Amitabh Bachchan's Official Blog

DAY 1717

Jalsa, Mumbai Dec 28/29, 2012 Fri/Sat 1:12 AM

There is an irony to life .. an irony which presents itself in its many forms, almost every minute of moment. What we do at times, and we do a lot, does come at a moment when what we do, does not necessarily comply with the circumstances that we may have gone through, recently.

We are aware of the horrid incidents that have been unfolding each day of the Delhi Gang Rape and its victim. We have grieved over its occurrence, lamented the lacuna in the legal system of their punishment, prayed for the victim as she fights for her life each hour …. and yet we are entrapped in the daily routines of our work, where we laugh and smile and conduct our behaviour according to the nature of the job we are involved in ..

I smile and laugh in the picture above because it is a part of my job for the day, but deep down I do know and realize the gravity of the situation, and how awkward I feel on it.

Many others too shall believe in this, and perhaps have a similar concern and attitude for it. Perhaps we shall get noticed more because we are in a category which commands attention, and that is but natural and inevitable. But, we must admit that there is a feel of discomfort, and that this shall not merely evaporate at the flick of a thumb. It shall take its time.

I have felt that, from the moment this unfortunate incident has taken place, and even though we may be closely following the developments, there is that uncertainty that hovers about in discomfort.

People that have identified themselves with this cause of justice, and protest in peace. Many that do not join them, may have valid reasons for not. They write and commit themselves to the cause through debate and discussion and that leads us to be on the right side of what prevails. There may be some though that may not seem to like the presentation of events, of disobeying order, and they may have a different system and approach. In their model the need to lament may never be valid enough, and for those that do lament within the parameters of the event, if I may use this terminology, they soon find out that there is not much that can be done about it … sad !!

What happens next is also at times, how should I put it, a need to be associated with the issue or else it may damage their status. There are times, and this happens often with me, when reaction is required with immediate effect. Now … I may not have the accumen to respond to the type of question being asked, or the duty being asked to perform, so we maintain silence. Immediately this decision has been taken, then, the ‘other’ moves in and accuses for non participation.

At times I wonder whether just being an actor in the Film Industry suddenly makes me a wise, intelligent being, knowing all worldly answers and responses at the drop of a hat. No …. we are not that intelligent and we certainly do not have the temperament or the brains to have legitimate answers to your queries.

And because each sentence or reaction has several meanings depending on how you take it, the life of the star suddenly gets attached to those sentiments and you discover that the next morning papers carry safe and legally sound statements, confirming your ill advise - it always is - and smashing or ridiculing your comments on the issue.

One careless remark or deed and you can be sure you shall be taken to the cleaners !!

Contrarily though there is always that hidden request to join the ‘march’, to give side and attachment on the cause, to join the movement and allow the protest to bear your name and reactions, so that a greater number of people come forward. Now … this may be a most effective technology, but once it has been committed to your name, nothing can be safe. You are now the official spokesperson. And unfortunately, somewhere down the line if something were to go wrong, you would be labelled the face that took up this cause and failed, or brought it to some adversity.

Staying away from the turn of events, causes anger from the community. Staying with it, is appreciated and acknowleged.

You take the call then … what and why would you do if asked ever … !!!

At work today, sitting and silently watching the developments of the conduct of the show, the ‘ladies’ of the Ef of yesterday take prime positions, and as always make it a joy for me to see them in happy state. I do hope they had a good time despite some of the technical glitches that we encountered today.

The contestants ranged from the brilliant to the more awestruck. Both had their reasons and both were met with a certain amount of success …

It always gives me contentment when they come and win. It is the look in their eyes, the behaviour of their expressions and mostly the disbelief of firstly their presence inside this ‘bowl of plenty’ and then the realisation that all of it not a dream but true and live.

A young boy, son of a police officer wants to out beat his Father and their taunts, at being of no use to them … a ..’nalaayak’. He succeeds. A young man desolate after the burning down of his store where he repaired damaged phones as a small business, seeks retribution. The loan that he took to set up his business, needs repayment and he does not have a penny to do so. The stigma is unbearable for him because his agents of the loan and others too, cause disrespect to his parents. He wants to win and repay the loan so that his parents can live their life with their heads held high.

Worse follows. He comes from a community that is referred to as Dalits. They are commonly known as ‘untouchables’ in the kind of society they live in. In today’s world this cannot be allowed to exist. We are all humans, we do not belong to different castes and creeds. Our dignity as humans and as individuals must never be equated with the temperament of our caste. We are all equal … and need to be treated thus …

He played well … and shall roll over because it has timed out !!!

There is much to do …. and I must retire … there is a desire to lap up the cream, to be in state of spent and to be away from his certain areas … not nearly as away from the BED !!

Good night dearest ones …

Amitabh Bachchan