 
1996. A bright day at the Universal Studios, Hollywood. I was on my first visit to the Mecca of Movies and thanks to my friends at the American Consulate, Madras a series of meetings with prominent Hollywood personalities and visits to studios were arranged.
The most memorable of such meetings was with ‘The Terminator Tough Guy’ Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was then shooting Jingle All The Way (1996) and he kindly and warmly spent his very valuable time with me.
Interestingly while the studio execs chatted with me, an elderly American lady from mid-west overheard it and asked him if she could join him and meet her movie idol! "Madam, come along...at best he may ask you to get lost!" I told her and the lady joined me thrilled to the core.
In a few moments came the top star of American Action Cinema. After formal introductions he began to talk more to the elderly lady! He asked her why she did not bring her family and suggested she should do so the next time! She started addressing him as ‘Mr. Schwarzenegger’ and in a matter of moments drowned in the avalanche of affection and friendship poured on her by the smiling star, she began to call him "Arnie Boy!" He was delighted and said with glee, "I like it, ma’am!"
She said, "My folks back home would never believe this!" And she asked for his autograph. As she had no autograph book, with some embarrassment she pulled out the various printed handouts, leaflets and such she had collected during her visit to Los Angeles, which she showed him. Smiling some more he signed his name in all the available white space on those papers! That was Arnie Boy!
When I told him that he was a popular star India he seemed visibly surprised. "People back in India may not be able to pronounce and spell your name but they are very familiar with your face!" I said. In reply he laughed and said, "Same here, buddy!"
As a socially conscious person he had been toying with the idea of entering politics at the appropriate time and some of his friends have told me about Arnold’s political ambitions. His wife Maria, is the niece of John Kennedy.
He has been actively involved in the eradication of the drug use among children and also eschewing violence in American society. He has presided over many such governmental bodies carrying the message like a crusader all over America.
Physically and mentally strong, he exudes an air of dignity, confidence and efficiency. Qualities, which a politician needs, and he has them all aplenty. His self- confidence is revealed in the famous quote of his, "In Austria, they say that the country is known for its pastry, its music, and Arnold Schwarzenegger!"
Hasta La Vista, Arnie Boy!
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