On Friday I returned Don, a Hindi film starring the ubiquitous* Shahrukh Khan, to a little Indian grocery store in Lexington that also rents movies. I didn’t have a chance to make any conversation in Hindi the first time, because the woman at the register was on the phone. This time, when I checked out, she eyed me and said hesitantly, “Did you… watch it?”

“Yes.”

“Did you… like it?”

“Yes.”

“But… were there subtitles?”

“Yes, but,” Okay, okay, just spit it out already. “main hindii kii vidyaarthii huun!“**

“Ohhh.” She nodded, and she might even have said acchaa. I can’t remember, but I hope so. Then we talked about where in the world someone like me might have learned Hindi, which I suppose is the most surprising thing of all: Wisconsin.

It was kind of satisfying. Especially considering that speaking Hindi still feels like shooting in the dark, I always appreciate it when people are even just the tiniest bit impressed.

• * At least, ubiquitous to those of us who watch Hindi films.
• ** “I am a Hindi student.” In hindsight, I probably should have said something more natural, like “main hindii paRHtii huun.” (I study Hindi.) Not that it makes a difference to you.

Posted in Bollywood, Hindi by rachel