What fun! This weekend was the ‘Indian Premier’ of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel with a special viewing for cast n crew.
Welcome to The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel!
At the entrance, we were greeted with a merry marigold covered rickshaw then exuberant drumming and dancing part of most Indian marriages and celebrations.
Noise and dance
While none of the UK or American cast were able to join, the Fox Searchlight team was well represented. John Madden did a wonderful job making the evening an inclusive appreciation of all the efforts that went into creating another delightful film. The writer – Ol Parker – and Producer – Graham Broadbent – were also very much a part of the event and after-screening dinner gathering.
John Madden with Indian Cast and Crew
Just like in the 1st Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, it brings together a remarkable cast of stalwarts such as Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Diana Hardcastle, Penelope Wilton then adds Richard Gere and Tamsin Greig, zings up ‘desi style’ with Lillete Dubey, Tina Desai, Dev Patel and many more…
Of course it makes for a marvellous romp! There were many enjoyable moments and Maggie Smith in particular is simply outstanding. There is a lovely dynamic between Dench and Nighy and delightful to see Richard Gere as Lillete’s love interest. 😉
I won’t say more about the movie – just watch and enjoy!
Partner with John Madden and Lillete Dubey
It also can’t help but spark more stories of enjoying life in later years in ‘non-traditional’ ways – just need a zest for life and being open to new experiences!
Yeah I’ll admit it… I bent the ear of the writer with tales of my great-aunt who kept kicking-up her heels traveling with great gusto, humour (and a much younger hubby!) until just over 100 years.
Any one else have a family member or friend who post 70 opens a new chapter and takes life into a completely different direction?
A few video links for The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel:
Everyday Asia 
I can’t wait to see this. I’m waiting for it to be showing in more independent theaters hat I like instead of the expensive ones where popcorn is as much as the ticket and you can drink beer inside.
Haha! Sounds like a rather civilised way to see it. 🙂
Loved both Marigold Hotel movies! Loved. Thanks for sharing this little glimpse into the Indian opening. Were the movies just as popular there?
Not in our 70’s (then) – I was 61 and Don 69 when we sold our home and car and sold or gave away all our possessions and became homeless nomads travelling the world. That was 3 1/2 years ago now and we’re still going strong. I guess you could say we opened a new chapter 🙂
Alison
You both are an inspiration!
Can’t say yet if the 2nd will be a hit in India however the 1st did OK. Dev Patel’s character doesn’t connect so well locally and as his and Tina’s relationship plays in to much of the story, that may work so well. However Lillete shines in an understated way, so that offsets!
Was amazing hearing all the tales from the set – the dedication and work discipline of the cast – even in the overnight shoots. My partner has a couple quite interesting tales – but those are his to tell. 🙂
I have a new student – he’s 75 and thinking of moving to Norway at the end of the year 😉 I might write a blog post about him when I get to know him a bit better!
What fun! Am sure he’s quite a character. 😉
If his English was better, I could find out 😉
If you are his teacher… it is merely a matter of time!
He’s a bit deaf which is slowing things down a little 😉
“Eh? What was that?! Speak up lass!” 😉
Fraulein 😉
I went to see the 2nd Marigold movie last night – with my mother – and we both loved it. Your partner adds a cool dry discreet touch to the film (even as he takes a bribe).
Hey fab! Amused you spotted him – well done.
You should see him in a tux! Denz does ‘debonair’ rather well. 🙂