If you haven't met Tena Desae then it's difficult to understand her in totality. As we move to the couch area, I remember the word. There are better words than just 'beautiful'. 'Radiant', for instance. It's an underused word. It's a very special word. "You are radiant Tena", I compliment her. I continue, "You are enchanting, smouldering, intoxicating, charming, fetching". She ogles. She senses trouble. Not that I was trying too hard but I found her amusingly attractive in the morning with her beautiful black curls, her purple garb and her surreal simplicity. Currently this is how Tena's professional career looks - Debut movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Post that, this is how it'll look - With her movies, production deals, fashion work, perfumes, and ad contracts, Tena could keep her entire family in personal assistants round the clock. Whatever her future has planned for her, one thing's certain that Tena's presence creates a sort of low-level celebrity static. I sit up a little straighter and sparkle a little brighter, as though her star wattage has lit me up too. After all, she's our Kingfisher Calendar Girl first and then an actress. 'Wink'. Part 2 - On a Date with Tena Desae continues....
DP: If you ask me, I love my beer. It's too British I know but I can't do without it. But listen, you are going to London soon. What will you get for me?
TD: I will send you a postcard.
DP: No! Not at all. Get me those special M&M's peanuts. It comes in those collector's pack.
TD: I hate M&M's.
DP: Where is this date going?
TD: Surely in the wrong direction and taste (laughs). I don't want to gift you something that you like. I will pick my choice. That's how it should be. I don't want to pick up things I don't like.
DP: Ok, you win.
TD: No, wait. How about a confectionary box from Harrods? That's better. Box of strawberries coated in chocolates.
DP: Get me a bottle of single malt please. I like my Laphroaig.
TD: Ok, I will. Promise.
DP: So, you excited about your first big British debut?
TD: Yes. It's surreal, isn't it?
DP: It can't get better than this. It's as good as a Hollywood debut Tena.
TD: I know but I am nervous too. Please advise me on the 'must do' on the red carpet when I walk on the premiere day.
DP: Be yourself and not the actress Tena Desae. Let your flamboyance paint the town red. Sport a smile and be humorous when you talk to journalists. Walk tall and don't forget to show a bit of skin.
TD: (laughs) I like the last pointer. I will definitely keep a close watch on what you said.
DP: Think about it, tomorrow if you become a huge Hollywood phenomenon, I can proudly say that she followed my advice.
TD: You think I'll make it to the top?
DP: You should go for the kill. You are already on top of the world darling. You are walking the red carpet in the UK with Oscar and BAFTA nominees and winners. Does it get any bigger? Honestly, make me your manager and see the magic baby (wink).
TD: (laughs) You are such a player I tell you. But you score again.
DP: You know not many are as lucky as you
TD: You think I am lucky?
DP: I mean you've got two Dev Patels and you are spoilt for choice.
TD: (laughs) I think I'll pick both. No, actually I'll pick you.
Devansh Patel: Shall we continue our conversation on that beautiful green couch?
Tena Desae: Yea sure, the couch looks more comfortable.
DP: The couch is always comfortable
TD: (laughs) Nice one. But I'll fold my legs and sit. I hope you don't mind?
DP: Why should I? You know what? Sometimes girls try a bit too hard but you are looking polished at 11.30am in the morning with no makeup on. Amazing!
TD: There you go! You score.
DP: I do. What attracts you in a man?
TD: I think their conversation attracts me. It's very important. It can be long hours of talking rubbish too.
DP: Are you being sarcastic?
TD: No! Come on, you can get there (laughs) let's talk about Harry Potter v/s The Lord of the Rings
DP: Aaah! There you go, perfect conversation. I support The Lord of the Rings.
TD: I knew it. All men do. You are no different. I haven't seen The Lord of the Rings because I haven't read the books.
DP: And I assume you've read all of Harry Potters?
TD: Yes (all smiles). But The Lord of the Rings books are so thick.
DP: (laughs) You are crazy. Your talks are too.
TD: I told you earlier. I like random talks too.
DP: You said rubbish.
TD: (laughs) But I feel Potter is very endearing.
DP: Honestly, I was not a big fan of fantasy movies. But somehow I was introduced to The Lord of the Rings while I was in London. So I saw all the Parts in two days. I started believing in fantasy from that day on.
TD: Now that's a nice story.
DP: Wish I can convert our date into a fantasy...Where's Tim Burton? Anyway, what else do you fantasize besides movies?
TD: Sky diving and Bungee jumping. Hang on! Scuba diving too. I like sitting near the beach and have my drink.
DP: Oh! What do you drink?
TD: Though I love my shots. I don't really drink alcohol too much. I am a shot girl.
DP: As of now you should gulp your hot coffee that's getting cold.