Since you asked....

The lady in the pic is an extraordinary person, and I felt honoured to meet her. Prof. Fatima Meer is one of South Africa's most respected intellectuals. She is also one of the last Gandhians left, and had played key role in SA's freedom struggle against apartheid. As you can see she is wheelchair bound and accompanied by a nurse. But her mind is as sharp and strong as ever. When she speaks, her voice booms across the room, and everyone listens in rapt attention. I so enjoyed my time with her. She was gracious enough to present a signed copy of her book to me, which I shall always cherish. I was fortunate to have met such a remarkable person. I hope you can see my face painting clearly. It was beautiful. I'm guessing it is done with rice paste, but it could be something else...
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Here in Goa, the shooting schedule is chaotic and crazy. Last night, I wrapped up my last shot at 3 a.m. This was because of the rain that kept interrupting the shoot. What has impressed me the most is the competence and skill of our technicians. These lighting guys are geniuses when it comes to improvisation and thinking on ones feet. It is a pretty thankless job, besides being a really, really tiring one. God knows how they manage, with virtually no sleep and a lot of heavy stuff to lug around the beach. But the results are worth all the trouble. I wish I could reveal more at this stage. But my lips are sealed...
Madhavan ( Maddy) and Dino Morea have arrived this evening to participate in one episode. I recall meeting Maddy on a Mumbai-London flight two years ago. He'd come across and introduced himself politely and I'd thought what a refreshing change he was from our loud and crude Bollywood brigade. Dino, of course, I have known since his days as a model in Bangalore. He too is well mannered at all times and surprisingly intelligent. There's something old world and adorably charming about movie stars from the South. Just ten days ago I met Karthik , again at the airport. Frankly, I hadn't heard of him... so when he came across to introduce himself, I must have looked a little blank. We got chatting and he told me about his role in Mani Ratnam's Ravana. What a sweet guy.... and so modest!
The weather promises to behave itself tomorrow. If I can get a couple of hours off, I plan to visit Mangeshi Temple, where our family deity resides. It is one ritual I love to observe and I hope the Monsoon God is on my side when I undertake the trip.
I have been clicking lots of pictures in Goa, and shall share once I get back to Mumbai. Meanwhile, my cue sheet tells me I have a make up call at 11pm and the shoot starts at 11 30. What's the bet we are running late and nothing will start till 1 a.m.????
lse...