Javier Moro's Passion India

Brad and his luscious-lipped Angel have been dodging the paparazzi in Pune for weeks. It will be Penelope’s turn next.

Ms Cruz is due in January to scout locations for her new film in which she plays a role most Hollywood actresses would kill for: a 17-year old flamenco dancer, Anita Delgado, who wins the heart of Jagatjit Singh, the flamboyant Raja of Kapurthala.

So now that Diwali is over, fill the void by curling up with the hundred-year-old royal romance Cruz’s movie is based on. Author Javier Moro’s Passion India uses Delgado’s diaries to take you to the world of Indian royalty during British times.

Find out how all the jewels and Belgian chocolates in the world can’t keep the bad things at bay: Delgado comes up against the jealousy of the Raja’s other wives and concubines and the contempt of the British because of her humble background.

Once you’re done with the book, you’ll be ready for the movie. Cruz plays the lead. And makes her directorial debut. Whoa!

Passion India, by Javier Moro, Full Circle Publishing. Rs 295.