Chapter 165: Fame Comes Early

As a long-established provider of entertainment industry insurance, Allianz Group's products cover risks associated with commercial films, TV shows, multinational productions, blockbuster films, and live events globally. Two out of every three Hollywood blockbusters are underwritten by Allianz's special risk insurance, including all the films in the "James Bond" series to date.

With Allianz Group's subsidiary, the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, as the third-party guarantor, negotiations between Sands Entertainment and the Mountain Foundation entered the fast lane.

Both parties reached a cooperation agreement, and Michael and Laksh Roshan did not participate in the detailed negotiations. Instead, Laksh Roshan arranged for someone to accompany Michael to tour Mumbai's scenic spots, including Bollywood.

That person was Priyanka Chopra, whom Michael had met before.

Walking between the soundstages in Bollywood, Michael occasionally glanced at Priyanka Chopra. Over the past few days, he concluded that Indian women with good looks often had great figures as well.

Priyanka Chopra was wearing a yellow V-neck T-shirt, which hinted at a deep cleavage, and white shorts that showcased her long, straight legs. Even in flat shoes, she appeared extremely tall.

But unlike the overly thin Carmen Kass, her figure was more voluptuous, with noticeable curves.

Slimmer than the American "bombshells" and fuller than skinny models…

With bodyguards leading and trailing them, Michael and Priyanka Chopra walked in the middle. Michael occasionally asked a few questions.

Arriving in front of a large film studio, Michael stood in front of a huge sign, looking at the word "Bollywood" inscribed on it. He remarked, "Bollywood and Hollywood differ by just one letter."

Priyanka Chopra stepped forward and explained, "Indians replaced the H in Hollywood with a B for Bombay, thus turning Hollywood into Bollywood."

Michael nodded, "I see."

Music started playing nearby, and it seemed like many people were gathered ahead. Michael looked over and vaguely saw cameras.

"They're filming over there," Priyanka Chopra asked Michael, "Mr. Davenport, would you like to take a look?"

"Call me Michael," Michael said, appearing very friendly.

Priyanka Chopra smiled and nodded, "Alright."

Michael glanced at Priyanka Chopra, took her hand, and walked towards the filming area. "Let's go take a look."

Priyanka Chopra lightly resisted but didn't break free. Remembering her agreement, she followed Michael quickly.

About twenty meters from the cameras, they were stopped. Michael didn't press further; it was evident a film was being shot.

A dozen young men and women danced gracefully to the music, with the lead actress singing on set. Unfortunately, it wasn't in English, so Michael didn't understand the lyrics.

"Didn't expect it to be live shooting," Michael commented softly after watching for a while. "The actors have great singing and dancing skills."

Indian films often included dance sequences.

Standing beside Michael, Priyanka Chopra said, "Singing and dancing are basic skills for Indian actors."

Michael asked curiously, "It's understandable for musical films to have choreography, but why do other types of Bollywood films always include dance scenes?"

Priyanka Chopra, who had just graduated from high school, didn't fully understand this herself. After thinking for a while, she shook her head and said, "I'm not really sure. I guess Indian audiences like these scenes."

After a while, the director called for a break. Michael asked, "Shall we go see other places?"

Priyanka Chopra readily agreed, "Sure."

The two bypassed this outdoor set and continued deeper inside. Bollywood, unlike Hollywood, remained a sprawling complex of interconnected studios. Traditional Hollywood had transformed into a tourist attraction in Los Angeles, with hardly any signs of production studios left.

Along the way, Michael encountered nearly ten different film crews shooting. Since they were in the same industry, he stopped to watch each one for a bit, noticing that six or seven of them were filming dance sequences.

Truly, there was no Indian film without dance.

After a roundabout tour, it was almost noon. Michael invited Priyanka Chopra to lunch. Preferring to avoid the strong curry flavor, he chose an upscale Western restaurant.

Priyanka Chopra was rather quiet, spending most of her time slowly savoring her steak.

Michael kept the conversation going, asking, "Why didn't you apply to college after finishing high school in the US?"

Priyanka Chopra smiled and said, "My grades weren't very good."

"Sorry, Miss Chopra," Michael apologized.

Priyanka Chopra pressed her toe hard on the floor but maintained a sunny smile. "Michael, call me Priyanka. My friends all do."

Michael raised his glass. "To our acquaintance, Priyanka."

Priyanka Chopra clinked glasses with him, "Cheers."

They drank a small glass of red wine, and a waiter immediately refilled their glasses.

After the waiter left, Michael probed, "Are you very familiar with Mr. Roshan?"

Priyanka Chopra's foot stopped moving, and her smile stiffened momentarily. There was a big difference between doing something secretly and openly discussing it.

"Not really," Priyanka Chopra, lacking experience, hesitated. "It's just... well..."

She suddenly didn't know what to say.

Michael's slight probing confirmed his suspicion. He picked up his glass again to ease Priyanka Chopra's embarrassment. "Thank you for the tour today."

In this short time, an idea had formed in Michael's mind, and the more he thought about it, the more interesting it seemed.

Why not give it a try?

Priyanka Chopra hurriedly raised her glass, her face slightly flushed, and clinked glasses again with Michael.

"By the way, Priyanka," Michael changed the topic, "last time you mentioned wanting to enter Bollywood through beauty pageants. How is your preparation going?"

One glass of wine later, Priyanka Chopra felt much less awkward and quickly adjusted her mood. "It's going well. After returning from the US, I joined a talent agency that connected me with a professional training company. I'm currently undergoing body training."

Michael said, "I hope you win the title."

Priyanka Chopra shook her head gently, "The competition is fierce. I'd be satisfied just making it into the top ten."

"Can you smoothly transition to acting if you make the top ten?" Michael asked.

Priyanka Chopra explained briefly, "Making the top ten allows you to sign with a professional company. With some luck, you can quickly get small roles in films."

Michael said with some regret, "Priyanka, with your looks, playing small roles is an injustice."

Priyanka Chopra, confident but not overly so, said, "I'm still young, and I have time..."

Originally, she wanted to say she had the qualifications, but realizing it might be inappropriate, she changed it to, "I have time to progress slowly."

"Priyanka, you know I'm a producer and have some experience in this area." Michael said seriously, "Female actors and male actors are entirely different. Twenty-five and under is the best age for female actors. Fame should come early!"

Priyanka Chopra was momentarily stunned but quickly realized the truth in his words. Women's prime years were few.

Michael continued, "I don't know much about Bollywood, but in Hollywood, if a female actor doesn't become famous before twenty-five, it becomes exponentially harder to make it later. Late-blooming female actors are extremely rare."

Considering Michael's identity as a Hollywood producer, Priyanka Chopra subconsciously believed him.

Michael glanced at her and asked, "Have you finished eating?"

"Yes," Priyanka Chopra quickly returned to her senses.

Michael called for the bill and then said to Priyanka Chopra, "Let's take another stroll."

They didn't return to Bollywood. Michael suggested visiting the commercial district, taking Priyanka Chopra to a Chanel store where he picked out the latest handbag for her.

Priyanka Chopra declined, "Sorry, Michael, this is too expensive."

Michael smiled and said, "You've spent the day with me; I must show my appreciation. Aren't we friends? It's normal for friends to exchange gifts."

Priyanka Chopra looked at the white handbag with the interlocking double C's and hesitated to continue declining, feeling reluctant.

She wasn't an ignorant girl and knew what "Chanel" meant.

"You don't want me to owe you this favor, do you?" Michael joked. "I'd think about you all the time, unable to sleep."

Priyanka Chopra couldn't help but laugh, accepting the handbag from the saleswoman. "Thank you."

When they left, Priyanka Chopra had already swapped her handbag, smiling even more brightly.

Returning to the hotel by car, Michael asked as they were getting out, "Shall I have the driver take you home?"

Priyanka Chopra instinctively wanted to agree but remembered her commitment from yesterday and said, "It's still early; I'll stay for a bit longer."

Michael exited the car first, then chivalrously opened the door for Priyanka Chopra and led her into the hotel.

This was Mumbai, not Los Angeles. Michael's negotiations with the Mountain Foundation were ongoing, far from reaching a level of trust where he would risk bringing Priyanka Chopra to his room.

Business was full of deception. Having recently set a trap for someone and being highly vigilant, Michael was wary of being ensnared himself.

Simply put, Michael knew he wasn't powerful enough to easily resolve any trouble that might arise.

Moreover, during lunch, he had a thought he wanted to test.

If this was a honey trap, Michael would enjoy the honey and return the trap.

"Priyanka," Michael pointed to the lounge area in the hotel lobby, "Shall we sit there for a while?"