On Friday evening, a few residents of Dubai decided to try their luck in witnessing the shooting of Mission: Impossible 4 at the DIFC.
My husband, Yasir, and I were among them, complete with our camera equipment and hope.
At 3pm, groups of people began to huddle near the locked doors, gazing out at the MI4 extras that were patiently standing in their fixed positions for hours. We all shared a secret — we all hoped to catch a glimpse of Tom Cruise in action.
When a bright yellow helicopter that resembled a very loud bumblebee, with a gigantic camera popping out of its door, began to hover above the set, excitement swelled amongst the extras outside and the fans inside.
Suddenly, there was an electric energy that swarmed the crowd when someone exclaimed "There's Tom Cruise!" as a strikingly familiar, lithe and handsome man sprinted across.
Sporting an elegant blue suit and Ethan Hunt hairstyle, Cruise was in his element as he ran as swiftly and gracefully, taking short breaks between takes.
During one of his breaks, he came inside to where we, the fans, stood. We were humbled and silent as he stood ten feet away from us and smiled.
I raised my hand in a wave — what else can one do when finally face to face with one's icon? — and nodded respectfully at him, smiling from ear to ear.
Cruise waved graciously at his fans with his enigmatic, yet warm, smile and nodded back.
As he waved and smiled generously, I wanted to go up to him and say so many things. Yet it didn't feel right to bombard him when he was in the middle of shooting, regaining his breath yet still showering us with his sunny smile.
As he resumed his position to run and someone shouted "action!", I watched him sprint faster than anyone I have ever seen before. I watched, much later, as he spoke to the extras and crew members as though they are family.
In the evening, I watched a larger-than-life-figure depart, leaving behind an unforgettable memory for the fans who adore him so.
