Here’s the unanimous verdict: Jackie Chan is cute. At the 45-minute press conference held at the JW Marriot , Juhu, yesterday, to promote the actor’s film, The Myth, all the female journalists, however jaded, who were watching the man’s guileless charm, just stopped short of cooing.

The male battalion of scribes turned their attention to Chan’s colleague — Mallika Sherawat. Demurely dressed in a blue chiffon sari, the men were disappointed and murmured, “Oh damn, Mallika is wearing a blouse!�

What Chan lacked in speed (he arrived an hour late) he made up in charm. As the barrage of cameramen yelled, “Jackieji idhar, Jackie saab!� the man smiled and obliged. While, Mallika cooed into the mike, “It’s a big honour for me to work with the most famous Chinese man on the planet. I can tell my grandchildren that I have worked with Jackie Chan.�

Then, Chan, with a pronounced accent, said, “I have a very tight schedule. I tell Maleeka that I cannot come to Mumbai. She says, “Noooo, you have to come (Jackie pretended to cry here) so I tell her, don’t cry, don’t cry and now I am here in Mumbai,� he said exhibiting his flair for comedy, while Mallika leaned closer and nudged Jackie. In turn, Jackie gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

After a round of thanks, Jackie said, “I have to learn to sing and dance for a Bollywood film as your industry is becoming stronger than ever. I have introduced Maleeka to my American agent.�

Years ago, a Chinese martial artist and actor, Bruce Lee, had dreamt of a day when the Orient would take Hollywood by storm.

Bruce Lee died at 32, just when the Western world had begun to realise the impact of the Orient. Jackie Chan has finally realised Bruce Lee’s dream

Courtesy: Mid-Day