It was still dark as we steadily made our way through barren roads. The police pilot GP flashing its orange rotator light ahead and behind, more security - we are just a ‘rann’ away from the Pak territory !! Moon was out shining at 6 in the morning and the entire region looked surreal. There is something uncanny about nothingness. That is what one felt as one strutted about on the salt laden muddy terrain, the wind so harsh even the vanity van shook and quivered.

Within a couple of hours around 8 AM it was beginning to indicate to us what the rest of the day would be like in the sun, and the very thought of it was frightening. So we did what was best done. Wrapped for the morning to assemble again by the evening. And so we did and so we did. The normal general look and then the traditional as far as the clothing goes.

The script flew away from my hands as I was reading it and a couple of unit hands sillily ran after it as it bounced away at rapid speed. It was a strange site. A white stark bunch of papers flying off ahead chased by a couple of unit hands, until they became a tiny spot in the horizon and still no where near catching up with the sheet of paper. Until …smart production incharge Mr Kumar did his deed for the day - got on to a bike, readily accessible there as the only machine transport allowed on the Rann and drove off behind paper.

We looked at this site with great amusement and jeered as this chase kept unfolding in front of us, wary of course with the fact that any longer and paper and Kumar would become prized possessions of Pakistan !! We are really just 60 kilometers away from the border… and it can be seen across the Rann !!

That over, shoot over, we are back in the room and turning in early for tomorrow on another early start. In schedule and somewhat satisfied with the results the crew seemed content. The ladies looked less worried. The director, Shoojit of Johnny Mastana fame, gave his typical reserved look and the decorated camels pounced about in the breeze.

Breeze or strong wind was incessant but not quite as strong as in Jomsom in Nepal when we were shooting for Khuda Gawah. That wind was awesome. You could actually lie back on it while standing and catch a few winks !! Incredible !!

Power ’s gone off !! Will post and slumber and remember in the number ..

Breathe in the Rann of Kutch !! Come breathe in a bit of Gujarat !

Avo jo !!

Amitabh Bachchan