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Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, NJ

Lately I've been addicted to Bollywood films. On the eve of the eve of my departure, I took a few hours to try to cram one last film in before I left. (According to the Lufthansa website, there should be a Bollywood film on the flight to Frankfurt; guess what I'll be watching?).

I took this photo a few weekends ago. A friend of mine had invited me to an event in New Jersey. She wasn't sure what it was (she was going at the invitation of her friend), but said that there would be some Bollywood stars there. I had no other plans and agreed.

We took the train to Journal Square and her friend picked us up in a minivan. We drove to Secaucus and parked in the parking lot of huge shopping complex. An expo center anchored one side of the complex. Banners proclaimed it was the 10th anniversary of Zee TV (a channel offering Indian programming).

As we walked in, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor took the stage. I had just seen Omkara and recognized Ali Khan instantly. They answered some questions, posed for photos, and then disappeared with the promise of returning later in the day. We wandered some of the stalls and then wandered over to the food section.

When we finally reached the front, my friend's friend ordered food for us. We sat down and set upon our lunch. A few dishes were unknown to me, and I learned they were from Gujarat. They were delicious.

After our late lunch, a fashion show began on the stage, after which there were performances by a few local singers and school dance classes. As we were leaving, I heard the strains of "Dhoom Taana" and turned to see a group of school children dancing the choreography from Om Shanti Om.

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Posted 11 Sep 2008   |   Photography + design © Eugene Kuo // 226.