Amitabh Bachchan's Official Blog

Prateeksha, Mumbai                     December 29, 2008            11:12 pm

The house is complete now and full ! Abhishek and Aishwarya came back by the afternoon !

There is something about completeness in a family. The house begins to smell right, the furniture the lights the food everything about it suddenly comes to life. Such an endearing moment. This long interval and gap has detached all of us. Now together, there is the urge to spill out all that we wanted to say to hear to inform. WEST WING can wait.

And so it was. The staff gets all efficient and concerned with the chores. The dog, Shanuk doesn’t tire from shaking his tail. Indeed he volunteers to come out on the lawn with us, even though it isn’t his time to, and even though his little and now apprehensive friend, the cat, sulkingly beckons him to pay more attention to her instead.

The morning has been filled with responsible and exciting concept meetings with the people that manage and run the blog. The first hour has been devoted to all the millions of complaints that came across to me on the difficulties respondents faced and continue to face. They are minor glitches and shall  not assume major encumbrances in our contact and our functioning. All is well. The earth rotates. The sun moves from East to West. Traffic actually moves. And motorists still believe that the green traffic light is an indication to GO ! Its a beautiful world. Idiotes at times, but beautiful ! And don’t try to spell correct me on ‘idiotes’, its from Greek; an ignorant person.

But.. there are some developments in the process which would make our lives so worth the effort of living. Innovations that I am unable to talk about, but  most decidedly one that would bring us even closer. And perhaps some, further away from us. A blessing !!

Osian the publishing giant, or one that will become one in time is now ready for the launch of a unique book ‘Bachchanalia’ containing all the publicity posters of all my films from the day I started, decorated quite imaginatively with little snippets that talk of my experience with each film. Neville Tuli, in charge, presents the second copy to me for personal use after giving the first to his Mother. It is well put together and Bhawana Somaaya who came about with the idea and the writting seemed pleased with the final out come; she having done one previously too with a modicum of success.

Some one at least, that considers recording or documenting film memorabilia, albeit of some stupid actor synonymed BIG B, for posterity and the generation to come. There is such an aversion to put down record , to wanting to keep events details discussions comments and analysis on our cinema, that years to come when we shall want to look back we shall be staring at a blank page. A pity and a sad commentary, not just to our craft, whatever it is worth, but to a temperament that has from its very early years looked upon this creative art as infra dig and below standard and value.

An entity, millions identify with, just not given its due place.

So.. prior to the launch there is promotion. And there are photographs and interviews with print media. Talk about the book. Talk how you feel. Will you, who write continuously ad nauseam on blog ever write biography. You do talk of your experiences and thoughts, why not the bio then. Hell ! there is nothing biographical in my life and I hate the word ‘I’. I was born here, I did this, I thought this, I thought that… aggrandizing !! But you do it all the time on your blog do you not. Ya ! I do on occasion. But.. I’m not selling it, lady. Just having a chat with my loves and lovers. Do you mind !! 

So on with the jacket and jeans not worn in a decade. On with that hint of make up. On with some fresh hair and fresh glasses. On with the smile, sitting, standing, hands on hip, hands in pocket, hand- shaking, good bye thank you…

Neville, with special speech and flowing hair. Speech that never completes the ‘ing’ in word that are fortunate to possess it – changing to changin’, coming to comin’, wanting to wantin’…( Why ?? ) Is now settled and happy with the result of this photo meet and shall be lookin’ forward to seein’ me at the Tata Auditorium on the 3rd of January 2009 for launch, yes launch, not lunch; that when you eat. Launch !! Got it !! Javed Akhtar to say words, Aamir Khan to cut ribbons, Yash Chopra to release book, Bhawana and Neville to field hostile questions from assembled. No just kidding !! To face the music. No ! Sorry, thats not sounding wise either. To have staid sombre discussion on the making of this ode to ‘wine and revelry’ – the book, the book. Remember ?? ‘Bachchanalia’. Yaaah !! Clever no ? And bring the evening to an end. Oh ! Forgot most important venture. Wife’s agreed to come !!

Wife, that has during this long absence, draped fresh curtains, upholstered new and colorful cushions, sofas and bed spreads. Elegant, aesthetic and so considerate ! Gratitude !! I am covered in one now as I try to make written conversation with you. Yes.. the bed spread, yes.. yes. I, cannot be covered in gratitude, stupid. Oh.. ok .. you mean cover her with gratitude.. yes.. thats fine, thats plausible, yes.. thank you. I think she might enjoy that !!

Dear me.. its past 12:39. we are on 30 now ! 30th December !

Harumprrpphhh ! Just so unable to get you to be on the same plane as me.

Plane ??

Never mind !! Good night !

Loveyouloveyouloveyouloveyouloveyouloveyou…………….

Prateeksha, Mumbai                      December 28/29,  2008                 12:05 am

No pressures of reporting for work. No call sheets and eager AD’s waiting to give you your scene, your costume and your properties. No devoted make up from Deepak of over 30 years standing. No familiar sounds of set. No lights, no camera and no dialogues to learn. The freedom to be able to guide the day yourself is suddenly back.

And there is loathe. Life for 40 years has been one of guidance from others. Their ideas, their characters, their impressions of my expected speech, their movements to song and dance and drama. And then.. on to the next !

But the very loathe, detestation, aversion and repugnance now falling heavy upon us. Customized as we are to being led, left to ourselves we find it difficult to lead. There is a desperate search of being able to attend to many chores and pending work during the moment of these seemingly non working days. But beyond a desire to look involved and busy, it has generally failed. Indeed, it is often observed that you tend to tackle different chores when you are busy. Strange !! But revealingly true.

So in the frustration of not being able to decide on a decision, you return to the oft played. Oft visited. Oft treasured… WEST WING  !!

Two moments move me.

He giveth and He taketh away. HE gives us life and learning. Growth and sense. A mind of judgement and opinion. A desire and a will. And when HE wishes HE can take away everything.

Must there be remorse then for that which we may have received to now be taken away. It is HE that delivered and HE that revoked. We have praised and accepted HIM and glorified HIM. Our faith resides there. It is not our wont to question. Unless atheism propounds.. But for that another day and another discourse…

The second.

‘We have lived and died with the success and failures of our parents.’ Those that have privileged the presence of fame and recognition, of celebrity and status, of public figure hood and following, must decidedly have subscribed to having lived through the life graph of successes and failures of those that gave us parentage. Their vulnerability became ours too. Their adulation our achievement.

Did we who fell into hallowed category, push those of our progeny into undesired circumstances not of our calling. Did they dwell and flourish in the exuberance of our achievements, without contribution ?? Who then among us is guilty. We for subjecting them or they for rejecting us ?

Give me opinion, reaction with reason. Let us debate  this too, over time. It has been a subject that has intrigued me often and for long. I gave it room for thought in a film I designed along with RGV, ‘Sarkaar’. But it is of importance even beyond film. And I encourage those among you who relish discussion and friendly argument to bring forth the mind… perhaps to reach conclusion, or revelation..

My love,

A most innovative rendering of the economic crisis, looming large over the world brands. Brands known for their name stature and stability. Shaken up and stewed !!

Here then is proof that creativity never slips into recession mode. Indeed it improves !!

Love,

Pune, Maharashtra                 December 26, 2008           11:18 pm

Up at 4 am, home chores by 6 am, driving to Pune from Mumbai at 6:30 am, on location at 8:45 am, after a 10 minute break after the Ghats for the drivers and security to have a cup of tea !! Cool !!

Day over after 3-4 scenes and back in the Hotel and getting connected again.

Some of the young AD’s on set wish for me to recite my Father’s poems for them. I am surprised. They must be in their 20′s. Such reverence to poetry and in Hindi. Astonishing. I was of the opinion today’s generation keep so far away from all this, it would be embarrassing to even mention such activity. But I shall oblige. After the work is over, I shall sit with them and introduce them to some of his works. Some they are already aware of and have heard my recitation on the net. But I shall spend a bit of time as soon as this post is over to select a few.

The schedule has come to an end, almost. My director at the end of the day mumbled shyly, ‘we shall miss you sir’. I embarrass at attention . It is an awkward and self conscious moment for me. I would rather be surrounded by the creativity of the occasion, attend to it as professionally as possible and leave. Without the frills. We come together for a project, a job. That is what needs attention. The niceties and the socializing is for another moment.

Do I become too staid and without expression. I am the oldest on set, by miles. Is or could that be the reason. Is my 40 years in the Industry a barrier to the colleagues and workers. It should not. I try to keep up to their pace. To their line of thinking and language. Be one of them. Be one with them. Should I not ? I wonder at times if my attitude and behavior is correct. Should I get on a back slapping term with them. Most of them are young ladies, it may not be prudent. Should I remain aloof and silent and convey unwanted arrogance. I think not. It shall take me a lot of persuasion and several generations to develop said skill. Media disagrees vehemently. Has formed a permanent and now unshakable belief that we are en famile a disgustingly self centered and arrogant lot !!

Many who govern the status of stars and celebrity, reiterate such, through research and analysis. They suggest the rapid formation of a team of professional and dedicated individuals, that in today’s time and climate is the routine and norm for all concerned, of PR aficionados. People who devote their entire time in managing through the media in all aspects, the impressions created publicly of public people. It is a craft they say practiced by all. From Obama to O’ hell, Akshay and Shahrukh and Aamir and all the gentle filmdom ladies. People that protect the interests of their clients. See that positive news emanates all the time. Success to be glorified in its extreme, failures to be preferably buried, or buried with a decent flower laden funeral. There is an economics that controls all this, they say. Good reviews on films, cover pages on prominent magazines, n’er a negative comment, or the highlighting of errors, positioning at Awards, ousting competition on projects, made and to be made, getting greater attention on multiple set ups, deliberately eyeing the other into oblivion…

Its an entire corporate functioning, a curriculum, I am told, now being considered to be introduced in the IIM’s of the country. This is awesome and fascinating !! We never had all this in our time !! Our philosophy was, excel to such a degree that it becomes inevitable. Not so I am told. You may excel, but if no ones hears of it, no one will.

Ha.. many have concluded that my blog is a brilliant exercise in this intent. That it bursts out through a well thought out and planned management exercise. And of course many have already formed their set opinion that there is commerce and economics in this, something that despite legal reprimands, persists. More ha.. ha.. haaa !!

What did I say some time back ! When majority blesses mediocrity, mediocrity acquires the status and the standard of the majority. Mediocrity prevails because those that may desire to improve on it, could well fall in the bracket of the dreaded elite. Elites are few and far and because of their superiority in taste and demeanor and their penchant for better standard, one that has difficulty being matched by minority, they are a lot that invite a despised disposition.

I drift. Or maybe it is sleep deprivation. Some deprivation actually accelerates competent thought. Hope mine is competent enough. I misspell. My head rolls over in a drool and then snaps back to life, as though to say I am indeed awake and normal. This is a lie !! A worthless lie !! I am very very tired and sleepy…

Good night !!

My love,

The daughter of an Indian Maharaja seated on a panther she shot, sometime during 1920′s

A British man gets a pedicure from an Indian servant.

The Grand Trunk Road, built by Sher Shah Suri, was the main trade route from Calcutta to Kabul.

A group of dancing nautch girls began performing with their elaborate costumes and jewelry.

A rare view of the President’s Palace and the Parliament building in New Delhi.

Women gather at a party in Bombay in 1910.

A group from Vaishnava, a sect formed by a Hindu mystic. His followers are called Gosvami-Maharajahs

An aerial view of the Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi, built between 1650 and 1658.

The Imperial Airways ‘Hanno’ Hadley Page passenger plane carries the England to India air mail, stopping in Sharjah to refuel.

rateeksha, Mumbai                  December 27/28, 2008               12:35 am

The schedule wrapped in Pune and I drove back home to Mumbai. In two and a half hours !! This is incredible timing and really smooth movement. It was never like this before. The expressway has done it !!

But before leaving the AD’s had their wish; a poetry recitation from my Father’s works. I recited several of his poems, sitting in one of the classrooms of FLAME. Felt a bit professorish and much like the character in the film, but that was about it. The poems, their words, topics, philosophy were just too powerful and profound for anyone to be thinking of any else. I liked what I did and I think those that were present liked it too. It was wonderful to see cast and crew, actors, production boys, light men, sound guys all in one room, sitting together and relishing the rendition. I must do more of this. I felt liberated and proud. I felt much like my Father.

The email contained some old photographs from India in the early years of the previous century and I thought I would share them with you. Such a joy to go back in history. To connect now with what we see from then. Everything around the structures has changed. The structures have remained the same. Imperishable.

The drive has been long and arduous and even though there is no immediate work due indeed to the holiday season, I must set my normal routine as before.

The media still pesters for those glorious bites for the coming year, for the resolutions, for how New Year shall be spent and I resolutely deny any such procurement.

There is concern on the operating of the Blog, on the comments and approvals and layout. And I have diligently been sending messages and have had a few discussions on the matter. They assure me they go through proficiency tests regularly and shall for this moment too. It could take a couple of days. So I do not bare my fangs … yet  !!

But I believe we must bear with BigAdda and soon there shall be all the desired corrections They work with handicapped staff and conditions, they tell me. So we wait and hope that soon we shall be functional again.

I am delighted to have spent time with my Father’s words and shared his glory and accomplishment with others. For me that is my ultimate gift, my seasons greetings, my festive joy and happiness. I cannot and could not have asked for more.

The war of words, however of a different nature, seem to have caught the fancy of our selves and our neighbors. There is great posturing and loyalty remarks and remarks of patriotism and defiance. And if we were to sway by the presentations on the electronic media, we really should have been in the thick of a war by now. Planes taking off, tanks moving into position, missiles being ignited, all dangerously being displayed on the medium with scant regard to any code or conduct.

Could it be that those that portray this adventurous spirit on the ether air, could come to conditions they themselves write and talk about. Would make for an excellent TRP and perhaps great material for film. Anchors at each others throats, choicest languages thrown at each other, blame, accusation, gossip, controversy, sensation. One of us then conducting panel discussions, being the moderator, throwing the cat among the pigeons and sitting back and enjoying the unfolding of the Barkha Dutt’s and Sagarika’s of the TV world  battle their arguments, on perhaps personal issues. Rajdeep on the other end of the line !!

And while you ponder at the immense potentials of such gaming, I shall take leave -

Till the ‘morrow

Amitabh Bachchan

Jalsa, Mumbai                   December 25, 2008              11:06 am

A quiet day ! Almost in keeping with the piousness of the moment – the mass for Christ ! A day filled with wishes and sincere exhortations for peace and love and forgiveness. For happiness and joy. For reaching out to others with tidings of cheer and goodness.

So many unending adjectives and adverbs pertaining to everything that symbolizes the good. And minus the single ‘o’, in good, in God.

Do the perpetrators of evil and hatred and terror. Of merciless killing and destruction. Of conniving and plannings to destroy, ever think of these symbols of good ? Do they honestly believe that motivated evil, constructed and executed by them ever find acceptance in any form of civil existence ?

What mode of temperament builds such human ? How do they breathe and exist in this stifling self imposed wretched environment ? Do they not possess normal human traits; laughter and tears and feelings ? Do they not succumb to sleep; the most vulnerable state of any living being ? Do they not thirst and hunger for water and food, like all others ? Do they not clothe themselves to shelter indignity from social norms ?

Who are these people that live and think in illusion ? A mascaraed misadventure, ill-proportioned beyond redemption !!

Most of the day unfolds in spending time with such thoughts. There is an auspicious air about, but, restrained with caution and uncertainty. The year comes to an end. Will it end the apprehensions that we lived with as the digits change on the calender ?

A Hindi daily asked me what my expectations were for the coming year, as is their wont at this time. I told him ” I hope I can keep living “. Really what else can one say. If I have life if I can survive, that would be the greatest gift to myself. In order to do something it is essential to exist. And I seek that.

Abhishek went back to Chennai for a couple of days and I shall head back to Pune in the morning for a couple.

The gracious trouble taken by all in delivering their wishes on the blog is greatly acknowledged. I wish for peace and happiness too. For Christmas and for the coming year.

Some more interesting stuff came out from the email and I post it for your entertainment.

There comes a point in your life when you realize :

Who matters,

Who never did,

Who won’t anymore…

And who always will.

So don’t worry about people from your past,

There’s a reason why they didn’t make it to your future.

****

Enjoy..

And my love,

Amitabh Bachchan

Jalsa, Mumbai                     December 24/25, 2008                 12:39 am

Yes..!! Back in Mumbai. But just for a bit.

Wrapped for the day in Pune a little early and before leaving for the Hotel am told there is no shooting tomorrow the 25th !! A snap decision and I set off from location on the expressway to Mumbai and home. Abhishek has come in from his location for a couple of days and I thought it would be nice to meet up with him before he sets off again. So drove down. And am amazed that despite the treacherous traffic I was at Jalsa in precisely 3 hrs from leaving Pune. That is extraordinary. Used to take a good 6 hrs or more in the days gone by. And this without pushing the juice.

Had not been on this route for ages and was awestruck with the amount of development that has sprouted all along. I will not wonder if in another 5 yrs, Pune and Mumbai will become one city !!

It was lovely to be back home. Abhishek has slimmed for his role in Mani Ratnam’s film immaculately. Tanned due to the sun, but slim as ever and lithe. Jaya too was back from Parliament, but Aishwarya is in Chennai with ‘Robot’ and shall only be back in a few more days. Pity to have missed her.

So a quiet evening with a dear family friend over for dinner. The church behind Jalsa ringing in the 25th with all the sonorous hymns; so reminiscent of the days in school. Christmas carols and gifts and cakes and delicious pastry’s and that ever favorite ‘Silent Night, Holy Night…

Abhishek unfolded his promo from ‘Delhi 6′. Impressive and truly exciting ! Shall refrain from making further comment. Some how does not work out well when I do. Plans for the Salon du Cinema in Paris by the middle of next month were discussed. A retrospective of my films will be on show – ‘Sholay’, ‘Black’, ‘Sarkar Raj’, ‘The Last Lear’, two documentaries done by BBC and the one for the Lincoln Center in New York, and ‘Guru’ since Abhishek and Aishwarya will be with us too. The Film Festival in Tehran invites me to honor me with a Lifetime Achievement. I wonder if it will be possible to visit. I have another decoration in Davos at the Economic Forum that I have accepted around the same time. Let’s see. There is the more difficult task of the make up test in London in the first week of Jan’09 for my film ‘PA’ that is of concern. Some one very special with make up in Hollywood is flying down to conduct this on me. This is all Balki’s ideas. Balki of ‘Cheeni Kum’ fame, who seems terribly excited with his project.

And before closing. The driving on the express way was horrendous. In the USA I had to pass a rigorous test before I could get on to one. A written examination and a practical on the road. Tough. But it made you a better driver. Here there are all the correct sign boards and instructions of how one is supposed to behave when on the express way. But… no one follows instructions. Because… no one has ever taught them or tested them for it. Its a miracle so many of us that traverse these lanes, come home safely.

Merry Christmas again. May the peace of the moment prevail on all -

My love

Amitabh Bachchan

Number of people worldwide living on less  than two dollars a day: 3 Billion

 
 
Total population of developed regions  (North America, Europe, Japan, New Zealand/Australia): 1.2  Billion

 
 
Number of doctors per 100,000 in U.S.:  279

 
 
Minimum number of doctors per 100,000  recommended by World Health Organization: 20

 
 
Number of doctors per 100,000 in Haiti’s  central plateau: 2

 
 
Estimated cost of eliminating hunger and  malnutrition: 19 Billion

 
 
Amount Americans spend annually on ice  cream: 21.6 Billion

 
 
Lifetime risk for a woman in US of dying  from complications in pregnancy or childbirth: 1 in  2,500

 
 
Lifetime risk for a woman in Malawi of  dying from complications in pregnancy or childbirth: 1 in  7

 
 
Number of children under 5 who die each  year from hunger and treatable diseases: 10  million

 
 
Number of children orphaned by AIDS  worldwide: 15 million (in several countries in southern  Africa, 20 percent or more of all children)
 
 
 
Malaria kills a child every 20  seconds.
 
 
 
Tuberculosis kills a person every  15 seconds.
 
 
 
Contaminated water kills a child  every 15 seconds.
 
 
 
Diarrhoea kills a child every 14  seconds.
 
 
 
Hunger and malnutrition kill a child  every 4 seconds.
 




 
 
 
                                 *************************
 
 
You think English is easy???

1) The bandage was wound around the wound..
2) The farm was used to produce produce .
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present .
 A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row .
13) They were too close to the door to close it.
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
Let’s face it – English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren’t invented in England or French fries in France . Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren’t sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
And why is it that writers write but fingers don’t fing, grocers don’t groce and hammers don’t ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn’t the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn’t it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn’t preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?  In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?
How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the uniqueness of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.
English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible..
PS. – Why doesn’t ‘Buick’ rhyme with ‘quick’

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that is ‘UP’
It’s easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP ? At a meeting, why does a topic come UP ? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report ?We call UP our friends. And we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car . At other times the little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses. To be dressed is one thing, but to be dressed UP is special.
And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened  UP because it is stopped UP . We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night.
We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP ! To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP , look the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions. If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don’t give UP , you may wind UP with a hundred or more. When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP . When it rains, it wets the earth and often messes things UP When it doesn’t rain for awhile, things dry UP .
One could go on and on, but I’ll wrap it UP , for now my time is UP, so………. . it is time to shut UP .!
                                           *********
A exciting Christmas Card !! Yes, a lady sent it to me. They are never short of pulling the legs of men !! Enjoy… Amitabh

Pune, Maharashtra            December 24, 2008            12:36 pm
 
As I wait to be called for the shot, I find interesting mail in my box and feel the desire to share it.
Merry Christmas and a very Happy 2009 !! About time !!
 
Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra              December 23/24, 2008             12:26 am

I found the above article in a Pune daily and have posted it here for all to read. It impressed me. Made me think.

Much of what the Lady Commissioner says strikes a chord and I agree with her on most counts. We have become so apathetic towards the police force that we forget the good that is done and at what price. We are quick to blame but slow to absolve. Quick to criticize slow on praise. Sometimes, indeed most times, completely eradicate praise from the system. Until we witness personally a carnage through the TV of a Mumbai attack, realize the  call of duty of brave soldiers and start the accolades. But if you will notice that as time drifts by a whole list of those unsung heroes is slowly emerging.

Does it always have to take a severe incident as 26/11 to bring to notice the sacrifices of the services ? Are there not many among them that dutifully serve selflessly so that we can live and function in peace ?

I believe when we shall show them respect and honor, that they will equally acknowledge what is desired of them. When we shall agree to pay the fine for a violation and not corrupt the policemen by paying him, we would have taken a step in the right and fruitful direction. When they will treat us well, there is no reason why we will not reciprocate.

When I visited the Soviet Union in the 80′s there was a remarkable feature I noticed on the streets. If you were to stop your vehicle to ask the policeman directions, or were he to stop you for a committed violation, the policeman would first salute you before executing his duty; that of guiding you to your destination or writing out a ticket or an arrest. Irrespective of what your status was, it was mandatory for the cop to show his respect to the common man first before he commenced anything. Marvelous procedure. I wonder if it still exists !!

Aamir calls me in Pune and invites me to come and see his film, ‘Ghajini’. I will when I return. Funny that his message came through now. When he had returned from Leh-Laddakh some months ago after the shoot of one of his other films, he had very thoughtfully bought me a shawl; white in color and large enough to fill in three of me. In the pleasant and cool climes of Pune I have been putting that warmth to good use when I return from work. Coincidence, a happy one.

Word-Press the software used by the BigAdda server, went through an upgrading earlier in the day. And I now sit and configure all the new features it has on offer. I doubt if the respondents will notice much, but for me it is an entire training all over again. Good. Keeps the brain young !!

The day was enlightening !! There was work of course in front of the camera, but there was work too with FLAME, the Institute in whose premise we shoot. The faculty wanted me to address the students and to spend time answering some of their questions that they had been wanting to from the time I came in.

The facility if I may say so is exquisite. Serene and picturesque surroundings. Ensconced within the outstretched arms of the ends of a mountain, horse shoe in shape. Modern structures, eager and excited students and a very qualified team of professors forming the faculty. The curriculum encouraged its educational attributes to liberalism; the option of selection based on personal choice and acumen, of building an all round academic, guided by some of the brightest scholars from the country and on invitation, from other countries as well. What an impressive gathering it was and what a joy to be able to spend some time with them, talking to them about life and society and principles and outlooks. Ending, as was expected, by recitation and a rendition of my Father’s works. On the ‘Rush of Life’ – Jeevan ki Apadhapi mein…

I was so enamored, I wanted to enroll all over again.

Which, coming to think of it, is not too bad a thought. Get back to College, attend classes, pick up all that you missed out earlier because the coffee house and the cricket fields and the College cafeteria were more exciting pursuits !!

I hope the desire to learn exists with me through out. I would relish that. And recommend too.

Learn. Just anything. History, the Constitution, our legal system, commerce, public speaking, philosophy, anything. How wonderful the thought of preparing for examination again after having hated it 40 years ago !

Life is so peculiar. That compulsory afternoon nap that our parents subjected us to in the blistering heat of Allahabad and one that we loathed, now a deliberate, welcome and voluntary necessity at this age. The warm woollies that Mother forced upon us during the harsh winter and that we hated because it poked our skin, now pulled out at the drop of a remote in an air conditioned room. The utter disgust in being force fed with salad and cod liver oil, now being happily welcomed as a health necessity. The curbs put on us as we grew older and into adulthood, now giving way to self abstinence – late nights, parties, the cigarettes, alcohol..

The cycle of life and time keeps eternally moving and ironically, it asks us to keep peddling, else it shall stop.

What a beautiful universe we exist in. We are blessed. And we must never forget that. Never forget to be kind. To love. To express grace and gratitude. To show affection and consideration. To care and to hold hands. To relish the beauty of nature in its supreme purity. And..

To not defile all the above with warped and misguided minds..

Christmas cheer and prosperity and love for the coming year..

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra                  December 22/23, 2008                   1:22 am

I am overwhelmed by the affection and the words of courage and remembrance from my ‘extended family’ towards my Mother’s first death anniversary. Thank you. I may not be ever able to individually acknowledge what you have expressed, but I assure you that each one of your gracious kindness has been read by me.

I mentioned ‘Amma’ yesterday, because that is what I first started calling her. Well ‘Amma ji’ actually, as is our culture when we address elders and those whom we respect. Then as we grew older, we started looking for shorter abbreviations and ended up with Ma.

Is it not wonderful that in almost all the languages or dialects or modes of communication in the world, the word Ma has always denoted the Mother. I would like to believe that that is the easiest and the first word that a child forms, when it begins to address an object that it is closest to. And so it must have remained through centuries and continues to remain.

The human the world over has a common word for the one that brings it to this universe and sadly that is about the only commonality it has for the rest of its life. Family, environment, religion, caste, status, bearing, all take over after that and develop him or her into the human we eventually meet.

Would the addressing of a common word for the Mother not be sufficient to bring in all of us the spirit of equal identity. Why then do we all drift into regions and barriers and differences. And into hatred and evil. into destruction and chaos. What is it that changes the mind to think of devastation and poison. Of jealousy and revenge. Of  dislike and disapproval. Of enmity and hostility.

No one has yet been able to decipher the cause, or find solution. 

Yes there have been many that have struggled to bring sanity wisdom and reason. Mankind has happily converted them to saints and prophets, to gods and goddesses, given them places of respect devotion and divinity. Has created millions and millions of followers through belief. A belief of love and togetherness and of unity. But all that has remained in the domain of the sanctum. We pray in our belief, confined within barriers. Once out, we become common independent humans with all the failings that one can associate with such living life.

It has been the curse of humanity and we live and suffer it bear it, unable to be independent of it. And when we are unable to cope with it, we return to that one unknown force that guides our destiny. 

In prayer, for peace and understanding. For equality and wisdom. For compassion. And above all for love..

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra                       December 21, 2008              12:04 am

Amma..!! I miss you…

Pune                December 20, 2008                      10:14 pm

The poem again and the translation.. not justifying at all, but it is an attempt !!

When read in all its strength of rhythm and words, it is an entirely different feel. I am certain those that understand and appreciate poetry will reckon what I express. A translation will always be a translation. It will never do justice to the original. But for those among you that are not knowledged in Hindi, at least this shall give you an idea.

A fan from Russia sends me some photographs from a visit of mine to the USSR in the 80′s. The venue is Tashkent and there is Abhishek holding on to my arm in one, Shweta in the background in another with Jaya in trendy dark glasses of those days, not to miss my own white rimmed ones, surprisingly back in fashion now, Rajji and Shashji in another and my awkward participation in the local dance at an outdoor reception for us. The one in the suit is in Moscow, on stage, presenting the film ‘HUM’ for the Moscovites !!

How time has passed. Those trips to the Soviet Union can form several chapters on the blog and perhaps someday I shall have the perseverance to do so. Fascinating !!

But for the day, there was great relief. We finished 2 scenes within a couple of hours, by lunch actually, and the unit looked quite apologetic that they had indeed no more work for me for the day !

And tomorrow, I imagine they shall test me out for a lot longer !!

But tomorrow is tomorrow.. another day.. and a day of recollection… and prayer.

 We are the sons of Mother India, we walk with our chests out in pride !

We have never set eyes on another’s land,

But never have we tolerated the right of other’s on ours,

          We will let you know today how resolved we are in our own pride .

           We are the sons of Mother India…..

We sit in our homes content that we have set examples of peace,

But when faced with challenge we will step up to meet it,

           When we go after something it is only for the life of the enemy,

            We are the sons of Mother India…

A single step of the enemy on our land is for us a curse,

To tolerate that for the people of any nation is the biggest sin,

            This curse this sin shall never prevail till there is life within us,

             We are the sons of Mother India….

On the borders of our land flies without fear the emblem of our nation,

Let every Hindustani be fearless, let Hindustan too be fearless,

             We will bear a hundred threats to our lives with smiles and laughter,

             We are the sons of Mother India…

The enemy is mighty and mighty his arsenal of weapons,

But the mightiest strength among us is the weapon of courage,

              We have been carved into historic courage and pride as solid as a rock,

              We are the sons of Mother India…

We will not stop, we will not stoop, let the world be a witness to this,

Let the earth spew fire, or there be a rain of fireballs from the sky,

               We shall return only victorious, as we step out, our lives on pledge,

               We are the sons of Mother India, we walk with our chests out in pride !

THE PHOTOS FROM RUSSIAN FAN -

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune                     December 19, 2008             10:07 pm

The serious scene went off satisfactorily. The crew and cast clapped after one of my shots, which was intricate and long. It is embarrassing when that happens. In the midst of a motley crowd of fellow workers you do not know where to look. Also you wonder whether it was really that commendable. There was huge applause on the sets of ‘RGV Aag’ after almost every shot ! The fate of the film decides its worth in the end, does it not !!

A nibble in the middle of work, sometimes proves disastrous for your belly and the subsequent extension in the workout at the gym. Pune and surrounding areas are renowned for their delicious ‘chiki’. Its one of those edibles that keeps reappearing in front of the mouth, even as you strongly reject it. Added to that was a considerate supply by Jaya of cranberry juice. Its very fetching and exotic looking and its packaging was raising eyebrows on the set. The shape design and appearance is that of a champagne bottle, cork and all. And the contents as they flow out resemble a large and delicious lager, froth and all.

Its another one of those ‘once you start you do not leave’ kind of thirst quenchers. Happily my credentials follow before me. They all know I do not drink so there was great hilarity when I repeatedly kept demanding from production to ‘bring on the bubbly’ !!

My father’s poem comes below. I am not too happy with the print out and am also not content with the translation I have in mind. But it is there to read for those that can read it. The translation I shall attempt.. later..

The more time I spend with my father’s works, the more frustrated I feel at my own inadequacy. I must devote more time and space for him. To share his wisdom with the rest of the world and to eventually feel his presence within myself and within others..

My love and care

Amitabh Bachchan

“How to make twins”

Pune                December 18, 2008             11:18 pm

कई दिनों से हिन्दी मे लिखने की सोच रहा था , लेकिन समय ही नहीं मिल रहा था . आज कुछ वक्त निकला तो ट्रांस्लिटरेशन के मध्यम से कुछ विचार रख रहा हूँ , आशा करता हूँ की हिन्दी प्रेमी इससे प्रसन्न होंगे . वैसे मेरे इस ब्लॉग के जो अधिकारी गण हैं उनकी ऐसी धरना है की मेरे ब्लॉग का अनुवाद देश की सभी मुख्य भाषाओँ मे होना चाहिए . मुझे पता नहीं ये सम्भव होगा की नहीं , लेकिन इस ओर प्रयास निश्चित रूप से बहुत जल्द आरम्भ हो जाने की संभावना है .

आज दिन भर बाबूजी की पुस्तकों को पढने समझने मे बीत गया . इतना विस्तार ओर इतना रहस्य मय जीवन ! सदियाँ लग जाएँगी उन्हें समझने मे . लेकिन शुरुआत तो कहीं न कहीं करनी पड़ेगी . और ये तो निश्चित है की जो भी समझूंगा आप सब के साथ उसे बाटूंगा .

आप सभी से अब आज्ञां चहुँगा . नमस्कार 

The day comes to an end. And it has been filled with words and thoughts that have been left behind by my Father. I spent the day again going through pages of his biography, his poems and his writings and am amazed at the volume of work that he has left behind. His thinking, his philosophy, his opinion not just in the poetry and prose but even as he spoke in his interviews and in his insatiable desire to write and respond to each letter he received personally.

It will take me several lifetimes to do justice to them, but I must begin somewhere and when I do you must remain assured that they shall be shared with all of you.

There has been talk of translating my blog writings in various other languages of the country. I have cynically scoffed at the idea from the administrators of the blog, but it seems there are serious efforts afoot in this direction. Once the modalities are in place there shall be announcement and presentation.

For now, I must retire. There are serious scenes for tomorrow which will need my attention and preparation. And of course more posts shall follow. I did find a poem of my fathers which inspired soldiers at some earlier instant in our lives, but which apply easily for today. Will endeavor to put them up and hopefully with an adequate translation..

Much love and prayers for peace..

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra                   December 17, 2008/written on 18th                    11:49 am

Apologies again !! Missed out last night. But, ever tried writing a blog with simulated rain drenching the very core of your clothing whilst 3 camera’s catch you mouthing some heavy duty verbosity.. again and again and again…?

Not quite the ideal circumstances.. unless you wish to sacrifice a MacBook Pro with all your stored information.

So having finished at 3 am and having just surfaced and having just finished a delayed gym and having caught up with responses from extended family, here I am again putting you back in the loop as the staff shows concern over my breakfast getting cold !!

Ah..!! The egg and porridge can wait.

Golf with Maddy was interesting. We played a foursome and we won. Maddy and me partnered. He did all the scoring. I spent all my time in the bushes. Not the way you think, sillies !! Looking for my golf ball !! The Club was so impressed with my play, they gave me an Honorary Membership. Best way to keep someone off the course !!

I rested and washed up in my vanity and presented myself for the rain as the sun went down. Huge lights, huge cranes, huge water simulated systems, huge desire to go home for  hot shower and bed !!

It happened. But only after, as I said, at zero three zero zero hours of the morn. A time when you really need impressive props to induce you into slumber. So TV and Cricket. Preferably the games when India wins. Such a desirable patriotic channel NEO Sports – only keeps showing repeats of past victories !! Ha ha..

Crew break today and a moment or should I say several moments today to attempt a reply to those pending responses. Look out !! I mean business !!

Oh.. you are all so gorgeous and lovely. Astounding devotion !!

Will be with you..

My love to the power of infinity…. one of you observed I had not sent it last time  !! See.. I read responses

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra          December 16, 2008              10:03 pm

A lot of wonderful things happened today !

I did not go to the gym in the morning. I hailed a cab and drove off to location, since my staff did not come in. I arrived half an hour before scheduled time on set. I sat on set ready for work for 3 hours before they could can a single shot. I wrapped at 2 pm. I lunched at 4. I slept till 9 pm. And have been told that the day is off tomorrow.

The not so wonderful thing. We shoot at night. In rain !!

Pune has developed into a vast metropolis and continues to. There are huge structures and offices and malls and housing units coming up or complete or inhabited. It was not this, years ago when I started visiting it in my early years in the Industry. There was a quiet peacefulness that abounded. It was the city renowned for the maximum bicycles in the world. Now, the motorized version could well compete for that honor. The architecture was simple, soft, blending with the temperament of the city. Tiled roofs, broad verandahs, gulmohar trees and the air crisp and sharp – a marked departure from its mother city a few hours away.

Now, the monstrous modern glass and aluminum ogre like structures, devour the very essence of its past simplicity. Small town culture and ethics always had great charm and character. You knew your neighbor and many neighbors. You knew what went on in the rest of the city, almost. A greater spirit of sharing was present. People walked across for social calls unannounced. My house was theirs and theirs mine.

Now there is isolation, virtually. Life has become rapid and selfish. More attention is given to subjects that brings interest to the personal. In the midst of all this it is so refreshing to hear of the Sawai Music Festival and to observe that the city has not lost all. The interest in music of the earth, of local classical, of maestros from across the country among the young and old is enlightening. There is great tradition for music and dance forms of the classic in Maharashtrian homes. From an early age the young are brought up in its appreciation and learning. Traditional culture and the inculcation of the guru-shishya understanding and respect comes as common nature in all homes. I have found this in prominence in Bengal and in the Southern states too. There is a pleasantness and an etherial quality about it. Its sheer Indianness fills you up with a peculiar endearing emotion…

And then suddenly…

The harsh crash of violence and hatred and killing and destruction, smashes the harmony of the most sweetest ragas..

Tradition and culture and classic and ethos are a nations ‘yagya’. I do not have an appropriate translation of the word. But an ‘offering to the Gods’ in thankfulness and obeisance, would be close enough. In the Ramayan it states that every time a ‘yagya’ is performed, the evil spirits get disturbed. They show their face to destroy this act of godliness.

In our deeds of goodness, we must expect the evil to appear to disturb, to distract to destroy. For goodness is not a quality of any eminence in the books of the evil. Goodness and evil are the forces that balance nature and form. Each wants to prevail without succumbing. It would be an ideal world if goodness existed in eternity. It does, but not without the callous and dastardly attempts by the evil to injure.

Mankind and humanity have existed well, but not without injury. It is their resilience to evil that demonstrates that goodness will always survive the bitterest attempts to demolish it.

We shall remain good until we show the fight to trounce and demolish the evil with all its depravity.

Good shall eventually prevail, but not before it has taken a few knocks.

“Good hard blows are delights to the mind”, wrote my Father on a book he posted to me from Cambridge during his stay in England when studying for his PhD. The year was 1954. I had entered the boxing ring in my School for the first time and written to him of my experience. The book was about the sport and its exciting history.

54 years later the good hard blows reflected on the book still ring true in my mind; now unquestionably delighted !!

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra                  December 15, 2008               1:48 am, on the 16th

The magnificence of cricket was the only entertainment today. The victory against England and the skills of Sehwag and Sachin !! What a game they played and in doing so created a record for the cricketing world.

It is nearing 2 am and my yawn almost devoured the laptop in front of me.

There is urgent request to change the face page and the photograph. This is being looked at with some dexterity. I have all the ingredients with me. Its just a moment of time to be able to approve and position the job.

The ‘digi’ could not get the promised attention, the husky did. The ‘digi’ will be attended to tomorrow, not the husky, French first lady and all !!

Being surrounded by books on set, but not a word from them being read.

I need the time to read. There is so much I am desirous of. One day, on rocking chair it will happen !!

Remain well. Someday and time the elaboration has to happen.

My love,

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra                         December 14, 2008/written on December 15       11:19 am

Yes !! I should have written yesterday, but did not. Visitors took up my time after the shoot and then sleep took over the rest of me. This morning we have a late call, so even though there was an invitation by Maddy to improve on the lost balls at the golf course, I have chosen rather to write to extended family, than swing !!

It was a comparatively easier day at the sets. A few walking shots at a particular lighting of the day and the rest of the time spent with the younger lot rehearsing a somewhat tricky sequence.

Wonderful to be able to do that in today’s time of speed and rapid reactions. And wonderful to be able to get inputs as stated earlier, from the generation a good 3 decades behind. I sometimes feel like this great big sage-like liability on this unit. I mean they look to be having a lot of fun and frolic when I am not there, but as soon as I am, an uncomfortable silence prevails. Silly I think. Wish they would just ignore me and continue to be themselves. Damn, I would get to learn so much more !! Bother !!

There were meetings in the evening. Directors with fresh scripts and ideas. Stories to narrate, pictures to make. I wonder what they find in me even at this age for them to state “if you will say no I shall put this script away. Cannot make it with anyone else.” I think they pull my leg. I think they do not see my limitations. I think I need to see my limitations too. I think those that expressed some months ago on my continuance could have been right. Maybe I do have nothing more to offer. And…

Just as I type this the mobile buzzes and another request for a narration from a producer comes in. Ok.. maybe I was in self denial. Ah..! Gracious word, self denial ! Hear a lot of that over the tele these days. Neighbor in denial mode !!

OOOHHH.. these debates and conferences and topic of the days and question hours..

Pounding relentlessly through motivated TV anchors, in varied costumes and exaggerated dramatic tones, speaking with authority, speaking with colorful diaspora, speaking of war, speaking of retribution, speaking as though they now have reached a final conclusion on the working of the country, deciding finally on governance and concluding that they are in fact running the country !!

The power of the media and the electronic. They shall drub you into believing, what would in colloquial Bengali invite, the expression – ” Ghorar deem !!”. Which literally translates to – “Horses egg !!”

Aaaahh ! The love of these momentary pleasures !

The later part of the evening is devoted to book making. Publisher printer and author all in consonance, all in my room, all into coffee and all speaking at the same time. Pages, illustrations, invitees, release protocol…da.. dada .. dada.. 

Ok enough !! Get me back to screaming debate.. Or better still Virendra Sehwag slamming it out of the park !!

The day ends. And regrets follow. Could not put the digital camera to function. Abhishek will be really upset. It was his birthday gift. Could not listen to the husky Carla Bruni in her latest album !!

Tomorrow !! Yes tomorrow !! It shall be done tomorrow..

काल करे सो आज करे , आज करे सो अब ….. what you say to do tomorrow, do today; and for today, now !

Father always reminded me of this.. they were so right.. ok change of plan.. will do it ‘now’.. ‘ab’

See ya ! Getting biji with digi and husky !!

Love and more

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra                     December 13/14, 2008               12:28 am

It is past midnight and we are officially now on the 14th of December. It is Raj ji’s ( RajKapoor ) birth anniversary. I wish the family in thought and prayer. He is family to me too now. His elder daughter’s son married to my daughter.

Raj Kapoor. The greatest showman of the Indian film Industry. A man of varied and excelled talents. A man who made films the way he lived his life. A life that had the bubble and enthusiasm of a young child. His exuberance in each aspect of his existence, infectious and endearing. Greetings to him in his heavenly abode.

Abhishek leaves his tortuous and exhaustive schedule with Mani Ratnam in Kerala and flies home, only to catch another flight to Dubai. ‘Delhi 6′ his film with Rakeysh Mehra is being showcased at the Dubai Film Festival, a festival that is fast gaining importance and recognition. He will be there for a few hours and then get back to his shoot the next day.

Jaya, having recovered from a somewhat nagging and long illness, now sets off to Delhi and Parliament and is sad to have missed the most important and in recent times, the best debate in the House. The debate on terrorism.

The channels and the media thrash out the pros and cons and investigative updates on the carnage in Mumbai. Each wanting to outdo the other in their desire to be seen doing something for the precarious state India finds itself in. Some prominent columnists point accusatory fingers on those that have not come forward to ‘speak out’. ‘Those’ are members of the fraternity. My fraternity; me included. I having made my position on this amply clear a day into the incident, exercise restrain. My younger colleague does not and pays back in a little more than equal coin.

Suddenly the entire country has found a voice. And everything that everyone is expressing rings true in their own perspective. Some merit and value is found in all. It is the state of the nation.

There are many interesting comments that I have read through during the past few days. And there are many interesting responses that I would love to give. But an absence of internet connections on location are a big hinderance. But may it be known that you remain in my thoughts throughout, as do your remarks. Some day there shall be elaboration.

Work on set was satisfactory. A bit repetitive and stretched, but satisfactory. There is a whole bunch of young actors alongside. They are talented and confident and relaxed. I marvel at their tenacity. At their age and state I was never like them. There were far too many apprehensions and doubts in our way. We never had the courage to be confident nor the opportunity to dispel thought. But look at this generation !! Such a joy to watch them and to be in their company. Nothing seems to deter them. Everything has been worked out so beautifully in their minds and more. They are capable and have vision. The state of the Industry in their hands will prosper.

But will the state of the nation be in capable and visionary hands ??

I have my yearly meet with the NGO that works in the state and the country along with us and with our support. The update he provides shows me a glimmer of hope in the nature of our work. But what impresses and excites me is the direction and attention being given to the youth and to the work being done for their upliftment. In the channelizing of their energies. And in putting on them the burden of responsibility towards society and country.

I never understood this earlier on. But how vital this has become now, especially under prevailing circumstances.

With a prayer and a hope. Hope, more.

Many years ago the cynical expression that described the functioning of our country was – ” Faith and good hope” or worse “Love and fresh air”.

That abstract cynicism has been replaced by aggressive and committed resolve. There is an air about India and it does not necessarily reflect the temperament of the add., for our national airline some years ago !!

I am the oldest member on set. But it is not always the wisdom and the experience of the old that prevails. It is an absolute delight to be led, to be informed, to be corrected, to be guided and at times to be embarrassingly respected. When I sought apology for the comment on Macaulay, many expressed surprise at my deed. But why ? I was corrected by someone who was 30 years behind me. That does not in any way put me ahead of blemish !

And may it ever remain so.

May the respect for the elder never waver; equally never may the enthusiasm of the young be irresolute.

With love and resolve.. and may faith and good hope and fresh air follow not far behind..

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra                        December 12/13, 2008             12:36 am

It is a joy and  a privilege to read the comments on my blog towards the reference to my father, his works and achievements. And the entire day has been spent, of course in my work at the shoot, but also in deep thought on my father and his contribution to literature and the arts.

I have wondered in pain whether I have been able to do justice to his massive body of work, now fast being put aside. In a generation where attention towards the finer elements of life and knowledge deteriorates, I lament the fact that that which is popular and successful in the eyes of the common man, becomes the standard. This is not the standard that I relish. This is not the standard that brings out finer qualities and neither is it the standard that needs to be accepted as the pliable denomination.

A standard may never achieve the higher quality that such yardstick dictates. But sadly this is now prevalent in the times we live in. A baser quality due to its majority popularity becomes the yardstick. And everything moves along with that inferiority. The finer quality often never generates mass attention, and is therefore relegated to the back, even though it is superior.

The fear is that a lower yardstick becomes an emblem of superior and acceptable quality, simply because it generates larger patronage. And that which has purer quality and strength, gets relegated to the back and perhaps out of reach and forgotten.

I say this today because many among you mention that my previous blog went over their heads and that they would try and find time to read and understand it. This is amusing to me. My thoughts are not great literature and neither is my premise completely in the realm of the extraordinary. I will admit though that there is much in there that is hidden and it may take me some days to feel the need to bring it all out. Till then however suffice to mention that there are possibilities of expansion and greater elaboration.

Most of the day has gone in being on set, but not entirely. I have been with my father. His words, his works, his books and creativity, his life. All swarming around me like bees from a disturbed bee-hive. I have been with his songs from the soil of his birth and been with my rendition of them in the style of his. Each note has brought moments. Moments that have taken me back to his finite form. I read with amazement some of his words, both in poetry and prose and know that justice to his contribution has been ignored. In one of the several forewards he has written, he has disliked the idea of promoting his work through this mean. His poetry itself,  is his greatest promotion. It embarrasses him he says to write on the greatness of his own work. If at all it is great. It is not essential that it be so and it is not essential that every foreword be generous to the author.

He was asked persistently by an author to write for his book an introduction. When my father honestly expressed his thoughts, the gentleman never published it, because he had not, customarily, praised his writing.

There is much in life today that follows similar pattern. And if this has been a trend since the time man began to write, are we now exposed to that which has remained far away from the quality it demanded or deserved.

Why does human nature behave so ?

We shall elaborate… ha … ha…ha !!

my love in abundance,

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune         December 18, 2008         12:17 pm

Think good, remain good

AB

Pune, Maharashtra                     December 11, 2008              10:56 pm

“When unexpected situations come in front of you, what does it mean ? It means that you are moving ahead faster than expected”

A great amount of unexpected situations have been coming my way ever since I can remember. Does that really mean I move faster than expected. Or do I merely admit this to seek aggrandizement.

Many would argue that controversies have hounded me ever. And many find cynicism even in that. He deliberately creates controversy to be in the news.

Long before one has died down the other erupts. Is that providence or my speed that is responsible.

It is easy to reconcile oneself with, but when others do not find themselves in the same situation as I do, the task of passing judgement seems so much simpler. For them it is a passing remark. For me it is a scar in the brain; one that never heals.

What is it then ? And more importantly, why is it ?

Is it that there is seen a distinction undeserving, which must now be eliminated. Or is it the standard of attitude that becomes all pervading. Is there an impression conveyed of an aloof superiority, or unapproachable arrogance ?

I loathe the words and expressions I just constructed. They are alien to me, but sadly not to those that fail to know me. When there is a paucity of expression and contact, when information is diffident, when your reality does not measure with ours, then does the distance widen. Not just through little bridges or streams, but oceans of non negotiable waters; deep beyond belief and comprehension.

And now I find a genetic link to my predicament. I study papers and write ups from distinguished scholars that have worked along with my father. Who have understood his work and his intent, the condition of his mind and its theories. And there I find an immense amount of reference to the dismal manner in which he was attacked and vilified by elements that had no inkling or literate sense on his writings.

As I sit to concentrate on the foreward I need to put together for my fathers ‘Madhushala’ now perhaps beyond 50 editions, constructed in a fresh format of the original and the translated in English by Dr Marjorie Boulton from the Oxford University and in illustration by my niece Namrata; studied and trained in the arts from the US and a poetess in her own right, I come across -

‘It would be no exaggeration to say that among the writers of modern Hindi verse, none today occupies a more prominent place than Bachchan. In using the word “prominent”, I am not applying the criterion of popularity only, for undoubtedly Bachchan has had from his audiences and readers an unprecedented measure of public applause. More important is the influence he has exercised in the shaping of modern Hindi poetry in both technique and content. Bachchan has started an entirely new wave in Hindi poetry: he has assessed life from a new angle of vision, and while the sheer lyricism of his verse is enough to ensure him immortality, his technical experiments and innovations show how great a craftsman he is. Bachchan has had the distinction, to an extent unique in India, of being intensely maligned and widely appreciated: while he has won unstinted tributes from the sanest of critics, he has also been condemned as a morbid sentimental singer, lacking stamina and vision.’

And more -

‘With the passage of time many critical opinions are proved false and pitiably biased. The Georgians are no longer considered weekend poets, nor is Tennyson accepted solely as a poet of sweet music. Besides, the biographies of the poets published during the last three decades have revealed that many poets like Robert Frost conspired with the critical establishment to destroy contemporaries who could have been a threat to their eminence.

To the outsider the search for a “genuine” poet is made more difficult by the eccentric judgements of the pampered geniuses of the establishment. Who would be right in rejecting Shelley and Milton on the basis of the criticism of T.S. Elliot and F.R. Leavis ? Efforts to set the balance right usually become a cry in the wilderness as Geoffrey Thurley’s The Ironic Harvest.

Keeping all this in mind I would like to introduce a poet to those readers who are unfamiliar with the language in which he writes. Harivansh Rai Bachchan, arguably the most loved poet in Hindi living, has always rebelled against the high brow abstractions. This is perhaps why the critical establishment finds itself challenged in an age in which learned poets write for very learned readers. Bachchan’s first book of poems was published more than half a century ago (1929) but overnight he found himself famous, in 1935, when he recited his Madhushala to packed halls in various cities.’

 - G.P Johari and Jagdish Shivpuri 

These are select words from forewards of introduction to my fathers work, by eminent scholars. And I do but read between the simple but strong vocabulary, the contentions of the writer in those times. And I do read and sense vague indications of a possible hierarchal continuity.

I leave elaboration for another moment. I always say that and never comply. Why ? Why do I do that ?

I think my balance in life persuades me not to . It holds me back. Perhaps justifiably so. But those that follow me, know what I convey. For me, even if it is a single individual, it is sufficient.

My love -

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra              December 10, 2008                    12:02 pm

CORRECTION :

Day 225, carried a copy of a report by Macaulay with photograph and comments he had purportedly made in British Parliament in 1885 or there about on the conditions in India and what measures needed to be taken to suppress them. This as you know was a copy of what I had received from one of my sincere fans and finding it interesting I had posted it on the blog.

I now have sincere friends in England that have after diligent research, discovered, that these words were never ever spoken by Macaulay at all. Indeed, they say, it was the subject of deep negative propaganda by locals, instead.

So..

Sincere friend who sent it, you need to research what you send.

Sincere friend in England thank you for your correction.

Sincere friends on blog, apologies for the misnomer.

Happiness and love as always,

Amitabh

Pune, Maharashtra                          December 10, 2008                   11:25 am

Another gem from my dear, long and strongest fan base in Jaipur – Neel and Laxmi..

 LEARN THE TRUE RELIGION 

An old man was visiting a city for the first time in his life. He had grown up in a remote mountain village, worked hard raising his children, and was then enjoying his first visit to his children”s modern homes.

While being shown around the city, the old man heard a sound that stung his ears. He had never heard such an awful noise in his quiet mountain village. Following the grating sound back to its source, he came to a room in the back of a house where a small boy was practising on a violin.

“Screech! Screech!” came the discordant notes form the groaning violin. When he was told that it was called a “violin”, he decided he never wanted to hear such a horrible thing again.

The next day, in a different part of the city, the old man heard a beautiful sound, which seemed to caress his aged ears. He had never heard such an enchanting melody in his mountain valley. Following the delightful sound back to its source, he came to a room in the front of a house where an old lady, a maestro, was performing a sonata on a violin.

At once, the old man realised his mistake. The terrible sound that he had heard the previous day was not the fault of the violin, nor even the boy. It was just that the young man had yet to learn his instrument well.

With a wisdom reserved for the simple folk, the old man thought it was the same with religion. When we come across a religious enthusiast causing such strife with his beliefs, it is incorrect to blame the religion.

It is just that the novice has yet to learn his religion well. When we come across a saint, a maestro of her religion, it is such a sweet encounter that it inspires us for many years, whatever their beliefs.

But that was not the end of the story…..

The third day, in a different part of the city, the old man heardanother sound that surpassed in its beauty and purity even that of the maestro on her violin. What do you think that sound was?

It was a sound more beautiful than the cascade of the mountain stream in spring, than the autumn wind through the forest groves, or than the mountain birds singing after a heavy rain. It was even more beautiful than the silence in the mountain hollows on a still winter”s night. What was that sound that moved the old man”s heart more powerfully than anything before?

It was a large orchestra playing a symphony.

The reason it was, for the old man, the most beautiful sound in the world is that firstly, every member of that orchestra was a maestro of their own instrument; and secondly, they had further learned how to play together in harmony.

“May it be the same with religion,” the old man thought. “Let each one of us learn through the lessons of life the soft heart of our beliefs. Let us each be a maestro of the love within our religion. Then, having learned our religion well, let us go further and learn how to play, like members of an orchestra, with other religions in harmony together!”

That would be the most beautiful melody!

The ‘comments off’ discrepancy has since been rectified and hope that your responses have started flowing in. There is a desperate movement to change the photograph on the face page and that exercise is in progress. Hopefully within a day or two it should be in place.

I rush to work, but before the day is out shall be back with more -either on golf, or TT or snooker and perhaps a bit of the film and life !!

Love

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra                     December 9/10, 2008                 1:52 am

Pictures ! Pictures ! Pictures !!

What is that they say about them speaking a thousand words ?

Not these for sure. The golf swing looks so professional. Great moment.. ya right !! Ball went, well several balls went, into water bodies, non retrievable foliage and just lost in the wilderness. The white hat looked impressive, but that was about it.

Rest of the stuff.. various moods of the film. They all look strange and odd and unconnected. But I suppose when its all put together, some sense shall prevail.

Its been a physical day. 6am in the gym, with some heavy duty, a bit of yoga in the room, a drive to the course and the golf greens, the shoot, and rounding up with table tennis and a couple of games of snooker.

All on location. Conveniently designed so actors don’t buzz off from work.

The barrage of sms’s from the media continues and my buttons on the mobile that store in folders work overtime. One day it may be put forward as a post. Interesting to read.

The horror of the Mumbai attack still in our skins. Harsh and unforgiving. For 60 hrs when you watch this carnage helplessly on a screen, it changes you for ever. The aftermath becomes even more unbearable. Accounts from those that survived, from those that could not. Investigations on the culprits and the trickle of the detailed information that keeps coming back.

What is it that makes them so barbaric. We are but humans all of us. Does it never cross the mind of the perpetrator on the futility of this horrid exercise. Which kind of mind chooses to initiate such ruthlessness.

I must admit. No matter how balanced and democratic we may be, no matter how forgiving, there is something that has broken inside. It may have broken to retain reaction, to take sides and concrete stands, but broke it has.

I read all kinds of versions and dissertations on the probability of this attack. The reason and justification of it and its consequences. Debates on the electronic, polls on the print and some very frightening discoveries are made. Some of which you discuss with common company. Some which shall never see light of day.

Maybe history when recounted may have that which we are unable to face now. Maybe !!

I believe they insert themselves within our psyche, dormant yet alive. Not necessarily to the moment, but around. They appear at the slightest provocation.

Last night as we enacted a somewhat tense and emotion filled moment for the camera, a tear dropped on its own, without the glycerine. It surprised me. But then it occurred to me that it is not essential that your insides have compartmentalized in various different containers, emotions for separate occasions. If the moment arises or occurs, if it touches a chord deeply, then yes the reactions would flow. I could be at a game enjoying national team victory, a moment that would require you to scream and shout with emotion. I could also, and this is my interpretation, be moved in excitement over one but when asked to emote, the portion that was stored comes pouring out. You had stored it on an occasion; it is coming out now on one that is unconnected.

I wonder if I make sense. It is getting on to be 3 in the morning. I need to be more specific I know. But I fear that it may destroy the very fabric nature of the debate.

I shall indulge again..

My love

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra                December 8, 2008              10:27 pm

“There is nothing good or bad in this world, but our perceptions make it so. What people call ‘congestion’ in a train, becomes ‘atmosphere’ in a night club”.

“Do not be disappointed if the world refuses to help you out. Remember the words of Einstein – ‘I am thankful to all those that said NO. Its because of them that I did it myself’. “

“Have indomitable faith in your strengths. Then victory over weaknesses is an easy task.”

“Kind words can be soft, but their echoes can be truly endless.”

Prayers for peace from all  

religions

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. 

Where there is hatred … let me sow love; 

Where there is injury … pardon;

Where there is doubt … faith;

Where there is despair … hope; 

Where there is darkness … light; 

Where there is sadness … joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled …as to console; 

to be understood …as to understand; 

to be loved … as to love. 

For it is in giving …that we receive; 

It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned; 

and It is in dying …that we are born to eternal life. 

Baha’i Prayer for Peace

Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity.

Be fair in judgement, and guarded in thy speech. 

Be a lamp unto those who walk in darkness, and a home to the stranger. 

Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring. 

Be a breath of life to the body of humankind, 

a dew to the soil of the human heart, and a fruit upon the tree of humility.

Buddhist Prayer for Peace

May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly 

be freed from their illnesses. May those frightened cease to be afraid, and 

may those bound be free. May the powerless find power, and may people think 

of befriending one another. May those who find themselves in trackless, fearful 

wilderness – the children, the aged, the unprotected – be guarded by beneficial 

celestials, and may they swiftly attain Buddhahood. 

Jewish Prayer for Peace

Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, that we may walk the paths of the 

Most High. And we shall beat our swords into ploughshares, and our spears into 

pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation – neither shall they 

learn war any more. And none shall be afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of Hosts 

has spoken. 

Hindu Prayer for Peace

Oh God, lead us from the unreal to the Real. 

Oh God, lead us from darkness to light. 

Oh God, lead us from death to immortality. 

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti unto all.

Oh Lord God almighty, may there be peace in celestial regions. 

May there be peace on Earth. 

May the waters be appeasing. 

May herbs be wholesome, and may trees and plants bring peace to all. 

May all beneficent beings bring peace to us. 

May thy Vedic Law propogate peace all through the world. 

May all things be a source of peace to us. 

And may thy peace itself, bestow peace on all and may that peace come to me also. 

Jainist Prayer for Peace

Peace and Universal Love is the essence of the Gospel preached by all Enlightened 

Ones. The Lord has preached that equanimity is the Dharma Forgive do I creatures 

all, and let all creatures forgive me. Unto all have I amity, and unto none enmity. 

Know that violence is the root cause of all miseries in the world. Violence, in fact,

is the knot of bondage. “Do not injure any living being.” This is the eternal, perennial, 

and unalterable way of spiritual life. A weapon, howsoever powerful it may be, can 

always be superseded by a superior one; but no weapon can, however, be superior to 

non-violence and love. 

Muslim Prayer for Peace

In the name of Allah, the beneficent, the merciful. Praise be to the Lord of the 

Universe who has created us and made us into tribes and nations that we may know 

each other, not that we may despise each other. If the enemy incline towards peace, 

do thou also incline towards peace, and trust God; for the Lord is the one that 

heareth and knoweth all things. And the servants of God, most gracious are those 

who walk on the Earth in humility, and when we address them, we say 

“PEACE”. 

Native African Prayer for Peace

Almighty God, the Great Thumb we cannot evade to tie any knot; 

the Roaring Thunder that splits mighty trees; 

the All-seeing Lord up on high who sees even the footprints of an antelope on a 

rock mass here on Earth… You are the one who does not hesitate to respond to 

our call. You are the cornerstone of peace. 

Native American Prayer for Peace

Oh Great Spirit of our Ancestors, I raise my pipe to you. 

To your messengers the four winds, and to Mother Earth who provides for your 

children: Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love, to respect, and 

to be kind to each other so that they may grow with peace of mind. Let us 

learn to share all good things that you provide for us on this Earth. 

Shinto Prayer for Peace

Although the people living across the ocean surrounding us are all our brother and 

sister, why are there constant troubles in this world? Why do winds and waves rise in 

the oceans surrounding us? I only earnestly wish that the wind will soon puff away all 

the clouds which are hanging over the tops of mountains. 

Zoroastrian Prayer for Peace

We pray to God to eradicate all the misery in the world: 

that understanding triumph over ignorance, 

that generosity triumph over indifference, 

that trust triumph over contempt, 

and that truth triumph over falsehood. 

Sikh Prayer for Peace

God adjudges us according to our deeds, not by the coat that we wear.

Know that Truth is above everything, but higher still is truthful living.

Know that we attaineth God when we loveth, and only victory endures in consequences 

of which no one is defeated. 

Christian Prayer for Peace

Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS, 

for they shall be known as the Children of God. 

But I say to you that hear, love your enemies,

do good to those who hate you, 

bless those who curse you, 

pray for those who abuse you.

To those that strike you on the cheek, 

offer the other one also; 

and from those who take away your cloak, 

do not withhold your coat as well.

Give to everyone who begs from you; 

and of those who take away your goods, 

do not ask for them again. 

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

And this sent to me by my oldest fans from Jaipur – Neel and Laxmi. Such a wonderful thought to have initiated this at a time of great turmoil and distress. Of disillusion and suspicion. Of faith and trust. Of where to seek and where to find. When helplessness occupies maximum territory, when words of comfort and explanation fall on ears numbed by the explosions of hatred. Another glorious piece came from a fellow of the fraternity and because I cannot go back to my comments without losing all that I have written, I shall endeavor to put it up separately for all to read.

I have read with huge interest the responses from all on my probability of meeting Kasab, the alleged terrorist and there is a wave of anger at me even entertaining that thought. There have been some though that look upon it differently and with a different perspective. Bottom line – not even considering such proposition. 

Maddy has moved closer to the location. A golf course near by entices him and in turn he entices me to join in tomorrow morning. My golf is pathetic. Been around some of the greens a couple of times, lost a huge quantity of bets and golf balls and desire to continue playing. But shall give it a good whack tomorrow.

The weather has been kind. The sun is warm and pleasant and the air is doing wonders for my asthma. The ladies on set, now immortalized in blog are decidedly conscious of default or any strange attitude that may get them back on blog. Though inwardly I feel they quite like the attention. Which lady doesn’t !

There is much to write and elaborate on Pune. I must do that next. Provided I survive this golf game tomorrow..

Do I send wrong signals for golfers wives ? The very strong and voluble community that have been relegated to position 2 in their married existences ? Hey ! After the 19th hole they all come back happy to their homes. Its another matter they discuss nothing more than the 18 they played..

To bed to bed… with a prayer

Amitabh Bachchan

ps: I managed to find the piece of BT Usha and better still showed exemplary skills in pasting it on to my blog, a desire I had expressed as a response to her in my comments. Thank you BT. This input has depth and value and grace.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

FORGIVENESS

It’s a great challenge to forgive people who have hurt us. In the first instance, we feel that they don’t deserve to be forgiven. Yet, unless we forgive, we can’t forget. And, unless we forget, we can’t free ourselves from their influence. In a sense they still have us trapped from a distance.

Perhaps we could start with the question “Do I deserve to be free from that person or situation?” The answer of course is, “Yes, because I was innocent”. Forgiveness is really an attitude that frees the self and enables us to forget. It doesn’t need to be spoken or written unless you find this helps. Although it may not affect or change those that hurt you, it finishes their ongoing power over your well-being. In the strangest of ways, if you learn this lesson, then the person who hurt you has made you stronger.

Today, let us aim to free ourselves from the influence of those who have hurt us, by mentally forgiving them and reclaiming our power over our well-being.

Om Shanti

To bed to bed.. with a prayer

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra                December 8, 200811:55pm

Poona ! The quieter, cooler, with something about it in the air look, the sober alternative to Bombay, of old world charm and laid back leisured existence.

Pune !! The bubbling developing  full of activity, no longer quieter or sober alternative to Mumbai. Of large constructions and traffic and ostentatious structures. Its simplicity slightly dented perhaps, but its surroundings vibrant and neat and well developed.

Pune ! A city with endless memories of casual visits, of shootings of prominent films, and of making  up ones mind for the woman who would be your life partner.

Pune ! Of visits to religious temples and mosques, of facing the wrath of political activists, of Osho and his adventures with my Father, of exquisite eating spots, breads and ice cream and juices and quaint little restaurants…

So much to remember and think back on.

But for now it is ‘Teen Patti’ and the schedules for the coming  days.

The morning started with a scene on a piano. Disturbed, angered, unable to fathom life kind of expression. Playing at random. Crew thinks I play well or rather I know how to play. Nonsense ! I do not know anything about playing any instrument. But when notes are struck a chord inside the heart develops. The fingers move somewhat ungainly over the ‘black’ and ‘white’ and what emanates is not entirely undesirable. Your  head and your limbs respond as though they are strung together with the wires inside. That one wire that connects you to the ‘guy in the sky’. It is heavenly.

I could and have spent hours just banging keys without meaning and most times without rhythm. It makes no sense to the listener. It lifts my spirit to an exalted level.

There is a joy and an enthusiasm that encompasses you. The adrenalin flows out in great volume. You remain engulfed. Ecstatic. Within and by yourself.

Such a wonderful state to be in. Never wanting to come out of it. Never.

But..

Work beckons. Dramatic and tense. Emotional and questioning. Loud with anger and upset with betrayal. ‘Maddy’ Madhavan and I. Plotting, planning, rehearsing, suggesting like one cohesive unit.

We talk of  cars and bikes, both his favorites. Of his pets and mine. Of the prevailing  conditions of the country. Of his days at the NCC and of my suggestions of military training. Of marching together in unison and with uniform. Of the deeper psychology that inhabits these age old rigid activities.

There are a host of girls on set. Oh ! Such a joy to see them. All of them manning jobs sincerely and with great officious sense, radio miked and walkie talkied shouting instructions as the shoot progresses. Assistants that manage the camera and sound, that check make up, hair and continuity, that research dialogues and events for the story of the film, that check each misplaced strand and fold of your shawl, that police the perimeter of the locale so no sound or human percolates the environment..

Efficient authoritative and full of confidence. Girls on set. Such a joy to see them getting an equal place and position at work, a rare phenomenon from the time of the 60’s and 70’s when we started.

Back in the room, other phenomena take over. The electronic, the print and the questions through out the day. They all wish to run your life. And when you resist, they put life into your run.

Guns, licences, airports, police, security, laws, all conjectured, debated and judgment passed. Guilty. Hang  to death !

And the irony. The one that almost  definitely faces such pronouncement, Kasab, the one living terrorist caught from the carnage of Mumbai and being  done in for strenuous investigation, talks of non-veg  food and Amitabh Bachchan and his films. Neither of which is being  granted to him. Well, non veg once a week. The other – don’t even think about it !

One from the extended family visualizes a situation of getting me to prisoned youngster – would that be too polite to address him thus, better stick to propriety, alright, alleged terrorist -  and what I should be engaging him in.

And I wonder today, if that were to happen, what really would I engage him in…

Exercise…

Write in your thoughts, send them in to me. Because.. Hey ! You never know !!

Love.. in early dawn of time…2 am !!

Amitabh Bachchan

Pune, Maharashtra,              December 6, 2008            11:04 pm

‘Teen Patti’ prevails in the hinterland of this beautiful city. Once known as Poona, now Pune.

It is a city with great many memories attached to it. Personal and professional. None of them quite so inspiring enough to put on my blog, but enough to at least mention it.

It has been a grueling day. Up early in Mumbai to organise my absence from the city, travel to Pune, straight to location and into work, back in the hotel and now eventually rest.

I attempt to send a look from the film and hope I have sufficient computer skills to be able to do that on my own..

Errrmmm… I do not possess sufficient computer skills. Tried my hand at it and came out looking stupid. Will consult and comply later maybe..

I wish to thank all those that came on to the blog, with their impressions and arguments for and against. It is a beginning. All good things have a beginning even if they are small and inconsequential.

So long as there is realization it makes me feel rewarded. That is not the reason why i acknowledge it. But it keeps the momentum going. And that is of prime importance in today’s time.

Did you ever realize that the letters, A B C D do not appear in the spellings of the numerical 1 to 99 !!

D appears first in Hundred.

A appears first in Thousand.

B appears first in Billion.

C appears first in Crore

Reason -

Everyone must wait for his turn and his share of success !!

“When virtue accedes. Ego recedes”.

May all of you have an EGOless day

…and my love,

Amitabh Bachchan

Jalsa, Mumbai      December 5/6, 2008                 1:35 am

The debates, opinions and views continue. The anger in the mass remains unabated. Petitions to the system and its managers flow in in numbers. Leaders and politicians change hands. Those going out plead sincerity, those coming in plead an assurance of improvement.

But nothing seems convincing enough. Nothing to pacify or heal the hurt. The ‘usual suspects’ on TV have made way to faces that we have never seen or heard before. Everyone has an idea and a plan and a complaint and a solution. From the person on the street to the person on the information waves, the language and mood is unchanged. It is aggressive and determined.

Now, the authorities come up with details of ‘i told you so’ and ‘we had informed’ and desperate attempts are being made to get the toothpaste back into the tube !!

There is acrimony. Each citizen deprived and treated with callousness is belligerent with so many years of pent up disillusionment. The politician and the administrator bears the wrath. The media, noticing the winds of change blow along. Somewhere the mass likes what it reads and sees in the electronic; abuse and disrespect for those that inhabited the seats of power and authority. There is a fearlessness that pervades all being and somewhere its influence is infecting decision.

Defiance is palpable.

Media conglomerates in keeping with the air of general utterance modulates its activities accordingly. The print glamorizes the heroes and castigates with great glee, failed leadership. The electronic, has decided who and where the culprits are from and has conducted its own governance and justice towards them. Public select debates abound on each channel and viewer comment and interest generated through sms and text messages to the station is welcomed on mobile phones; Airtel, Hutch, BPL, Reliance rubbing their palms in receptive appreciation. FM stations and their machine gun powered rapid speech anchors, bring down their decibels, show concern and gingerly put out songs that talk of nostalgia and softness and pain and patriotism.

Business seekers are quick to cash in on the temperament. I receive two messages that bring a cynical snigger on my face. One, is an advertisement from a doctor seeking clients that may require post trauma syndrome treatment. The other is from a company that sells caller tunes. His refrain -” for patriotic song caller id’s dial….” !!!

I listen and observe. And despite the insistence from media heads to come out and speak or give opinion I stay closeted and refrain. I still do not have anything to observe.

CITIZENS AGAINST TERROR, Citizens for Change, Citizens against this citizens against that…

So many of them and so much interest in the citizen.. suddenly  !!

No ! It does not inspire me to join voice with them. I would rather with members of my family and those from the extended family. My insides say this -

Discipline, Information and Execution.

Every citizen of India, 18 years and above – 3 months compulsory military training. Learn the importance of order, of duty, of regimentation. Of marching together, of similarity in dress and code. Of obedience to command. And while you do that, the training to fight.

And every year thereafter a 15 day refresher course and tenure.

During the compulsory military training a dedicated time period in the evenings to the gaining of knowledge; of the country and the world. Get to know what India is about, its history and geography, its culture and ethos, its diversity and character.

Two of the most efficient and honorable and incredibly respected institutions of the country that can do this – the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasala and the Military Academy in Dehra Dun.

During the curriculum, an imparting of knowledge of our system of administration. How and why the bureaucrat functions, the way he she does. The finest Institution in the country that trains such individuals – the administrative training institute in Mussoorie. Understand the Constitution, democratic parliament, the laws of the land, civil and police. Know the lay of our country, its people in different corners, their beliefs and actions, their culture and spirituality. Learn to mingle and share much like officers of the administrative cadre, that are deliberately posted in regions not of their birth to be able to bring uniformity and understanding among our own very different structures. To understand the needs and conditions of our countrymen from every corner.

When we are disciplined and educated, when we shall follow common codes and conduct, when we shall possess the knowledge to challenge and question our rights as citizens, when those that rule and govern will know that we know what they know, when there will be one voice despite economic disparities and barriers of language and faith, then…

Then shall there be unity in action. An action that will fill our hearts with pride and fill the enemy with fear of our resolve.

Then shall our politics be right. Our defense and security be right. Our morale and courage be right. Our progress and development be right.

We need to breathe in unison.

Small and gentle murmurings have begun. We need to translate this into a mighty roar !!

Nothing insurmountable for over a billion Indians. We are every sixth person in the universe !!

Amitabh Bachchan

Never ever allow anyone to break our back bone !! Nor pollute and destroy our spiritual and cultural heritage. May we never ever lose our self esteem and become what the invader wants us to become. For we refuse to be dominated !!

I shall be with you with more. This was the image that could not be opened by many. Sorry !!

Yours as ever and always

Amitabh Bachchan, on location in studio for December the 4th in the year 2008, THE city of Mumbai !!

                                at a time when good boys should be home and in bed..

Jalsa, Mumbai            December 3/4, 2008               1:00 am

I did serious contemplation and thought.

I read and pondered. I watched and heard.

I saw and I observed..

Sent to me by one of my oldest and most sincere fans..

With love,

Amitabh Bachchan

Mumbai,    December 2, 2008        11:55 pm/Prateeksha 10th Road, JVPD Scheme, Juhu

The sun shone bright and strong this morning. And within hours the clouds that had cast a grey shadow over the city during the past few days burnt away. Birds chirped, traffic moved, the odd firecracker went off distantly, marking the advent of another marriage ritual.

The media printed a symbolic but realistically true picture of a smilie in the sky. The crescent moon forming the smile and the two stars above and on either side the two eyes ! A strange coincidence in their formation.

Debate and argument continued in the press and the electronic and the volume of comments went up in geometric fashion. The content in each was hard, questioning and reprimanding. Many assumptions and cynical accusations later, some sane and balanced voices were also heard.

One truth that prevailed throughout – a nation is very upset and angry.

Those that do not speak are accused of not speaking. Those that do, get run over by the incongruity of their content. There is loss of faith and hence annoyance. Annoyance not just because there is no faith, but because there is no one that is devising a solution. It is a state where anything or anyone shall become a victim of ridicule and negativity. It is a state when any and every action will be up for question and opinion.

Any democratic set up will require an elected representative and an administration to manage and run the country. Today there is apathy for both politician and administrator. Reams and reams of paper and cyber script has been expounded with solutions and acts and deeds that need to be recognised. Each and all of these bring logical and concerned ideas and suggestions and solutions. Each and all get questioned and put away.

There is far too much that has remained subdued and nascent, for far too long. The dam has just been breached and the waters of the barrage burst out, uncontrollably.

Every individual has a theory of what is wrong and what needs to be done. And anyone with any credible or non credible profile will and is being slogged. There is just no space for reason and understanding or any tolerance towards it.

There is defiance and a certain unashamedness.

Some philosophize in poetry. Some vituperate in words. Some candle in silence, some parade in demonstration. Some brood eventualities, some vocalize in visual. Some conference on strategy, some indulge in exploit. Some weep at loss, some weep at sympathy. Some courage in reconstruction, some repair in caution.

And some… sitting far, or within us, twitter and chuckle on the completion of a dastardly action…!!!

Amitabh Bachchan, in serious contemplation, on whether there should be a DAY 224 and beyond…

Mumbai          December 1/2, 2008                 1:23 am

@#!!!! %$##***@!!!   ))(*&^%$#@!@!!!@##$%#@@    !

Amitabh Bachchan