Shot a late night in Ahmedabad but still woke up at 9-30 am to catch the last bit of the Oscars. I jumped with joy when Resul Pookutty and A R Rahman’s name was announced and had a lump in my throat when I heard them render their speeches. They deserved it, India Deserved It. I felt finally our talented Indian technicians got their due. I loved the Film as an audience and felt it was great cinema, But as a Patriotic Indian maybe I always felt overprotective about how India was being perceived by the world. NO I am not in denial that the Slums do exist but there is so much more to India than just that. But even as I say all this, kudos to the director ‘Danny Boyle’ and co-director (Loveleen Tandan) who’s grasp on the medium made the film so entertaining and that needs to be applauded. I feel very proud of the fact that a film like this was churned out in India and has put us on the global map making it a golden letter day for Indian Cinema. Way to go.

Well back to shooting at the airport before I rush to catch a flight To Kuala Lumpur tomorrow. Its gonna be a manic schedule but what’s work without a bit of madness.

Signing out, lots of love and keep writing in.

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First of all, I am so sorry for not being in touch. But the last week has been tough. Trying to juggle with a whole lot of things. Most importantly I’d like to thank all my fans for writing in. I really enjoy reading your comments. Yes, soon you will hear of another new announcement (ha ha). This is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time ’cause I know how important it is to each one of us. Okay, okay! I’m not going to say anymore, but you’ll know in exactly two weeks what I’ve been working so hard on. On the film front, Desire is nearly complete. That’s the fastest I’ve ever shot a film. A unique experience ’cause this is also the first time I did dialogues in English and so did Xia Yu (he is used to doing them in Chinese). Not as easy as I thought it would be, when you are so used to saying dialogues in Hindi. Both Xia Yu and I made such an effort not to speak the English language with an accent. But all’s well that ends well. I am happy I got to do this too.

Read an article on Jade Goody’s deteriorating condition… it disturbed me ’cause the last time I spoke to her, she seemed very positive and we were all expecting that the doctors would be able to curb the cancer from spreading. This piece of news came as a shock - so I called her hoping it was only a rumour but she confirmed it. Jade being Jade shifted the topic to her wedding on Sunday and she invited me for it. Unfortunately wouldn’t be able to make it ’cause of my shoot in Kuala Lampur. It was a lot of mixed feelings - happiness, helplessness and extreme sadness. She wants the best for her kids and I hope Jack makes a good father to them. I also hope for a miracle to happen for her children’s sake. My mom says prayers can make them happen. Hope God’s listening to mine and gives her the strength to cope with this pain. I have an empty feeling in my stomach wondering how life can be so unpredictable. Cherish every moment and your loved ones and don’t wait for a Valentine’s Day to express your feelings for them. Bye for now!

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Flew in from Nasik on the 5th evening after the shoot, to Goa – landed and got directed (by mistake) to Preity’s room! Reached there and I met her after the Unforgettable Tour. So we caught up – she welcomed Raj and me onboard and told me about some do’s and don’ts. Considering she’s a seasoned player now (it’s her second season), I took it seriously. Did some homework for the next day. The 6th was an important day, I was clueless as what to expect and how to go about it, but at dinner my partners, Manoj Badale and Suresh Chelaramani (co-owners of Rajasthan Royals) put me at ease saying – just sit back and enjoy it.

Come 6th, I was all ready looking forward to this whole new experience and there is so much I learnt. The behind-the-scenes was amazing to watch, the strategies of different teams, poker faced owners while bidding and people bidding even if they didn’t want to buy a player just to raise the stakes. Everyone had their eyes on Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen , and having one of them on our side would’ve been great because of my England connection! The funniest sight was to see my dear friend, Vijay Mallya when Kevin Pietersen’s name was up for auction. His bidding torch was on permanently and hell hath no fury if anyone got in his way. But, we had only 2 slots and we were happy we got what we really wanted, Shaun Tait (one of the fastest bowlers of the world) and Henderson (an all rounder).  All went well and I spoke to Shane Warne, our captain. He was happy with the choice of players, said he was looking forward to playing this season – was so excited with the going-ons. What was also great to see was the camaraderie between all the Team Owners. All of us had one thing in common, all wanted to have fun and ALL WANTED TO WIN!!

There hasn’t been a better amalgam of glamour and sports before this, which is why it worked the first time around. This time IPL will be bigger and better, going to make sporting history in India. Can’t wait till it kicks off! Halla Bol!

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Advance warning: this blog entry will be rushed. Not due to any reason other than the pressing urgency for me to deliver a very exciting piece of news and then dash back to the shot I need to give for Desire, here in Nasik. As promised, there is a big announcement to make but you may have heard it already given the amount of press that turned up yesterday when we had a press conference to unveil the news.

I AM NOW OFFICIALLY A STAKEHOLDER IN THE RAJASTHAN ROYALS!!! I am so excited about this, I just have to scream every time I think about it.

In our country entertainment is a religion in itself and I am already honoured to be part of the film fraternity. In times when across the globe we are reading about doom and gloom and economic crises, it is warming to see the sight of thousands of Indians cheering at a cricket match and forgetting about everything else. The team spirit, the hopes for the team, the aspirations of each player and the infectious enthusiasm of the entire crowd as individuals and a collective, all of it is simply magic.

I have loved cricket as long as I can remember, and I admit it’s usually been the way people react to it rather than the game itself that has me excited but over the years I’ve learnt to cherish what is a true art form full of grace, careful tactical planning and skill. I also admit that I don’t know as much as a cricket fanatic would but enough to enjoy the game. There’s lots to learn and I can’t wait.

The IPL embodies so much more than just cricket, it represents a global team coming together for the love of the sport. Players from every corner of the globe, divided geographically yet coming together irrespective of caste, creed and beliefs for the love of the game. The Rajasthan Royals were a natural choice given they were the winners last time and have fantastic players with such unflinching passion for cricket.

I was making the announcement yesterday and was very nervous. Not so much because of the team but because it was the first time I’d be part of a press conference with the love of my life by my side in front of the cameras. He’s used to being the silent support waiting for me as soon as the last flash bulb has gone off but this time I insisted he be by my side as this is a joint venture and it happened because it was his idea. Raj is someone so special I was nervous for him and his baptism of flashbulb frenzy. I shouldn’t have been because when he’s by my side I just feel so calm and so happy and yesterday was no different.

So yesterday was a huge celebration for me as recently I’ve just felt so in tune with everything and so happy. Shamita’s birthday was on Monday and Wednesday we were announcing our venture with the Rajasthan Royals. It’s been a great start to the week.

May every day continue like this!! Leaving for Goa tomorrow, the auction begins on 6th. Hope we get the players we want and keeping my fingers crossed. Wish me luck! Rushing now, will keep you posted…

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