Letter from Ismail Merchant, Mumbai, India, to James Ivory, New York, New York, [1964] April 15 : typescript signed.

Describing the results of a meeting with potential financers for "The Widow," with Geeta Bali starring and songs for the Hindi version, the profits from which would theoretically allow them to fund "the actors film" ["Shakespeare Wallah"] as well; despairing of the possibility of Columbia coming around and of MIP ultimately receiving the disputed 4 lakhs, and feeling like it would be worth forfeiting them to be rid of the whole affair; telling Ivory that the financial burden of Rashida's wedding was "mental torture," and their mother had to pawn her nose diamond; claiming that "The Widow" will be the "commercial venture" they need financially; saying the government has signed off on the MPAA agreement in their case; signing off "I have absolutely no hope."