i had my first paying photography gig last week, shooting the indo-american association of chennai's diamond jubilee. the highlight of the evening was the presence of the chief guest, kamal hassan (the one in the white shirt, just left of center), a film actor who has been in the movies for more than 50 years himself. with his film career and social activism, he is essentially the george clooney of india. this is the second time i've met him - the first was at a screening of his latest film arranged for the u.s. consulate. he's a very modest guy, and although my driver and housekeeper were very impressed, it's really easy not to be star-struck when you don't know the celebrities of the country.
