Letter from Ismail Merchant, Cochin, India, to Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and Cyrus Jhabvala, New York, New York, 1999 June 20 : autograph manuscript signed.

Observing that, despite having been warned that Kerala was experiencing monsoon weather, Merchant arrived to "a sunny day" and was able to complete all the reshoots he needed; describing the "lush and green" landscape; recounting how Ivory called him to ask if the Malabar House was "serving his cole slaw and gazpacho," which he reported it was; telling them that Simon Kurian [first assistant director] worked hard on the reshoots and they had many of the same crew; saying he is looking forward to the mix and finishing the film; hoping they are well and Ruth is eating properly.