Extra, Extra!

We had our big break only our first day in Mumbai. Our hotel manager asked us (only a few short hours after arriving at the hotel) if we were interested in being extras in a Bollywood film. Bollywood is based in Mumbai and the produce more than two movies a day here. It is a huge industry both within the country and among the emigrants in the US, Canada, and Britain. We agreed to the opportunity, and the next morning we crammed into a small taxi not quite sure what to expect for the day. Next thing we know, we find ourselves (along with a small group of foreigners and a large group of India extras) in an old concrete warehouse, where we will get prepared for our roles. Metal boxes were stacked all around the center of the room, and two men were already steaming some silk outfits. Before we know it, Tim and the other guys are wearing shiny polyester suits, and the ladies are being called over to get their costumes. I end up in a long, light-green formal dress, and Katie is handed a strapless black, white and pink number. Next we were to pick out shoes, jewlery, have our hair done, and finally make-up. All taken care of in this desolate warehouse with makeshift changing rooms, and plastic lawn chairs to sit in.
The filming was taking place in a chic nightclub. While a sexy Indian actress did take after take to get her dance number right, we all milled about awaiting our big opportunity. Finally we participated in a few scenes, and inevitably our acting wasn't up to par. We were constantly instructed to display more emotion (for our few seconds on camera). Perhaps once it comes out, we'll have a chance to see if we actually made an appearance in 'Teen Patti'. Worth the experience to check out the Bollywood scene, I hardly think $10 makes it worth spending much more time on the set.