Battle
Creek Brawl. It's because of them that I'm
so well known in India and they are very
old friends of mine. A few months ago, Mr.
Ramesh Babu from Oscar Films and Mr. Vikram
Lamba, brother of my Myth screen companion
Mallika Sherawat, came to Hong Kong to personally
invite me to this function. At the time,
I looked at my schedule and winced. I was
booked almost every day in April in Beijing,
doing public service announcements and other
events for the Olympics. How in the world
would I fit in a trip to India? But I was
so touched by their sincerity, and missed
India so much (it's been three years since
The Myth) that I shifted things around so
that I could squeeze in a very short trip.
As I told you, the purpose of the Chennai
trip was to attend the music launch of Oscar
Films' latest production, Dasavatharam.
In Indian films, the music is a very important
part of the production, and these events
are quite extravagant. The organizers had
also added a fund-raising element to it,
and I was there to present a check to the
charity organizers.
Oscar Films was extremely generous in providing
me with everything I could possibly need
on this trip. Since I was only going to
be in Chennai for about twenty-four hours,
I didn't think that anyone would know of
my arrival and I was completely overwhelmed
when I arrived at Chennai airport. So many
fans and friends came to greet me, and it
was at that moment I knew this would be
the beginning of an amazing trip.
The premiere event was incredible. I saw
so many friendly people, and so many famous
faces! Many stars of Indian cinema were
there and I recognized their faces, but
I didn't know how to pronounce their names
(you know I'm much better with faces than
with names). I was surprised and happy that
so many people seemed to know me and wanted
to talk to me. Oscar Films obviously did
a great job promoting and distributing my
previous films! I was really overwhelmed
and I did my best to talk to as many people
as possible. I hope I didn't offend anyone
by not giving them enough attention.
The movie, Dasavatharam, is truly a sight
to behold. The story, directing, acting,
camera work, special effects, everything
about it is amazing. It really opened my
eyes to modern Indian cinema. Of course
I had seen Indian films before; I admire
many of the actors, and really like the
music and dancing. But this movie is really
something else. Every element was amazing
to me; and all the elements together just
made a perfect and incredible movie! I won't
spoil anyone's surprise by revealing the
story now, since I think everyone should
watch this movie. But I will say two things:
watch for the environmental message, and
all you directors in Hong Kong and China,
watch this movie and start working harder
than ever, because very soon now, Indian
cinema will overtake us in the eyes of the
international audience!
Because of my busy schedule, I had to leave
Chennai the same night, after the event
ended. I arrived in Beijing early the next
morning and imagine my surprise when I was
greeted with, "We heard it didn't go
too well; are you okay?" I honestly
had no idea what everyone was talking about.
I'd had such a thrilling and interesting
trip and everything had gone quite smoothly.
When I saw some of the news reports on
the Internet, I was extremely upset. One
article accused me of ridiculous things
like refusing to drink India's bottled water
– they said I brought my own imported
mineral water - and of traveling with my
own personal chefs because I refuse to eat
Indian food. There were also reports of
my so-called offensive behavior, dismissing
the Indian stars and not talking to anyone.
What complete nonsense! I have nothing but
respect for Indian culture and Indian cinema,
and even though I may not know all the stars
by name or how to properly pronounce the
names of the ones I do know, this has nothing
to do with my admiration for them. And saying
that I won't eat Indian food! Nothing could
be further from the truth; I adore Indian
food, and in fact had two excellent meals
on this trip and was so full I could barely
leave my seat!
To the reporters who wrote those offensive
articles, I say this: You say I brought
my own water. What brand did I bring? You
can find out from the housekeepers at the
hotel whether I did such a thing. You say
I refused to eat Indian food. Do your research
and talk to the three butlers the hotel
assigned to my room and ask them what I
ate! You say I holed up in my air-conditioned
hotel room, ignoring my hosts. Why would
I travel all the way to India and refuse
to leave my hotel room?
I've been in the public eye for many years
and I have put up with a lot of ridiculous
things written about me. I very seldom lash
out at anyone. But truly, these irresponsible
"reporters" spoiled the memory
of my trip, and I am so afraid that when
my gracious and wonderful hosts read the
lies, they may get the complete wrong impression
of me and my feelings about them and about
the event. Therefore, I am posting this
message on my website immediately to set
the record straight.
While I am on the topic of irresponsible
journalism, some reporters recently asked
me about my participation in the Olympic
torch relay. I jokingly answered that no
one had better try to come near me while
I'm carrying the torch. I said it as a joke,
and believe me, I made it quite clear that
I was fooling around. I have tremendous
faith in the security measures being taken.
The next day there were news reports all
over the world saying things like "Jackie
Chan Threatens Olympic Protestors"
and "Kung Fu Star Will Chop Down Protestors."
It seems that everywhere in the world there
will be rotten apples that spoil the good
ones in the barrel.
I hope this has cleared things up and that
my gracious and generous Indian hosts and
all of my fans and friends will be reassured
that I had a lovely and memorable trip.
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