Now that's useful!

There is a "panic" button at the right top, just in case!

Eavesdropping and Manirathnam

I was standing in the checkout line of Walmart yesterday. As usual, the line was long and slow moving. There was an Indian family (probably North Indian) standing in the next line with a kid and an American lady (middle-aged) was behind them. I think she must have guessed that they were Indians and was indulging in small talk.

American lady: I went to India last year

Indian family: Oh! Did you like it?

Lady: Yes. I visited Ramana Maharishi ashram. Have you heard about it?

IF: No.

Lady: Well, I am not able to pronounce the name of the place properly, but there is an Aru-na-chalesh-wara temple in that area. I went fro Chennai.

IF: Arunachal?? I get it! That's a state in the North-East. It is pretty far!

Lady: Really! Hmm... I think it was in the South.

At this point, I had to force myself into the conversation although I don't like doing that. Not sure whether the line was long and boring or whether I was annoyed that an Indian did not know about his own country.

I think it was after Dil Se (a box office flop) and Manirathnam was being interviewed by some magazine.

Reporter: Why bother about story lines and plots set somewhere in North-East?

Mani: It is not somewhere. It is also part of India!

Coming back after a long hiatus. Hopefully would be able to post more frequently!