I'm digging a blissful state of nostalgia these days. It's amusing how memories play on your worked-up mind and relieve it of stress. I was in Italy around the same time last year shooting for Khuda Jaane (from Bachna Ae Haseeno) with Ranbir. And my shooting schedule for Housefull brought me here again. What a coincidence!

When we shot for Bachna..., I loved every bit of my 10-day stay here. While romance fills the air, Italy's beaches boast of a dreamlike charm. Unlike pristine white sand beaches that most ‘water babies' love to soak up the sun at, Italian beaches are pebbled. And that's what makes them appealing.

I remember how travelling took the better of us last year. We used to shoot all day and then travel to a new locale every night. Phew! Thank God it's more relaxed this time as we're stationed at one place and travelling to nearby locations only to return to the hotel at night. Since we're shooting in the suburbs, we have to travel a half-an-hour distance even to grab a decent meal. A couple of days ago, we hopped in a car and travelled to a small town close to Puglia to tuck-in dinner. Though I was too tired to do the up and down routine, I'm glad I did it. Else I would've missed gorging on the most wonderful handmade pizza I've ever had!

Another thing that excites me about shooting in foreign hotspots is that one gets to learn so much about the life people lead there. Though similar in approach, their language and conduct separates them from tourists who visit their native country. Italians, besides being beautiful (oh yes, they are!), are genuine. It's sweet to see how they grapple with the English language to communicate with foreigners in their country. I had a similar experience while conversing to an Italian local yesterday. Even after struggling through a half an hour chat, the gentleman didn't give up. Little things like these make life worthwhile. And I'm always game for them!

Posted on: 1 September, 2009