/> Om Puri who is currently shooting with the awesome Helen Mirren in the French town of Albi for Swedish director Lasse Hallstrom's 100 Foot Journey is happy being so far away from all the domestic stress that his life has gotten into.

"I am so happy to be here in Albi. It's so peaceful and beautiful. We started shooting earlier this week. I'm very proud of whatever we've shot so far. I saw the rushes. I think my country will be proud of me when this film is released, says Om, and adds, "That at my age I get such pivotal roles in international projects proves I must have done something right."

Om is simply bowled over by his co-star Helen Mirren.

Says the appreciative actor, "I have rented my own apartment here in Albi where I do my own cooking.

When Helen Mirren arrived for shooting I invited her home for dinner along with the rest of the crew. I cooked an Indian meal for them. When she arrived I fell on my knees in front of her and confessed I was a fan. Helen laughed made me stand up, hugged me and said she also admired my work."

Om is impressed by Ms Mirren's generous spirit. "She is such a great actress and so devoid of any vanity. I think I am going to have a great time shooting with her. I am not even thinking about all the ugliness that I left behind at home. The one saving grace of my troubled life is that when I start to work I forget all my problems. For now I've stopped brooding over the suffering and malicious attacks back home."