My co-worker Ajay writes a YouTube based sitcom. It is a huge hit, he tells me, with viewers all over the world. It’s also in Malayalam, so when he sent me episode links it’s not like I could tell whether it was well-written. The story is about Indian immigrants in the U.S., so there’s a smattering of English (like, “Okay, fine”).
For many months, Ajay has been offering me guest spots on the show—basically whenever he wants an American. I don’t know if he thinks I’m especially funny or charming, or if he just hits up everyone he knows when he needs guest stars.
So anyway, this weekend we filmed my first episode. I play an American woman married to a Malayali man. I walk up to an Indian gentleman sitting at a park bench and strike up a conversation. I ask where he’s from, he says Kerala, I say “My husband is from Kerala! He’s been trying to teach me Malayalam. I’ve been hoping to meet someone I can practice my language skills with.” Then I greet him in Malayalam and he looks uncomfortable. The camera zooms in on my smiling face. Tune in next time.
We did this outdoors. Often they film in restaurants and cafes, but the week before Thanksgiving, everyone was too busy. It was about 29 degrees out, with a punishing windchill. So naturally I’m walking up to a park bench and fixing my makeup. With gloves on. We were all numb from the cold.
Anyway, so here’s my new career as a sitcom actress. I have no idea what the other characters are about, but I figure that’s good for my character, who doesn’t speak the language; I have purposely not asked for back story for that reason. See? I’m Method.
Congratz! Let me know if you need a manager or a publicist or a token gay or anything.
Indian TV is really lacking in token gays.
Not even the occasional hijra?
Not so much.
Kerala is a southern state, hijras are from the far north.
Ah.
(Knows his transgender subcultures, does not know his geography.)
I read an article. And y’know, Indian co-workers.
We need links! How do we find the show and your particular episode?
… silly me. I now see the link you posted in the first sentence.
Tag, you’re It!
Hello,
And welcome to the Chrysalis Must-Link’s Holiday Meme 2008! Your Mission, should you choose to accept it, will be…
1. Surf to Chrysalis, One Witches Journey
http://chrysalis1witchesjourney.wordpress.com/
2. Click on the ‘Links!’ button in the Pages in the Book of Leaves box in the upper right hand corner.
3. Poke around there briefly
4. In both the comments section of your blog where this message was posted, and in the comments section of the Chrysalis Links page, leave a list of 3 must-link links for the list, and 3 people you are tagging.
I am tagging Deborah Lipp, Oak, Executive Pagan, Dianne Sylvan, and Sannion!
Peace,
Pax
http://chrysalis1witchesjourney.wordpress.com/
and
http://gaymarriageorsomethinglikeit.blogspot.com/