A fan account of meeting Saif

The moment I found out Saif Ali Khan and Kalki Koechlin were filming a Bollywood movie in Ann Arbor, and that I unknowingly had walked past where they were filming, I almost wanted to weep. (Almost.) My sister could tell you that Hum Tum — Khan's version of When Harry Met Sally — was my favorite movie for years. In Sri Lanka, my friend Sheela and I waxed poetic about Kalki's acting skills, a far cry from the plastic expressions of another popular import, Katrina Kaif. And here they were, filming in Ann Arbor of all places. Not Switzerland. Not Australia. But Ann Arbor.

I was kind of crushed.

Later in the evening, Seth and I walked past Lena, the restaurant where they had been filming a scene for their movie Writer's Block. There was a huge semi-truck to the side, and groups of mostly Indian people milling about. We walked past the outdoor sitting, only to see Saif Ali Khan himself sitting outside with a bunch of phones on the table. I'm pretty sure I was gawking — which Seth affirmed when I asked. A bunch of little kids ran up to him for autographs. He didn't seem irritated at all. Maybe just tired.

I glanced Seth. He asked me if I wanted a picture. I said yes, but I was so nervous. What if he said no? Finally, I tentatively wandered up to the actor for a picture. Saif Ali Khan nodded and smiled, telling me to sit down. He pulled over the chair. Seth fangled around with the camera. I thanked the actor, asking if he was enjoying Ann Arbor so far. With another smile, he said he did. I suggested that if he had time, he should go to Zingerman's, a hugely popular deli that is always frequented during movie shoots. His eyes lit up and he summoned a girl, probably his assistant. "Nikki! Do you know where this Zingerman's is? Get me a sandwich, okay?" They were discussing whether or not to get turkey when Seth and I decided to wave and leave.

So, there you have it. That's the dramatic retelling of how I met Saif Ali Khan in Ann Arbor.

(* full credit to Nina B. Thanks so much for your story!)

So this is the secret. Food.

*notes to self*