Thursday, September 29, 2005

cK Meets Salman Rushdie!

World renowned writer has tea with cK!

(not really, but he did have a glass of red wine in front of me)

Instead of going to my capoeira session as I usually do on Thursdays, I was invited to go to Hamilton, Ontario's Royal Botanical Gardens to be at a reading by Salman Rushdie, the world renowned and very controversial writer. Rushdie was promoting and reading his new novel, "Shalimar The Clown".

I went with my dear friend, Gillian, her daughter, Anna and her boyfriend, Liam.

Never being to a reading before, I already kind of knew what to expect. People all sitting in some area, while the writer is reading some parts of his book, then possibly some engaging interview questions by some "smart-dude" and then maybe a book signing.

Well, that was it definitely was - except this was no ordinary writer. This was Salman Rushdie! If you don't know or have never heard about him, I suggest you look his name up in google right now. If you are too lazy to do that and are still reading on, I can just sum it up this way: Rushdie particularly wrote a novel... yes.. a NOVEL that caused controversy in 1989, as many Muslims considered it to contain blasphemous references. Iran was the first country to ban the book. The leader of Iran, issued a fatwa, calling for the death of Salman Rushdie. On February 14, 1989, he broadcast this message on Iranian radio:
"I inform the proud Muslim people of the world that the author of the Satanic Verses book, which is against Islam, the Prophet and the Qur'an, and all those involved in its publication who are aware of its content are sentenced to death."

Now, why would I be going to meet Mr. Rushdie without wearing a bulletproof vest? Because I'm cK! I don't care. Plus, it plainly outlines it this way: ".... and all those involved in its publication who are aware of its content are sentenced to death." I am not involved in getting the book made or do I know what's in the book because I never read it!

That doesn't mean I could get mixed up in a crossfire by standing next to Mr. Rushdie. Oh well, that was the risk I took! So Rushdie did read some excerpts from his new novel, as I sat four rows from the stage area. Gillian listened very attentively as Anna sketched Rushdie in her sketchbook with Liam wrapping his arm over her shoulder.

Royal Botanical Gardens	Crowd	Liam & Anna
the new book:"Shalimar The Clown"	Girl Reading Behind Me	Rushdie at podium
Rushdie at podium	Gillian making notes	Anna sketching
Interview with Andre Alexis	Question from audience	Salman signing his book

I have to say, that Salman Rushdie's reading of his new novel was very engaging -- he had me completely attentive to each and every word he used in his way of describing the smallest detail.

After his reading, he then proceeded to the left side of the stage and was interviewed by author, Andre Alexis. The interview was conducted very well, where the questions were not obscure or stupid, but well thought out. Rushdie answered the questions to the delight of the crowd, with jokes and his opinions on politics and religion.

It was too bad this was not televised. Maybe, that was a good thing now that I think about it.

Well, after the interview and question period was over. There was a book signing session in the main foyer. Salman was only signing his new book and not any others that people may have brought along with them.

Gillian and I went in line so that she could have her book autographed. Anna and Liam waited in line with us as well. When Gillian went up, she got a book signing and proceeded on. I tried to take some pictures, but everything was happening so fast, and the organizers were trying to make everyone move in an orderly motion.

I went up to him, and got a book signed, then tried to take a quick picture and had to go.

I was not finished with him. As you can see in the following photos, I tried to get a picture of myself and him in the same frame. I would inch closer and closer snapping shots. Then, I saw these girls trying to get a pic of him like I did, and I just told them -- "GO FOR IT! He will take a pic with you!" So they approached him and he did stop to take a pic! Then I was like, "I can do that too!" So I did that. I went up to him and asked him for a pic. Rushdie was more than happy to, as he put his arm around me as I snapped the pic.

Salman signing books	There I am!	now..even closer!
more closer...	...and CLOSER	whoa! I'm close!

Hey! They are getting a pic!	YES! I got one!