When you follow a filmmaker in search of a story, you know things might get interesting. More so when this character is creating the story himself on-the-go, with no pre-planned notions on how it will pan out. So it was with Nagesh Kukunoor, the filmmaker and actor, with highly acclaimed movies like Hyderabad Blues, Iqbal and Dor to his credit. Nagesh and I came together down south for the shoot of the MyEndeavour alterrain series being produced by Ford India and the National Geographic channel. He was on a personal quest to complete an unfinished road trip he had undertaken in 1995, and seek out any possible settings and stories for his future films. And he picked up a Ford Endeavour alterrain edition (http://www.india.ford.com/suvs/endeavour) to drive from Munnar in Kerala to Coorg in Karnataka via Palakkad in Kerala and Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. It was just as well that we were in a comfortable and sturdy car, because the journey certainly demanded the most from man and machine. Just reaching our camp on day one took us over a body rattling roads which never seemed to end even though it was just over two miles. In the days that followed, Nagesh drove the Endeavour over winding mountainscapes and off-roads on days that stretched far into the night. But the fun lay in the challenge. When you wake up amidst tea gardens, and find the air cool and refreshing, the body forgets to be tired. Driving on roads passing through forested areas in the middle of the night, looking out for any animals who may have strayed beyond the reserve areas, becomes a game of anticipation in itself. Preparing fresh cheese for high tea in Coonoor with another celebrated filmmaker is a treat for sure. And after joining elephants in their bath in Coorg, you will never feel quite the same under a shower back home. Sounds tempting? Did you want to come along too? Would have loved to have you on board, but we could only take that many. Ford India did run a contest in advance, and a lucky winner got to ride along. But you don’t have to feel disappointed - tune in to National Geographic channel in India on June 30, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. for a drive with Nagesh Kukunoor. I am not telling you what you will get to view on the show. But here is a curtain-raiser; watch this space for more. You can also view more images at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151321095530770.1073741830.108449295769. You can also catch a glimpse of what awaits on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrfolW_JIXw.

1. Down South in
India with Nagesh Kukunoor
Watch the show on June 30, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.,
India Standard Time
All photographs and text by Ajay Jain
ajay@ajayjain.com / http://kunzum.com
Friday 7 June 13

2. Testing the Ford Endeavour over rough terrain on the first day itself, on
the way to our camp in Munnar in Kerala
Friday 7 June 13

3. Early morning in Munnar - wouldn’t you like to wake up to such
a view every day?
Friday 7 June 13

4. Want to check into this treehouse in Munnar?
Friday 7 June 13

5. Join the lady in Munnar and pick up fresh tea leaves for your
cuppa!
Friday 7 June 13

6. The Ford Endeavour, moving silently through the woods
Friday 7 June 13

7. Nagesh picked up fresh ingredients from the spice plantations of Munnar
to cook up a great meal for us; yes, that’s another of his talents
Friday 7 June 13

8. Nagesh, tell us what you like about the Ford Endeavour that makes you
so happy?
Friday 7 June 13

9. Nagesh Kukunoor consumes up to two kilos of mangoes a day in the summers - he
says it justifies bearing up with the summer heat of India. Seen here in Palakkad in
Kerala
Friday 7 June 13

10. Nagesh Kukunoor, you seem to be making an important point
here. Or are you discussing the mango crop of the season?
Friday 7 June 13

11. Preparing
mango pickle
for Nagesh at a
beautiful
homestay in
Palakkad
Friday 7 June 13

12. The Ford Endeavour goes calling upon rural Kerala near Palakkad
Friday 7 June 13

13. Next stop: Coonoor in Tamil Nadu
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14. Who wouldn’t like to drive through the relishing landscapes of
the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu
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15. Nagesh gets as animated sometimes as the actors he directs; but
then again, he has been an actor himself
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16. Who is Nagesh Kukunoor with? Hint: Another film director who has now
made Coonoor his home where he also makes cheese for his friends and
guests
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17. Driving the Ford Endeavour with the setting sun behind in
Coonoor
Friday 7 June 13

18. Driving through the Bandipur reserve forests was an adventure in itself
Friday 7 June 13

19. The Ford Endeavour seems ready to take-off from the hills of
Coorg in Karnataka; will it grow wings?
Friday 7 June 13

20. Is Nagesh thinking, “Who wants to work on a shoot when I can
relax in the environs of Coorg?”
Friday 7 June 13

21. What are your senses picking up Nagesh?
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22. Wouldn’t you all like this to be your shower everyday? What fun!!!
Friday 7 June 13

23. Hello ladies, we love your dresses. Tell us more? No? Ok, we shall tune into
National Geographic on June 30, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. and find out for
ourselves
Friday 7 June 13