Amitabh Bachchan's Official Blog

DAY 1608(i)

V&A&BP, Atlantic on the East Sept 11, 2012 Tue 10:40 PM time zone

I do hope that someone from our Ef that prides himself or herself in the greater knowledge of Hindi was able to assist in translating the interview, and if not then a fervent plea to kindly do so at the earliest …

Its time for travel again and further East, homeward. Time spent in fruitful deliberations with family and kid of kid, even though of a short duration and long hours on the road, filled with unrelenting traffic congestions. Many at home complain continuously of the jams and time spent on the roads of the city of Mumba Devi. But taking 4 hours to get out of London city is really taking the cake the bakery and the icing !! One tunnel that runs under the Thames, and millions of commuters to drive across it, a bad accident inside and the entire region is a travelers mess. Things happen in other worlds too. A severe blizzard in New York many years ago, stopped the city for three days and I spent most of them looking out of my Hotel window into a deserted and forlorn city that prides itself as one that never goes to sleep !

Our dear Fatima has been overwhelmed by the affection and compassion of her BigB Yahoo Club that entered into its 11th year, but really it has been a complete work of dedication against all odds and difficult times for her, and indeed those that she gathered in support. So one more time … well done Fats … 11 years ? Gosh seems like it all happened just yesterday.

It also seems like the Arab time of the year in London. At every corner of the city, they welcome you and seek pictures. There are designated periods in the city when particular tourists from other parts of the world come over. And all of it has something to do with either weather conditions in their own country, or the holiday period of their children !

But lovely to meet all of them as you walk round the corner, in the shops, in restaurants, smiling, polite and quite excited. Excitement for and at a 70 yr ?? Hmm … doesn’t seem right. But I shall take all the same !!

Andy Murray won the US Open, India lost to New Zealand by 1 run … now that is excitement. The tennis was gorgeous, especially when you have Mr Bond himself in the stands cheering for his Scot ‘brethren’. Sean Connery along with Kevin Spacey, wild with cheer. And what a recovery by Djokovic after being two sets down. Djokovic, a most charming and delightful player to watch - brilliant when he performs on court and even more brilliant when he shall mischievously break into a dance to amuse the crowds in the tiers. For Murray a dogged effort for many years to be where he is today, spurred on by his Mother in the stands along with his camp, and his attractive girl friend.

Girl friends I dare say, have become an integral part of professional tennis. They sit there by the side, cheering, urging their man to perform, despairing when he faults, and at times shedding tears when their counterpart has had an emotional moment. An interesting moment on court gets immediately reflected on them as the camera catches every movement and expression - a comment on their dress, the glares and their hair thrown in for personal effect ! Mothers and Fathers too have had their presence in the players box commented upon, and an adventurous climb by their progeny, through decorated flower beds and high stand walls, now just crowned world champion, has always been well received and cheered by those not being hugged or embraced by a very tall and beautiful Maria Sharapova !!

Interesting !!

But the US Open has always been a more interesting venue. The temperament has been most relaxed and chilled out. The crowds keep themselves busy with their hotdogs and their beer, a personal chat shall often take place between audience and player, and players shall respond. I remember a particular moment in the tournament, when the ‘alley cat’ Jimmy Connors, nick named thus because of his never giving up fighting spirit, was playing against an opponent (the name I cannot remember), and it was a battle till the end - the match going on well past midnight !

A viewer sitting way back, feet up on the seat before him, after patiently waiting for a result, yelled out to Jimmy just when he was about to serve - ” hey Jimmy, hurry up will ya’, I’m getting late for dinner !” and Jimmy Connors stopped his serve mid way, looked up and yelled back - ” Ya buddy ! So am I !!” …

Healthy banter, always took away the grim and serious concentrated environment from such sporting events, showing to all a personal side which made them equals .. !!

For that is what we all really are, equals. Irrespective of the glorious epithets that get constructed around us !!

Equals all … in all respects … even in our timings of turning in for the night ..

Love,

Amitabh Bachchan