BY AJAY JAIN My usual job is to travel and write travelogues based on my own experiences. And then comes along an opportunity to do the same with a twist: record someone else’s experience on the road. I travelled with Bollywood actress Gul Panag on her drive recently from Goa to Hampi via Karwar and Gokarna. Ford India and the National Geographic channel were producing a series where Gul drove on the circuit of her choice in Ford Endeavour alterrain edition (http://www.india.ford.com/suvs/endeavour). Gul was on an endeavour of her own - in search of material for a possible coffee table book, or a travelogue. What was it like? When you have a pleasing and friendly personality like Gul, it can only be fun. Especially since driving just comes naturally to her - whether on two wheels or four wheels. Gul belongs to the road - a space where I come into my own too. I must admit the terrain was a bit rough - and for six days, we would wake up before first light, and be out till as late as beyond midnight. And be on the move all through in search of stories and personalities. The summer heat did no favours to us. Surprisingly, Gul took it all in her stride - always ready for the next shot. No sir, there were no starry tantrums here. Hats off to the professionalism. Would you have liked to join the ride yourself? Who wouldn’t have. But seats were naturally limited. Although there was a lucky winner of a Ford India’s contest who did get to be a part of the drive. I understand your jealousy, but don’t feel too disappointed: Tune in to National Geographic channel in India on June 23, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. for a drive with Gul Panag. Will the show be fun to watch? Yes. How do I know that? I was there, behind the scenes, when it was being shot. And I can personally endorse what I saw. What can you expect to see? I am not letting the cat out of the bag, but here is a little teaser to whet the appetite. Stay tuned for more. Have a look at more images from the trip at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151344332960770.1073741835.108449295769. And watch the curtain raiser on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ph_A8TLsuM.

1. Goa to Hampi in
India with Gul Panag
Watch the show on June 23, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.,
India Standard Time
All photographs and text by Ajay Jain
ajay@ajayjain.com / http://kunzum.com
Wednesday 5 June 13

2. What better start to a journey than on the beaches of Goa early in
the morning. Look closely - can you identify Gul behind the
wheel?
Wednesday 5 June 13

3. Given a set of four wheels with extra power, who would not be tempted
to play with the water? That’s Gul for you - wetting the cameras in the
process. Fortunately, they survived to shoot another day.
Wednesday 5 June 13

4. Breakfast with Gul at a shack on Goa’s beaches - we could only watch
and shoot while she got the treat. Prepare something special at home
on June 23 while watching the show on National Geographic. What if
Gul steps out of the screen and decides to join you?
Wednesday 5 June 13

5. Goa is known for its churches - can you identify this one?
Wednesday 5 June 13

6. Gul Panag loves to see the world through her own lens.
Wednesday 5 June 13

7. If you trouble Gul, she can quickly play Devil and get you! We all made
sure we stayed on her good side. ;) This is what I meant about the fun side
of her - always ready for games even after shooting in the blazing sun.
Wednesday 5 June 13

8. It was fun to drive the car across all kinds of terrains - like
crossing these old abandoned rail tracks on the path to the
beaches of Karwar.
Wednesday 5 June 13

9. Ok, be honest. Are you looking at Gul or the home made
kulfi (ice cream) she is having? Check out the ‘dudes’ in the
background.
Wednesday 5 June 13

10. Is Gul learning a new dance here? Nope - this is some move to
balance on a surf board in Gokarna. Did she surf herself? Watch the
show to know.
Wednesday 5 June 13

11. Have you tried surfing? I am not sure if I ever will - but do
share your experiences.
Wednesday 5 June 13

12. This is not monkey business. This is
the crew at work.
Wednesday 5 June 13

13. Is this a beautiful beach, or is this a serene beautiful beach?
Where is it? If you have been following Twitter @FordIndia or
@natgeotv_india you will know.
Wednesday 5 June 13

14. What happens when one artist meets another? Imagine letting
your creative senses loose on the beautiful rock structures of
Hampi in Karnataka.
Wednesday 5 June 13

15. Can Gul do goat-talk? She can. Don’t believe me?
See for yourself on the show.
Wednesday 5 June 13

16. It sure was fun driving through the sometimes rocky -
sometimes green landscape of Hampi
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17. Ladies and
Gentlemen,
presenting… “The
Musically Yours,
One and Only…..
Gulllll
Panaggggggg”
Wednesday 5 June 13

18. That’s a smart parting shot :)
Wednesday 5 June 13