. Jones is characterized by his iconic accessories like bullwhip, hat, satchel, and leather jacket, and was a wry, clever man who had a sarcastic sense of humor, poor in maintaining relationships, deep knowledge of ancient civilizations and languages, and also fear of snakes.

It was my father who first introduced me to the Adventures of Indiana Jones. He urged me to watch the movie. Initially, I wasn't very interested. During my childhood, I primarily watched superhero movies, like Spider-Man, and Jackie Chan films. I hadn't been exposed to much Hollywood cinema, as I mistakenly believed that superheroes were all Hollywood had to offer.

However, my father began to share the story's plot, the adventures involved, and his own experience watching the movie as a teenager. He'd always been fascinated by travel, mysteries, and adventures. His excitement piqued my curiosity about the film and whether it lived up to the hype he'd created.

Being an eighth-grader at the time, I ended up watching Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, the fourth installment of the franchise (not the third). From that movie, I learned about the overall series. After watching it, I was completely captivated by Indiana Jones's archaeological adventures. I loved the portrayal of his character, the exploration of history and myth, the thrilling adventures, and the globetrotting aspect. Thoroughly enjoying the film, I then went back and watched the first three installments.

After watching all four films, I was utterly impressed by Indy's adventures. His knowledge of archaeology and history, combined with his love for ancient artifacts and museums, fueled his relentless pursuit of them. The action sequences during his travels to discover these treasures were thrilling. The old treasures, mysteries, research, and findings formed the core of each plot, often involving villainous Nazis who coveted the treasures just as Indy did, prompting his iconic line, "It belongs in a museum!"

One defining moment of my childhood was watching these movies. I decided I wanted to be the next Indiana Jones, the renowned archaeologist who embarks on incredible adventures. The character left a lasting impression on me, and I began to search for ways to emulate him. How could I travel and have adventures like him? How could I become a mystery solver and a treasure hunter?

Specific scenes captivated me was him jumping from a plane without a parachute amidst the Himalayas, discovering a hidden city in the Amazon rainforest, wander across the desert in search of the Ark, unearthing clues and relics in catacombs and graveyards, leaping from a towering waterfall, riding horseback through Petra, and his constant encounters with snakes. Witnessing him destroy a Nazi convoy in Egypt and even the best swordsman in Cairo with his revolver fueled my wonder. These scenes kept me glued to the title character and the films.

I even started imitating Indy by dressing and behaving like him. These movies significantly impacted my life, igniting a desire to become an explorer and adventurer just like him. My fascination mirrored my father's, creating a special connection between me, the character, and the movie. I delved into the historical and mystical elements presented in the films, taking notes and pictures. I even began planning a trip to visit all the locations Indiana Jones explored. The life Indy led captivated me, and I harbored a dream of one day living a life filled with similar adventures.

After completing 10th grade, I became fixated on attending either the University of Chicago, where Dr. Henry Walton Jones Jr. (Indiana Jones) studied, or Hunter College, where he supposedly worked as a professor. I envisioned myself pursuing the same degree he obtained and embarking on thrilling adventures just like him.

However, a dilemma arose: Was there a specific subject combination required in 11th grade for undergraduate archaeology studies? My father offered me the freedom to choose any group, but consulting my friends for guidance proved fruitless. Undeterred, I embarked on an online search to identify Indian universities offering archaeology degrees. After a lengthy exploration, I managed to find the contact information for a professor in the Department of Ancient Indian History and Archaeology at Madras University. I contacted him directly to inquire about the necessary 11th-grade subject combination for archaeology. Reassuringly, he informed me that no specific school subjects were prerequisites for pursuing archaeology. Taking his advice and following my friends' lead, I opted for the Mathematics-Computer Science group and completed my schooling.

Unfortunately, the financial realities soon made my dream of attending universities like Chicago or Hunter College seem impossible. I then shifted my focus to Indian institutions offering similar Archaeology and History programs. After careful consideration, I selected one such university and completed my undergraduate degree in History. I further decided to pursue a postgraduate degree in the same field.

A fictional character, Indiana Jones, created by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, significantly impacted my life choices. Inspired by his adventurous spirit and the life portrayed in the movies, he became a major influence on my decisions. Even today, I find myself captivated by the idea of replicating Indiana Jones's adventures, constantly seeking ways to incorporate such experiences into my own life. It still amazes me how a fictional character can have such a profound impact on a person's life.