Mon 26 Jan 2004
Was actually a huge success. I found none of the expected homophobic displays of ignorance. I found standing room only, thundering applause. I found a genuine warmth and appreciation for a different story and I only received encouragement and praise for the film. I have to say that I have a new faith in India and am embarrassed that I bought into all the media hype of the crazy conservatives terrorizing everyone. This is not to say that India is without it’s problems because it was very disheartening to find negotiating my way through Mumbai alone as a woman was much more difficult than when I was in the company of men. But Mumbai is a very large, very diverse, very opinionated fast, dirty, and out of control city. The public knowledge of the film industry blows los angeles out of the game - and most illuminating of all - this industry exists without a care, it seems, for what is going on in LA. Sure there is an appreciation of the top money making films - but I was struck by the disregard for Hollywood celebrity and the complete Indian centric attitudes of the local film scene. It was a deep breath of polluted air and I loved it. And after I can afford my own oxygen tank, I will can’t wait to return to Mumbai.
January 31st, 2004 at 11:20 pm
Well, as one supportive fan of your work, I’m glad the film went over well, even if your trip wasn’t exactly what you’d expected it to be
February 1st, 2004 at 4:24 pm
I am just glad you make it back OK. I am constantly working on your fan club since I sprained my ankle in this snow and ice. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers, Nisha. One day I am going to India and be I guess like a Missionary, I really like helping people. Thanx for the update.
Peace
M.
February 3rd, 2004 at 6:31 pm
The worst is being on public transit and getting your ass pinched by strange old men. Even looking like a big dyke is no protection. Gender segration never felt so good. I love India, I love the cinema, and I love public transportation, but the bollywood bus scene gives me the blues.
-janhavi
February 11th, 2004 at 4:34 pm
TRUE. Having just returned from there myself I find that I was becoming more like them ***AGGHHH*** stop me. I cannot be like those clones. But seriously though at the beginning of my trip if anyone pushed into me or anything like that there would be HELL to pay. But India gave something back to me this time, something spiritual…okay not in a Alanis Morrisette kinda way but something new, by the end of the trip it people were pushing into me and i was like “eh what’re you going to do?” I know it sounds crazy. Something happened to me over there…oh no now I’m glowing green j/k