Producer Shailendra Singh took Hollywood couple Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones around Mumbai famous spots during their trip to the city. Singh has known the couple, both of whom are Oscar winners, for nearly two decades.
Douglas has visited the country before, though it was Zeta-Jones’s first trip to Mumbai. Singh took them around South Mumbai to the Gateway of India, Dhobi Ghat and even Babulnath temple where a special aarti was performed.
Douglas and Singh first met when they were due to work on a film title Racing the Monsoon which was set in India. That project never took off, though they kept in touch and became friends.
“Michael and I have been friends for the past 15 years,” Singh said. “The couple has an infectious energy and an outlook on life that is extremely inspirational. Seeing their unpretentiousness humbles you and makes you introspect. They wanted it to be their private time in Mumbai. Honestly, it was just family time and letting them connect with the city."
The couple had dinner at Singh’s Worli residence with his family. They had home-cooked dinner, listened to Sufi music and gazed at the decade’s last full moon from his terrace. Singh had flown down his favourite singer and santoor player to perform for them.