This evening I went to the INX TV Studios and was featured on a program called "Mission: Ustaad." We didn't really know what we were getting into... so it was an adventure for sure.
We left school at about 4 (a mere 45 minutes late) and headed on the bus for the studios. It took us a long time because of traffic, but we finally arrived and were ushered into a room where we were finally informed of what we were doing (which we learned would last until 11 pm). Originally a week ago, we were asked if we wanted to attend a game show filming in Bollywood... we said "sure." Fast forward to yesterday, we are informed we are going to a reality show filming with a UN representative and would have to wear a uniform of jeans and a white t-shirt (which just seems like a great idea to wear under tv lights... right).
We learned that the program on Channel X9 was in support of the UN Millennium Development Goals... a worthy cause. Each week, famous singers perform songs that relate to the eight goals of the UN MDG and the "jury" (a panel of 3 famous judges, including the former Miss Universe) votes for the best songs which will appear on an album at the end of the 11-episode run. We sat around, signed releases for the TV station, and spoke briefly with the UN representative (who heads all the UN organizations that work within India) who serves as an advisor for the program. We then were offered snacks and ushered into the studio to the green room where we watched the filming of the first episode.
Then a TV crew came and interviewed a few of us about our experiences in India and our thoughts on Global Unity. They then selected three of us, myself and two of the guys: Kim and John that would go up on stage to interact with the judges and performers. We were armed with a mic and after much waiting around, we finally made it on stage at about 10:30.
I was somehow roped into doing most of the talking... and also wound up singing a few lines in Hindi, much to the audiences delight. I also was able to use some of my limited Hindi, which earned quite a bit of applause. It was AWESOME! I spoke on the importance of global unity and explained some of my experiences in India.
Needless to say... it was really cool and exhilerating to be on national television (again) which will be aired to roughly 50 million Indians on January 26th. I miss performing, and the butterflies you get right before you step on stage and forget all your worries....I am going to attempt to get a copy of the program, and will be sure to share it!
It was a VERY long evening though, with a lot of sitting around... so we were all greatful to get out of the studio and back on the bus to head back. Luckily we do not have any lectures tomorrow, so after two very late nights I can finally sleep in tomorrow!!
I really am going to miss being a celebrity :-)
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