On the 20th of July, after the Emeralds for Elephants event in Mumbai, I met my inspiration, the one and only Madhuri Dixit Ji! All thanks to the help of her trusted manager Uncle Rikkuji.
As I approached meri Bharat Mata in the lobby of the Taj Palace hotel, a blissful grin on my face and a joyfull nervousness in my heart, I folded my hands in salutation. Ma'm reciprocated my greeting with a glorious Namaste just for me. To show my utmost respect, I reached down to touch Madhuriji's feet, and she exclaimed"Oh my god!" Hehe Unexpected I gather, but hopefully appreciated just the same.
I raised to come eye to eye with my Star, and all intelligence left my brain. I could only marvel at the exquisite goddess before me.
Finally I found my voice and asked, "How are you?" and she replied with genuine attention and warmth, "I'm good."
Rikkuji rescued the moment from awkward silence and explained how I came from the US for research. Ma'm cordially showed interested as I informed her that I came from North Carolina and gushed, "I'm a massive fan of yours!" She thanked me with humble grace and smiled in appreciation. At this point I was reduced to my five year old self and bashfully voiced my deepest desire "May I give you a hug?" She did not hear, so I repeated meri guzaarish. "Oh! Of course."
After the hug, I handed over my offering, a journal in which I explained how she inspired me to adopt Indian culture as my own and letters from two great fans Naomi and Rabia, and we parted ways.
I know most of you want to see a picture of this meeting but I did not take one. I preferred to be completely in the reality of her truly awesome presence and the moment. Also how could I ask more of one who has already given me so much?
Even though my body reacted in the typical star struck manner, I am not an average fan. I grew to care for Madhuriji as a Star but now I want to know her as a person. If only I can offer her a bit of the joy she has given me. Now I hope to meet in Ma'm the US when I return from India in October.
I raised to come eye to eye with my Star, and all intelligence left my brain. I could only marvel at the exquisite goddess before me.
Finally I found my voice and asked, "How are you?" and she replied with genuine attention and warmth, "I'm good."
Rikkuji rescued the moment from awkward silence and explained how I came from the US for research. Ma'm cordially showed interested as I informed her that I came from North Carolina and gushed, "I'm a massive fan of yours!" She thanked me with humble grace and smiled in appreciation. At this point I was reduced to my five year old self and bashfully voiced my deepest desire "May I give you a hug?" She did not hear, so I repeated meri guzaarish. "Oh! Of course."
After the hug, I handed over my offering, a journal in which I explained how she inspired me to adopt Indian culture as my own and letters from two great fans Naomi and Rabia, and we parted ways.
I know most of you want to see a picture of this meeting but I did not take one. I preferred to be completely in the reality of her truly awesome presence and the moment. Also how could I ask more of one who has already given me so much?
Even though my body reacted in the typical star struck manner, I am not an average fan. I grew to care for Madhuriji as a Star but now I want to know her as a person. If only I can offer her a bit of the joy she has given me. Now I hope to meet in Ma'm the US when I return from India in October.
