DAY 615

Posted on: December 28, 2009 - 12:49 am

Comments: 337

Prateeksha, Mumbai            December 27/28,  2009                 Sun/Mon  12 : 20 AM


The exuberance of release unmatched by the extreme sensory of a feeling is unmatched by any other in the universe. Nature made it so, but do we not rely far too much on it. Factually though there is no other explanation and so we build our beliefs on this one factor. The universe has many beings that defy existence and when we do not find an answer for it we put it to nature, conveniently. But convenience is too harsh a term for it. Logic and science has always found resistance simply because it calculates and springs reality in our face. When then there is the absence of calculation it is convenient to accept the lesser, for explaining the science behind every belief would be too time consuming and at the end it may not necessarily convince.

What does convince me though is the drive to effort. An effort may not quite be equated with nature and science and logic and therefore because it is individual or even collective it will always be appreciated. The Times of India group attempts what it calls an effort to harbor peace and well being with our neighbor Pakistan. Their media and our media will through the medium initiate cross over efforts to hold hands, to exchange views and ideas of how to extend our understanding with each other, to build bridges when all else is falling apart.

In this regard then, the TOI group wished that I do an audio visual of some poignant lines written by Gulzar and render it on camera much like the Lead India campaign that I did for the same group some years ago. It was a casual atmosphere of  a wayside tea stall any where in India and the thoughts were simple and folk related and common to all our early lives lived in smaller towns. The idea of lets get together, unfold a ‘duree‘ bring on the ‘dholak’ and sing the songs of community singing. Of flying kites from the roof tops of our homes and inviting each other for a game of ‘kabbaddi’. The essence being that if they crossed over to our side during the game we would not want them to leave us. Not a gesture of hostility or capture as the world would interpret but the affection of inviting the  guest and then, being so fond of him to not want him to leave.

It did not take much to get it right immediately and after a few takes and a few interview bites for press and tv, we finished the deed and wait now for the campaign to start by the 1st of January 2010.

We are now two different countries, India and Pakistan, but our cultures match, as do our food and living habits and our speech. We have been in dispute and rancor on many an occasion and continue to be so, but how wonderful for the media of both the nations to want to start this unique move in building each others confidence and faith in the other.

My nobility for the day over, it was back to Jalsa and for once finding myself with free time to indulge in matters that had been on hold for some time now. Acknowledgements to those that wrote in, that expressed through flowers and kind their appreciation for PAA. The news and the interviews due to come up for the new release around the corner, RANN and planning what we would do for New Year and the bringing in of 2010. For some odd reason 2010 seems like a likable expression - twenty ten ! Nice ! May it bring niceness in all our lives.

The telephone calls keep coming in about PAA - Mrs Ansari, the wife of the Vice President of India, Waheeda ji and old friends from Delhi and around the country, people who have never ever interacted with me on my films or my profession. I have to show the film to Dilip saheb and shall be seeking time from him soon, as I would from Sachin Tendulkar who I wait to finish his series with Sri Lanka. All quite overwhelming and satisfying.

Surprisingly though the reactions to the Finale last night of Bigg Boss have been huge also. The grandeur of the ceremony and the interesting manner in which the show was presented, all being very generously commented upon. It is happy to see all that effort not go away in vain, instead it is wonderful to be receiving accolades when initially there was some reservation to my doing the show.

It is back to promotions now for the next and most of the few days left in this year will be devoted to just this. Marketing and promotions are now akin to making another movie almost ; with the time and energy required for its production its presentation and its delivery.

So till then to RANN .. till then to more PAA … and for the coming to TEEN PATTI ..

My love .. and you better believe it …

Amitabh Bachchan

Posted in: Others

DAY 614

Posted on: December 27, 2009 - 3:06 am

Comments: 319

Prateeksha, Mumbai                 December 26/27,  2009                     Sat/ Sun  3 : 05 AM

Bigg Boss Triteeya Season Finale came to a most glorious and extravagant end this evening at the Lonavala location of the Bigg Boss house. The color, the excitement, the intricate and exciting camera work and lighting, the crowds and finally the thrill of victory !

Vindu Dara Singh came out victorious amidst great fanfare and emotion in a most glittering presentation by the entire Colors Team. A motivated and excellent crew of hundreds came out with flying colors to make this 3 month reality an exercise in meticulous planning and faultless execution.

It was only in the closing days of the operation that I was exposed to the actual working of this massively managed show - one that had the fancy eyeballs and attention of millions all over the world. And I must admit that I had perhaps in my utter ignorance overlooked the amount of labor and thinking that went into a show of this magnitude. I think I was happy enough to drive down every Friday and conduct my contribution within the demarcations set about by the team of writers and managers, and return home. But, in order for that to happen in the most efficient manner as possible, it has been a nightmare I am certain. The speed of thought, the alacrity of mind, the quickness of distribution, the creative contribution even as we roll, the management and trust on the efficiency of the other, all has been gone into with such professionalism that it has been a marvel, seen to be believed.

But on the final curtain on the event as the wood work tore apart and the teams of personnel came through for their remembrance of the 3 months, it suddenly dawned on me what a large and massive concentration of committed work this has been. The gadgetry, the electronics, the timings, their maintenance and working, the creative teams keeping a watchful eye on every story that developed inside and every move that had the potential of becoming an interesting story for broadcast by the evening, all initiated by the head of operations and brought to fruition.

Well done Colors ! It has been a great pleasure being associated with you ! And thank you for your care and consideration.

The morning began late. Obviously. But had a surprise visitor in RajniKant in my room at the Fariyas. He is shooting for ‘Robot’ with Aishwarya in and around Lonavala and dropped in for a chat. He still remains that most unassuming down to earth basic human, that I had the great pleasure of meeting at the AVM Studios in Chennai many many years ago. It has been a long association of friendship and professional camaraderie. Many films have we worked together in and been rewarded with success and many an evening has been spent together, talking about our craft and about life !

Today was no different. He had seen ‘Paa’. I had organized it for him to see it at a private theatre in Chennai and he was meeting me for the first time after that. He had wanted to speak immediately after the film got over, but somehow we were missing each other. His charming wife Lathaji had called and had profusely spoken about the film and how amazing the experience had been. Rajni was exuberant this morning. And we spoke for more than an hour on ‘Paa’. He said we are all upset after seeing the film, not so much because of the content and its emotional quotient, but because now that ‘you have done this, what are we going to do’.

It is such a joy to spend time with a member of your own fraternity and speak of nothing else but creative inputs, life and the world around us. And this morning was no different.

What an incredible life Rajni has had. From a struggling bus conductor checking tickets on public transports to this God-Like figure of immense fan following and mass strength. Absolutely amazing !!

The BB3 followed immediately afterwards and there were absolutely no stoppages or malfunctions and we were able to finish well ahead of time and after a brief media reaction, drove back to Mumbai, Jalsa and Prateeksha.

Tomorrow early morning another campaign with Times of India - a short audio visual extolling the virtues of building bridges with our neighbors, in extending to them a hand of friendship and reconciliation, of trying to involve them in sharing common platforms and to basically explain that we have no desire of occupying or destroying territory, but instead to respect each others’ sovereignty and dignity with peace and studied wisdom.

It is late again I know, but what can one do ? I must communicate to the `FmXt’.

No amount of convincing that this act could be done later is really very absurd and unhealthy ..

So in that health concerned excessive talk, I make my absence felt…….

Love you, with great passion and peace !!

Amitabh Bachchan

Posted in: Others

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