When Ratna met Angelina Jolie

 This is how it happened. When the crew  of “ a mighty heart” descended into Sind society, they chose a bungalow, that we occupied, before we built our home, close by. Every one living here assumed, I had arranged this bit….far from the truth., I can tell you, since at the best of times, I don't spare a minute to make any calls, visits, meetings, what not….i had many friends calling me to say that I must take them with me, when I go. They assumed she would meet me…...

The society was all abuzz & thought that I would definitely meet her. This set me thinking & I had my card sent to her. The very next day, she invited me to lunch. An invitation I was reluctant to accept, as I am a pure vegetarian. “ No” she insisted, “ You must come Ratna, we are all vegetarians here.” so I went .

She was a picture of simplicity & a devoted mother I could see. The box of cookies, I carried for Maddox & Zahara,, were  quickly sampled by her, & enjoyed.. She was quick to show me her tattoos…..large ones, almost covering her back, arms, neck, she was so interested in what I was doing & expressed a desire to do a programme in my centre. I reassured her, that if God willed , it would happen….

 

Woman to woman

 November 06, 2006, Pune Newsline

THEY bonded as women and mothers, across cultures. And Ratna Khemani, corporate trainer cum public speaking guru, sure cherishes the experience of meeting up with one of the most charismatic stars of our times, the breathtaking Angelina Jolie.

But, she hastens to explain, her wish to meet Angelina had nothing to do with her celebrity status. “I have read of her work as a humanitarian. Also, since I belong to one of the founding families of Sindh Society, I wanted to apprise her of its history,” explains Ratna. So, she sent a small message to Jolie through her staff.

The meeting took place at the bungalow, where Angelina’s currently shooting for A Mighty Heart, on Thursday. Contrary to popular perception, Ratna found Angelina’s staff “ thoroughly hospitable,” including her personal body guard, the much-maligned Mickey.

The star herself a sense of humour. “When I regretted that I hadn’t seen a single movie of hers, she quipped that it was perfectly alright, as she herself hadn’t seen a single Brad Pitt-starrer!” laughs Ratna.

Ratna pointed out that the society had been built from scratch by people who had survived the Partition. “Even so, they retained their strong middle class values, culture and education.”

For her part, Angelina told Ratna that she’d always wanted to be a “mom, over all else.” And her devotion to her children was hard to miss. “Maddox, for instance, came across as an well-mannered little boy. When I explained that I couldn’t hand over the cookies I’d brought for him without mummy’s permission, he took it rather well,” smiles Ratna.

“At the end of the day, I think Angelina Jolie is a young professional, who’s giving her all to her career, children and the causes she holds dear. She’s simply beautiful, and I am not referring to her looks.”