Connecting...

Just when I was skillfully pushing aside the few odd pangs of guilt for not making any blog entries, I got a mail from a new-found online friend who said that I had actually inspired her to start her own blog. Well, that's the thing that keeps you going. A word here and there.

So here I am again...:-)

The International Women's conference went off real well, although I dare say that I was truly behind the scenes with no chance of attending a session. I mean, I was looking after Hema Malini ji, whom I admired for years. Trust Gurudev to put you where you always dreamed to be. In front of one of the most beautiful women the world has seen.

Hema ji is forthright, straightforward and no-nonsense type. I quickly learned that she can intimidate people with her direct approach. But go past the tough exterior and you find that she is a very sensitive person. I guess one has to be sensitive to be able to portray Divine persona such as 'Radha' or 'Lakshmi'.

In spite of her busy schedule we did chat up a bit. We giggled over the cute goody bag that the organizers had placed on her bed. Hemaji will look past any other cuisine to get to the plain South Indian fare of idlis and dosas. She loves to use her own herbal tea dips. All in all, she does take care of her diet and health.

While looking after Hemaji and her dance troupe, (who had joined her to perform a beautiful dance ballet at the ashram), I also was able to meet Usha Uthup, a singer par excellence, whom I idolized for her wonderful renditions- eastern or western.

Here are a few pics that you might enjoy:

Hemaji at dinner. Guruji came in later and spoke to her (and us!)

That's me with Ushaji

Hemaji (as Radha) with 'Krishna' and the dance troupe.