Countdown to a Dream...

11th June 2010

Three weeks ago I was told I would be part of the crew that will interview Aishwarya Rai in Paris on the 6th of June! Knowing that there is many a slip between the cup and the lip, I decided to absorb the excitement.

It's been my secret dream to interview the Bachchans, the Ambanis and Ratan Tata, so you can imagine how overwhelmed I was.

The week following the day, I was told this piece of information, I left for a travel shoot in London, where my Parisian future was overtaken by my British present, as I went to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Wimbledon and watched a Musical called WICKED (which is originally American and a must watch).

When I got back, it was week to go to Paris, so the passport reached the French Embassy for the Visa.
Two days before the shoot our stylist said, “You need to look fabulous Ambika.” Then the producer of the show, Neelam and I started working overtime looking for the perfect dress.

We went through about 100 dresses across Delhi and finally the evening before the flight we found the perfect dress at Designer Rakesh Agarwal's studio!

Then I headed for a haircut to a Russian hair dresser's. She cut 50 per cent of my hair and we both crossed our fingers and hoped it would work...

DAY 1

When we
reached Paris
we headed to
a friendly
match.

It was organised by Longines, the official time keeper at Roland Garros, the French Open Venue.

This match was between children and professionals like Mary Pierce and Mansour Bahrami. At this event Bahrami was a true treat!

When this champ was young, he worked as a ball boy in a sports complex in Iran. Now his speciality shots include the power shot through the legs.

His sense of humour shines through all of his matches and the crowd is never sure of his next move, be it serving whilst holding six balls, an under arm serve or catching the ball in his pocket!

DAY 2

This was one of the best days of my
life!

An iconic day that started with Aishwarya Rai's interview!

Since she has been through so many interviews over the past 17 odd years, her answers were a tad practiced.

But she's so beautiful with eyes resembling a pool of clear blue water. She is so warm and when you meet her in person, you realise she was born to be a star!

The day only got better...we went to watch the French Open Men's Final between Rafael Nadal and Robin Soderling.

I believe when you want to be happy at the end of a match, you should support a past winner. Then whoever the winner is at the end, you are guaranteed to be happy post-match!

I clapped so hard that the people around me were irritated with my exuberation especially since I was neither Spanish nor Swedish!

Watching Nadal fall at the end was truly 'a beautiful experience.' Hmmmmm....if I had won the match, I would have probably dug the ground and eaten the clay!

DAY 3
Now we all know how treasured the Birkin and Kelly bag from the House of Hermès is!

Hermès started in the 19th century as a brand for equestrian leather goods. When cars overtook horses by World War I, the label got into handbags, clothes and luggage.

Today the small leather and equestrian products from the House contribute to 49 per cent of the House's revenue.

We met the head of this division who is also part of the family and went to the factory where I saw lots of Birkins, in different colours and skins, being made.
I cannot begin to tell you how fabulous it was!

The best bite from the head was, “We believe in creating classics, so even if it's a new style, we hope eventually it will become a classic!”

DAY 4
We were shooting at Montmartre, my favourite area in Paris and a girl walks up to me and says, “Hey Ambika, it's Tanaz from LV.”

Right behind her was designer Sabyasachi and I asked, “Since both of you are here, I am sure there is a shoot on, who is the star...?”

They pointed to the right and I saw Aishwarya who was shooting a fashion feature for a magazine. We had a brief chat. It was surreal. What are the chances?

Our day
ended with
the Moulin
Rouge.

I think we in India should have something on the lines of it. The art form displayed can be an Indian Classical dance. Well, just a thought.

But I have to say, it was a dream trip...when time and again you thank the Universe for making you experience such incredible moments!