A 20-year old Iranian refugee has now bagged so much attention as he undergoes surgery to impersonate late Pop icon, Michael Jackson.
The asylum seeker who was identified as, Abbas Sharhani left his family and fled war-torn Iran boat when he was 16-years was held by a Darwin detention centre for three months and after his release, he straightened his hair and had plastic surgery so he could make a living as a Michael Jackson impersonator.
According to Mail online, Abbas disclosed that he still suffers the loneliness and isolation of being a refugee.
He said, “despite the fame, it has not erased the loneliness and isolation of the experience of being a refugee so far from home and family. However I do find joy in performing for people everyone loves Michael Jackson. From the bottom of my heart I love the way he dances”.
Speaking on his strict Muslim upbringing and how his family responded to his change, he said: “they were like “why would you change your appearance and change your hair?” They weren’t happy, they didn’t accept it. It is difficult being far away, but I just keep doing what I’m doing. Dancing is my passion“.
However, Abbas’ transformation from refugee to Michael Jackson’s impersonator is the subject of a documentary, Man in the Mirror, which will debut at the Arab Film Festival Australia.
See photos after the cut….
