22 November, 2009
15th November, 2009
Wow...the last chance I had to update my blog was the 28th of October. Been a while, eh? Sorry 'bout that.
The
last couple weeks of the shoot were pretty hectic, and Andy and I have
been traveling a bit since then. This is the first moment I've had to
myself, really. Andy left this afternoon...:(
I've
been trying to keep a list of things to write about, but I wish I'd
taken better notes! All the dates will be fuzzy now! Ah, well.
Let's
see...we covered a lot of scenes in a just a little over a week. The
one night I was able to get to sleep before midnight, the company threw a
party and we all stayed up dancing. I tried to leave so many times, but
people were literally pulling me onto the dance floor for more. Got a
good workout that night!
I
had said earlier that we only have one song-and-dance number, but
that's changed. We have two more that will be more front and centre,
though not being sung in the movie. One is the love song—we did a lot of
awesome things for that, can't wait to see it on screen. We spent over
two days on it—one in the sugar cane fields and the other on and around a
farm. It was a ton of fun. This was where the big kiss was supposed to
be—but it wasn't so big after all. Just a brush of the lips...even that
might be too much for Punjabi audiences! This will be a first, so we'll
see how it's accepted. I did see some of the sugar cane scenes, and they
used the lighting to wonderful effect—it looked like we were kissing
quite a bit. Those were actually tough scenes, because we were
surrounded by mirrors reflecting the sun onto us, and we had to look at
each other lovingly. I had to keep my eyes closed until “action,” it was
too much.
I
think one part of the song will have me lip synching...and I think for
the promo they have another part with me lip synching...we'll see!
Speaking
of sugar cane—they peel it and eat it! It's nasty to me—it's SUGAR!
Blech. There was a scene where I had to eat it, so I'd take a bite and
chew, and then spit it out on the “cut.” Bleh.
That
was a fun day—Lakhwinder and I got a lot of promo shots taken between
takes, and I even convinced the village children and women to take
pictures with us. That took a LOT of convincing! I'm probably the only
white person they've ever seen—these were in farm villages, with huts
and everything. One child even let me hold her—she was adorable. They
all were, really!
The
day after that was on the farm, and we did takes on a tractor with
kites (and village boys with kites) and a swing and running through the
hay fields—and my personal favourite, on a HORSE! I'd been telling them
that we needed to have a scene with a camel, and another with an
elephant, and then with tiger cubs--the dance master asked if this was
for National Geographic. Well, no elephant, but I got some goats and a
horse! Lakhwinder and I were both supposed to be riding, but he
chickened out! So I sat on Lajo, who was pretty fussy, and Lakhwinder
took the reins and walked us around. He laughed at me the whole time
because I was talking to the horse a lot. (I talk to all animals, and
Lakhwinder thinks it's the funniest thing. His impression of me is
actually pretty funny, though. Maybe I should film him doing that!)
Oh!!!
I got to play with a puppy that day, too!!!! He was adorable! And I let
him lick my nose and we cuddled and then Ish made me put him down. :(
I
learned a new word in Punjabi a few weeks ago. It's not one you ever
want to learn, but sometimes it's necessary! ooltee. It sounds so
pretty, doesn't it? It means “vomit,' though. Not so pretty. That was a
fun morning! I made Lakhwinder pull over on our way to set...and then
once we got there we had a major argument scene to film. I got better!
(She turned me into a newt!)
I've
done pretty well with Punjabi and Hindi. Picked things up a lot faster
than I thought I would. I can't speak in complete sentences, though.
Just a couple...but I know a lot of words, and can at least get my point
across. Mostly. ;) No more, “what's up, chicken” incidences, at least!
Andy got here on the 3rd...that was actually my
last day of shooting, but I didn't know. I was a little worried about
him coming in, because that day there was a shut-down in Punjab, where
no one could drive until after 5 PM. There were some demonstrations
going on and the whole of the state was affected, I guess. But he
actually made it to the set by about 3—so that was a very nice surprise!
I showed him off to everyone as my “pati”--husband-- and then we took a
catnap. He'd been traveling since 4 that morning, and I'd been up since
then, too. (Our wake-up times were about 4.30-5ish during the last week
or so.) And then we went home early, which was really nice.
The
next day we got up early and went to set...but it turns out I didn't
have anything to film, after all. We got there before the make-up crew,
even, and then we were given a room and I slept for 5 hours. I kid you
not. Part of it was the cough medicine I'd bought that morning, and part
of it was just pure exhaustion. When I asked Andy what time it was, I
didn't believe him. I couldn't remember a time when I'd been in my hotel room for that long a stretch!!!
I
wish Andy had been able to see me shoot a scene or two, but he did get
to see a couple other scenes being shot, so that's good. And he saw the
tractor scene—I was bouncing all over the place on that particular take,
I guess. I didn't see it—you'll have to get Andy to re-enact it for
you, it's pretty funny.
The
day after that, we headed to Amritsar with Lakhwinder. We had a great
time—we met up with a friend of his who put us up at the Ritz. We got a
traditional welcome there, and then had tea in our room. Later, a
journalist and photojournalist from the Hindustan Times came for an
interview. Andy got to witness that. He assures me I didn't say anything
bad! (There was a nice big article with picture in the next day's
paper, but I haven't found it online yet. And Andy gave away the only
paper copy I had! There were some tourists who wanted my autograph, but
Andy didn't know that was my only copy. I'll have to get more.)
Anyway,
after that, we headed to the Wagah border—which was actually
Lakhwinder's first time, too. Thanks to him, we got VIP seating and
parking, etc. VERY nice. We still had to go through the two security
checkpoints. They separate the guys and gals for that. The second
checkpoint was mainly spent answering the guards' questions about the
movie and Lakhwinder—it was so cute!
The
Wagah border is right on the Pakistani/India border, and every night
there's a big to do about closing the gates. It's actually pretty nifty,
watching the ceremonies and seeing the soldiers of both sides act all
macho. They were cordial to each other, which was nice to see. We got a
ton of video of this...I think Andy's going to put some of it together
when he gets home.
After
that, we had tea and then went to the Golden Temple, which was just as
gorgeous as everyone had said it would be. I'm glad we went at night,
when it was all lit up. It's a very peaceful place, and I'm lucky to
have been able to see it. I was able to post a few pictures on Facebook a
few days ago—you may have already seen them. :) I told Andy I enjoy
visiting the gurdwaras because it's peaceful and relaxing to me. I don't
really pray--per se--but I do give thanks while I'm there. I have so
much to be grateful for...I've found myself becoming much more spiritual
since I've been here. I used to be a very religious Christian until a
few years ago. I don't want to offend anyone, so I won't say more than
that. Anymore, I consider myself spiritual but not religious, and I
enjoy learning about all kinds of religions. The Sikh religion
fascinates me—it's actually very similar to Christianity—and I'm
learning more and more about it. I'd like to continue to visit a
gurdwara on occasion when I get back to the States. Some of you might
ask if I'd consider converting...and the answer is “no.” I can't really
consider myself a Sikh anymore than I could consider myself a Christian.
There are philosophies of both religions that I admire and try to
follow, just as there are of nature religions.
Okay, getting a bit heavy for what's supposed to be my acting blog!!! To continue:
The
next day, we did a bit of shopping and eating of special Amritsar
foods...and then we took the bus to Chandigarh, where we were met by
Ish's parents. I call them Mama Ji and Papa Ji. :) Ji is a term of
respect, like “sir.” We had a lovely dinner at their new house. I tried
to stay up for when Ish and Taran were coming in, but I couldn't make
it. The next day we piddled about for a bit, and then we headed up to
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh with Taran for a few days. It was something
like 100 km away, if that, but it took 6 hours, because most of it was
winding up through the mountains. It's a beautiful part of India—and
Shimla was the summer vacation spot for the Brits when they were here.
There's a huge British influence in the architecture and land. It's very
pretty. And the best part: MONKEYS! Monkeys everywhere...all around the
house and walking along and...oh, everywhere. So hard not to just stop
to play with them, but even I know that's not the best
idea. Though at the Hindu temple nearby, you can buy prasad (holy food)
to feed them! And you can bet your sweet bippy I did! Andy wasted most
of it by throwing it at me! (Video on Facebook!)
Before
I forget—they don't really say “I play the lead,” or anything like that
over here. When asked what part I was, I would say I was the lead
female, but no one knew what that meant. Over here, it's “hero” and
“heroine.” So I learned pretty quickly to tell people I was the heroine.
That's more impressive to them. :)
18th November
I've
found that I really have to watch what I say and do. I'm much more
aware of the things I do in public. Good practice for when I actually am
famous, I guess! ;) In Punjab, most people knew what I was in town for,
so I got lots of picture and autograph requests, and the usual stares.
Elsewhere, they don't know I'm an actress, but I still get the stares
and people surreptitiously taking photos of me. (I didn't notice that
often, but Andy did. There were a couple times I tried to get out of the
way of the shot, and then realized it was ME they were actually taking a
picture of!)
White
people are not a common sight! You never really get used to the stares,
but you accept it. The only time I hate it is when I go to a shop and
all the salespeople stare and follow you around. That's annoying. I
understand now what Braden and Erin went through while living in Japan.
Anyway...to continue...
We
spent a couple days in Shimla, and then took a train down the mountain,
and transferred to an overnight train into Delhi. That was interesting.
The only other time I'd been on a sleeper train was in Kenya, and four
of us shared pretty comfortable rooms that had a door. Here, everything
was open, with a curtain to shut yourself away. I fit in the bunks a
little better than Andy (we had to keep some of our luggage with us), so
I'm afraid I got a bit more sleep than he did. (Have I ever mentioned
how much I love being short and petite? Well, I do. :) )
We
made it to Delhi around 6 AM, and then dragged our luggage up and down
stairs (no coolies for us! They take too much money!) and found a cab to
take us to our hotel in Karol Bagh. We slept for a few hours, and then
got ready to go SHOPPING!!! Yay!!!
But
I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. It would have been
better to have an Indian with us. They see white people and
automatically double the price, so bargaining with them doesn't get it
as low as it should be. I was proud of myself, though—I managed to do
pretty good. I was hoping Andy would handle that part, but nope, no...it
was all me. I know I could have bought so much more for the amount I
spent, but not by ourselves. Ti ke, ti ke. It was still better prices
than in the States!
Obviously,
everyone thinks white people are rich and loaded. I try and tell them
that's not quite the case, but I don't think they believe me. :) They
say, “We can't afford things in America!” To which I tell them, “*WE*
can't afford things in the States, either!”
Some
understand, especially those who have spent time overseas. Manpreet was
in California for about 6 months, so he got a taste of it.
Andy
and I did get used to the cost of things over here, though. If we spend
more than five or six bucks for the two of us to eat, we fuss a bit!
(Not to the restaurant, of course!) We did have one nice candlelit meal
in Bombay...and we still walked out of there for less than $20. That was
our most expensive meal. We tried to bargain a lot while buying gifts
for our family back home, so we could get them more than one thing.
There was one item in particular—for my brother—that was more expensive
than the rest, and we worried about it. But what's funny is it's not
like it was a huge amount in dollars! We would have spent a lot more on
everyone back home.
I
think everyone will like their gifts. There's more I'd love to give
people, but...after all, I'm still a starving artist. By the way, men
are so hard to buy for here!!! It's not like they'd appreciate the
fabrics or anything. Grrr. Men.
Anyway—the
day after our Delhi shopping, we hired a driver and car and went to
Agra to visit with my friend Shiv (the asst director) and see the Taj
Mahal. Agra has a lot more to see, but I really just wanted to do the
Taj and a little bit of shopping. It took 5 hours or so to get there,
and then we stopped in a marble place to see how the inlaid marble is
made—now and in the 17th century, when the Taj was built.
It's a fascinating procedure, and the marble is gorgeous! We'd like to
buy a tabletop next time we go. We bought everyone little knick knacks
to see the inlaid marble.
After
that, we met up with Shiv and our guide and headed to the Taj. You know
it's going to be gorgeous before going in, but...there's nothing quite
like it. It's...stunning. We got a ton of pictures, but I'm afraid they
just don't capture the beauty of it. (And yes—I DID get my Princess
Diana photo! Had to! Can't wait till I'm a VIP and they
can shut the Taj down for me someday. ;) ) Anyway—it's absolutely
gorgeous, and all the tourists didn't subtract from that, as I worried
they might.
It
took 22 years to build, and the guy had even started building his own
tomb behind it. (I can't remember his name! His wife was called Mem
Taj.) His was going to be the Black Taj Mahal. The foundation was laid
and a tower or two completed before his son had him arrested and locked
up in Agra Fort for spending so much time and money. He's buried in the
Taj with her, and it's the only asymmetrical part of the whole palace.
She's directly centre, and his tomb is to her right. Everything
else—EVERYTHING-- is in perfect symmetry. The tombs we saw aren't where
they're actually buried. Their tombs are down below so we don't trample
over their graves, and are not decorated at all (according to the Muslim
faith, I believe).. The ones above are very decorative, but they're
blocked off, too.
It
was a fun day. We got to see how the carpets are made, as well, did a
little shopping. Our driver insisted we see the musical based on the Taj
love story, so we did that. It was all in Hindi, so we only caught bits
and pieces. However, the dances were great and I loved the costumes!
(And the melodramatic acting, too! Tee-hee!) After that, we went to
Shiv's house for dinner...where, once again, everyone gathered around to
watch us eat. Very odd, but that always happens! We got in to Delhi
around 2 in the morning, so it was a long day. The next day we just sort
of piddled around the neighbourhood and uploaded pictures. And I can't
remember if that's the evening we left for Bombay...but I don't think
so. Maybe. Actually, I think it was.
I have no clue. Like I said, I didn't take good notes!
But
that's what we eventually did—flew to Bombay. We stayed south in
Chembur until Andy left, and the day after he left I moved to Andheri
West back at the YWCA.
We
didn't do a whole lot in Chembur. That's actually Manpreet's
neighbourhood, so we did get to spend some time with him, tasting
special treats and what-not. Yummy, yummy. I told him I really wanted to
see a movie, and he thought that was a bit strange because there would
be no English subtitles. But I insisted! I HAVE to see a movie here!
The
experience is pure Indian, that's for sure. The tix are so cheap—no
candies, but the typical movie snacks are popcorn, soda, and a samosa.
No one turns their cell off, and they talk to their friends or on their
cells the entire time! There's also an intermission in every movie, not
that it's super-long. We saw Tum Mile (When We Met), which is a love
story set on the day in July 2005 when Bombay had major floods. It was
pretty good. Andy and I understood a lot more than we thought we would,
though I did wonder why people go to the movies if they're just going to
talk through it. Like I said, distinctly Indian. (Everyone has 2, 3, 4
cell phones, and they're on the phone CONSTANTLY. I joked about
Lakhwinder being a call centre, but really,
they all are one!) Anyway, the movie: I was disappointed that there
weren't any big Bollywood numbers, but I enjoyed the songs featured.
There's
a movie coming out this week that I've really been looking forward to
seeing. It's been advertising for a month now, and it looks completely
different than any other Bollywood movie. I'm really excited for it.
It's called Kurbaan (which I think means Sacrifice), and stars Kareena
Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, who are the Brangelina of India. Saifeena?
From what I gather, it's set here in India and New York, and I think
it's around 9/11. I saw an interview with the two of them, and Saif was
saying that as a Muslim, he was glad to have a Muslim character depicted
in a realistic way. He said Muslims are always thought to be
terrorists, but in truth, if you're claiming to kill for God, you're not
a Muslim. I think that could be said for every religion—why would God
want you to kill for Him? Doesn't that kind of go against everything He
stands for? * sigh * Anyway...getting too deep again. :)
So—Kurbaan
looks REALLY good, and I plan on seeing it this Friday or Saturday. I
bought the soundtrack yesterday—good stuff! They provide the lyrics, so
I'll have to google them to figure out what's really being said. There's
been some fuss made from certain groups unhappy with the movie
posters—it shows a bare-backed Kareena! L'horreur! I guess there are
some pretty steamy scenes, too, but maybe since they're a real-life
couple, there's not as much to say about it? I don't know. I don't
pretend to understand the movie industry here. Some kisses make it
through, others get censored...there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or
reason to it...I'm just glad our censorship isn't quite like that.
Anyway,
after Tum Mile, Manpreet took us to his house for dinner with the
family. I've mentioned before that Indians eat late. We arrived a
little after 8 and didn't eat until 11.30! We'd had plenty of
appetizers, though, that started around 10. And we
actually ate early, with another couple. There were three other couples
besides us and the family—they were good friends of the family, and
great fun. :) I overheard one of the gals say to her husband, “They're
serving us early since we don't eat late.” I laughed—11.30 was early!
After we ate, everyone else started to—around midnight—and around 12.30
or so, Manpreet offered to take us home. We protested at first, saying
we could leave when everyone else did, and everyone assured us they'd
all be there for several more hours yet. So we went home!
Yesterday,
I was dropped off at a mall—all by myself! So I wandered around for a
bit, bought a couple things at FabIndia—sorry, Andy! Got the Kurbaan CD
and lunch, then headed back to the Y. Late last night, a handful of us
went driving around looking for a dance club. Tuesday nights are not big
dance nights! But we found a nice one and stayed for a few hours. Ish
and Raju actually stayed dancing the night/morning away, but I got home
around 2. I can't party like that! Never really could. :) I like going
out for a bit, but I always look forward to getting home. Is that sad?
This
evening I start my dubbing. I may actually be able to finish it
tonight, too. I know the movie's changed a bit from its original
form—it's now less a love story and more an action movie, I guess. I'm
not in it as much as was I think originally planned, but I'm still the
lead female. So that's okay. :) They've only edited my scenes,
since I leave soon...and Ish says it's fantastic. She keeps thanking me
for my hard work and dedication and the good job I did, and said that
everyone—everyone--came up to her to tell her how much they enjoyed
working with me. She liked my humility, too! I laughed and said that I
like to pretend to be a diva, but I could never actually be one. Ever.
I
know once I get to the studio tonight, I'll disagree with Ish's opinion
of my performance! I always think I can do better...always.
Anyway.
Tomorrow I head into the recording studio to record “One Life to Live,”
the duet with Lakhwinder. I think I know most of my part, from
listening to it over and over again while we filmed those scenes, but
I'm not sure if there are other parts. Haven't really heard the whole
thing! Guess I'll find out tomorrow!
The 21st
I have another photo shoot. Originally it was to be with Lakhwinder,
but we already have a lot of couple shots, so they need a sort of
Angelina Jolie action shot. I have no clue what they're looking for.
I'll do my mad karate skills and see how that goes. ;) Har, har. I
think maybe they're just looking for a serious, dramatic shot, not
necessarily one of me doing anything. I dunno. Again, I'll find out that
day!
I'm
hoping I'll be able to have lunch with Amir Khan, one of the big stars
here. I like his work and he seems like a nice guy. A couple people in
the crew know him really well, so...we'll see! Maybe I can talk him into
doing a movie with me! He's a very rare sort here—he only does one film
a year..it's always released on 25 December, and it's always a hit.
Most actors are in several
films in a year, which is rarely done in the west. Just in the 7 or so
weeks I've been here, I've seen 5 or 6 actors star in 3-4 different
movies. Insane. How do they do it?
20 October
So—finished
the dubbing already! They were thrilled with how quickly I caught on to
it. It was my very first time...I hadn't wanted to tell Ish that, but
she asked a few weeks ago. I had to admit that no, I'd never done
dubbing. She said that I'm a fast learner and maybe I'd pick it up. And I
did. Good thing—there were 20-some-odd scenes I needed to dub! I didn't
see all of my scenes, but I did like the ones I got a chance to see.
And I got to correct my Punjabi pronunciation—whew!
I
think they want me to dub the whole thing in Punjabi. I protested at
first—I hate it when movies are dubbed. I much prefer to see the
original performances and have subtitles. But subtitles are expensive,
and they'd just be in English. Because Ish and I hope to enter this into
the big western film fests, we need the subtitles for everyone else. So
I don't know what the plan is. We're kind of running out of time—I
leave the night of the 22nd.
I hope they don't get someone else to do it...I hope they just keep the
original English. They did keep reminding me to speak with more
clarity, so Indians could understand me—so maybe that means they'll
stick with the original.
Last
night I went into the recording studio for the song...the music master
is confident I can do it, so I go in this evening for the real thing.
Yesterday were just tests, and to me, they were horrible. They at first
said they'll fiddle with it and the original vocals, but I said NO. I
will never have someone else do my singing. Apparently, very few people
in Bollywood do their own singing—but I told them I'd feel like a fraud.
I will NEVER have someone do my singing. Ever.
I'm
supposed to have a lot of rest today, so my vocal cords are in good
health. Hello, sinus rinse and mucinex and Throat Coat tea!
Oh—there
was something else I wanted to talk about. Servants. If you're at least
middle class here, you have a servant or two. It's just expected.
People are surprised we don't have them in the States. They were shocked
to hear that I do my own cooking and cleaning and driving and
everything. No oil foot massages at the end of a long day! Having
servants isn't a bad thing, I guess—it gives them a job and income that
they may not otherwise receive. But it is strange to see...and to know
that if Andy and I lived here, we'd have a house staff, too! (Man, I've
always dreamed of a house staff! Who hasn't?!)
I
do sometimes embarrass myself by doing things that the maid or whoever
would do. I've been stopped several times and told that someone else
does that. Oops.
Anyway...I'm
going to read for a bit. Have no clue when I'll get wi-fi next, so I
don't know when I'll be able to put this online. I'll just keep adding
to it, though. :) Sorry for the length! This is 7 pages, already...
22 November
So I leave just before midnight tonight. Much still to do, but I can't get a hold of anyone to get the driver. Ugh.
The
recording went very well—it only took half an hour Can't wait to hear
the finished product. I always think I can do better, but I'll never be
satisfied, so I told them I'd go by their satisfaction, rather than
mine. They were very happy with it—whew!
Yesterday
we had a photo shoot for the movie poster and various promo shots.
HOT!!! Good stuff taken. It was me and Lakhwinder and Manpreet in
various combinations. The one they selected for the poster is me and
Lakhwinder in shadows. I saw a few of them, but I'm not sure which shot
they went with. Still—how cool is that?! Me on a movie poster!!!!!! And
we got one of the best photographers in the industry out here, so it was
a pleasure to work with him.
Actually,
we somehow got the best all the time! Our DP (Inderjit Balsan) is
fantastic, and works with everyone in Bollywood. He made me look good,
that's for sure.
I've
enjoyed my two months here immensely, but I'm definitely looking
forward to sleeping in my own bed and getting into a “real” shower and
“real” toilets. ;) And snuggling with my baby girl!!!!!!! And not
screaming in traffic.
Oh—the
other day Manpreet and I were walking around Chembur, eating at the
various vendors. I tried to stick with him while crossing the streets.
But one time he went forward and it freaked me out with how fast the
traffic was coming and I stayed there in the middle of the street, tried
to follow him, watched a car coming for me and not slow down, screamed,
and ran back to the other side where a bunch of ladies passing laughed
at me.
It's terrifying here, I tell ya!!!!!
I really hope I can get internet today.
My flight gets into Newark a little after 5 AM on the 23rd,
and then I've got a nice 8-hour layover where I'll be trying to catch
an earlier flight home. If I don't, I land in Denver sometime after 5
PM. Looooong couple days of traveling.
Right-i-o.
I'm going to see if they're serving lunch downstairs. It's a Sunday, so
I'm not exactly sure what they do here at the Y. I heard services going
on downstairs. (You can hear everything here in India. Sound proof only
exists in the recording booth!)
23 November.
Here I am! Obviously didn't get wi-fi before I left—not even in the Bombay airport.
Landed
about an hour ago, maybe a little more. Got through customs, tried to
get an earlier flight (no luck), wandered about looking for wi-fi spots,
got a yogurt parfait and mused on Stateside expenses. :) Definitely not
in India anymore. $5 for a luggage trolley?! I spent that much on the
SUITCASE I bought yesterday!
Ah, well. You take the good with the bad, I guess, no matter where you go. :)
The
16 hour flight wasn't too bad. Managed to watch 2 movies, 4 eps of
Friends, and half of Gandhi before all the monitors quit working! Slept
here and there, read a bit...longing for a massage, but since I'm back
in the states, I'm no longer considered wealthy, so no special treats
for me!
My flight leaves in 8 hours...yay. :) What to do, what to do?!
Guess
I'll start by uploading this blog, then check the hundreds of (mostly
junk, I'm sure) emails...maybe upload some photos, too!
Namaste!
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