Posted on: May 3, 2008 - 11:40 am
St James Court Hotel Crowne Plaza, London May 2, 2008 7:05pm (GMT)
Asthma’s gone, interviews over - time now to spend some moments with you !!
The morning started early - 3:30 am ! Jet lag does that to one. Wakes you up at odd hours and puts you to sleep at the most unwanted moments. I struggled to stifle a yawn at the BBC for my broadcast earlier today. So embarrassing !!
And media was in complete force as soon as Mumbai got up. Are you doing the Mujibur Rehman film ? Producers in New York confirm your acceptance. Shyam Benegal to direct !!
Its the first time that I hear all this and obviously negate it, but they are persistent. The person producing it has confirmed your participation, Mr Bachchan ! Well Mr Bachchan has not heard of it yet, thank you !
Fresh queries pour in. Now its the Health Minister, Mr Ramadoss, asking film stars to stop drinking scenes in their films. First the smoking, then the drinking. Hola !! What next ?
I shield myself behind the pages of our revered Constitution and Law and the Censor Board. Bring in a law to ban such participation and we shall follow it diligently Mr Minister. We fake it on screen. Diluted tea, honeyed water, an aerated drink, soda watered to match the color of champagne. Thats what we are actually drinking on set to simulate the whisky. Our intoxication, Minister, is in the credibility we bring to a drunken scene without being literally drunk, not to propagate alcoholism. There are other more refined bodies, some within your own fraternity that are adept at this. Have mercy on us sire, we are but professional actors enacting stories. You and your merry brethren, I have heard, allegedly ( smart word to keep defamation at bay ) enact similar stories when you seek admission every 5 years into the ‘Large O’ or to be more precise the ‘Large Half O’ !!
I believe, Honored Excellency there is great respectability accorded to what I gather from sources ( another smart word to keep defamation at even greater bay ) to be, ‘The Liquor Lobby’, a body of distinguished ‘hala ites’ that, on the issuance of a license to manufacture liquor, make gracious contribution to Government coffers ! Official of course ! Of course official !! How could it ever be any other !!!
Did I notice a blushed tinge on your ‘healthy’ facial skin !!
You have not named me Honored Sir on this factor. It is perhaps the general knowledge amongst most, that I do not consume alcohol, nor smoke, nor eat meat, nor drink tea or coffee, nor coke or pepsi, nor paan or paan masala, nor Indian sweets or chocolate, nor cake nor pastry and recently no rice. I am grateful for this mercy.
But I have been named on your no smoking campaign, along with my colleague the Great King Shah Rukh Khan. Some of my posters of two of my not too recent films have led you to believe that there has been a grave destruction of the ethics of your campaign.
I applaud your concern Sir and applaud the choice of your example, in my dear friend and colleague, the other true King of Cinema, Rajnikanth, but honored Sir could we perhaps dare to inquire whether you, being in Governance have considered first, to ban this dreaded habit from all Government servants in the country.
And more importantly. Would you ever, Sir, consider banning the existence of the vast plantations of the ‘beedi’ leaves in the States of Uttar and Madhya Pradesh, or would that not be such a correct political decision. After all such act would jeopardize the employment of thousands of worker’s ( oop’s voters ! ) in the region and I believe, the business prospects of one of your ‘flying’ Cabinet colleagues !!
Upala, the affable and rotund by-line writer form MidDay is insistent on my responses to the utterances of Mr Sinha, Mr ShahRukh Khan, Mr Salim Khan, Mr Aamir Khan. I inform her that I have extensively done that over various interviews and through my blog. She reiterates that she has failed to find them. The monotony of repetition and the sufferance it would cause readers compels me to not address it. For Mr Salim Khan, yes, I had desisted. I desisted because I had not seen the reported report. I have now, and this is what I wish to say -
The Nava Kaal Marathi newspaper of Mumbai dated Monday April 28, 2008 carries a headlined column which roughly translated reads “FOR THE SAKE OF MONEY AMITABH SPEAKS LIES”. It further goes on to describe the ‘criticism’ leveled at me by the renowned writer Mr Salim Khan -how he feels that I am in the company of wrong people, how I have been lying for my earnings, how all the people have remained with me in my hour of trouble and how in the hour of happiness on the occasion of the marriage of Abhishek and Aishwarya, I have invited only a selected few friends. He states that I should be cautious from the wrong advice being given to me and concludes by accusing me of buying land illegally, returning it and then wanting it back again.
In the absence of any names or specific situations being mentioned, I can only assume what he wishes to draw my attention to and I shall respond within those parameters.
The ‘lies’ for the ’sake of money’ is perhaps a reference to my advertisement campaigns on Uttar Pradesh. Here are the facts -
( i rush to catch a flight to Mumbai, will post the rest on arrival or at the first internet connect )
My love for you and more,
Amitabh Bachchan
Bravo !
Mr Ramadoss must follow what u said !
Keep the good work Mr B, Appriciated
God Bless You !
Cheers !
Manoj Lahoti
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Haha….Sir i’ve immensely enjoyed reading each and every post of yours.
Your sarcasm would beat even Wodehouse hollow!
Sir, as usual you never fail to inspire!
We don’t need the media to see/read about you again !
(Though i’m amazed at the regularity with which you continue to blog despite your age(with all due respect) and busy schedule, Sir! )
Best Regards,
Manhar.
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Dear Sir
Thanks to see the blog going on. I have a seperate question to ask if you dont mind. In the last 8 years, your personality as oversees star has got some impact, i am not saying it is very low in terms of ranking, you are still in top3-4 but as a long time fan of yours skills and acting, i find it hard to see a “ALWAYS NUMBER 1″ personality to slip to number 2 or 3. My question is:- is there someone working on these issue as your PR advisor? If yes, than please pass my comments to him or her as a feedback. I am also ready to point out few minor cosmetic adjustment which are required to be integrated to Bachchan’s family public life. I hope i was able to highlight what i am thinking but please let me know if i need to be more clear. I personally belive the there are few minor adjustment in existing profile can improve Bachchan’s public stardon even further.
Regards
Divya Kumar (Dublin-IRELAND)
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Waiting to read your next post Sir. Take care.
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Respected (I mean it) Mr. Bachchhan,
We all love you and nothing is going to change that, niether a foolish comment about your personality nor about your personal/social life. Please be a little pateint with all these people as you are the only hope of publicity left for them and even they keep fetching it from you all their life you will still remain the man you are.
I never had a chance to meet you and that is one of my wish that I wish to fulfill in my lifetime but I respect you not only because of your contribution to the Indian Cinema but also for the very reason that you have been the best son of this era.
Salute to your determination and dedication towards your family.
May god bless with you the best of health.
Love you !!!
Vivek
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always admired you for the actor that you are and for the person you have become. yours is an inspiring story of life. A life which has walked miles both in pursuit of excellence and values both at work and back at home.
i see you as a father-figure and closely watch you on and off the screen. so, everything that you do or say matters to me and, am sure, to millions of your fans who are everywhere under the sun.
i am happy to see how you are adapting to new roles your age and experience
are throwing at you and how truly and aptly you are living up to them.
kudos! sir.
wish to write more if you only you promised to read them with the same passion that you live up your characters on the screen!
until then…
bye, bye.
sanjay thakur
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Dear Sir,
This is my first visit to your Blog, having come to know of it after the interview you did with Barkha on NDTV ( which if may add was Great ! ). Your response to the Union Health Minister’s “campaign” to cleanse our society is bang on! Way to go Sir.
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Dear Mr. Bachchan,
Namaste. of course iam not going to comment on matters mentioned on your post today…because , being a stranger to India…i am ignorant of Indian political matters. but reading your posts in itself is wonderful…they are very revealing of your own character and mind.
with love,
Rasha Zayed. (BigB yahoo group)
Cairo, Egypt.
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~
~
QUOTE:
After all such act would jeopardize the employment of thousands of worker’s (oop’s voters!).
UNQUOTE.
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE YOUR SARCASM!!!!!
And more so, loooooooooooooooooooved the way you’re using ‘words’ like “OOPS”!!!!!!
You’re really giving ‘em good, Sir! Keep it coming!
Have a safe & comfortable flight & land soon in India - Your country, and Mumbai - YOUR CITY!!!
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Sir,
Aap great ho !! These politicians, media and even bollywood people just use your name for their cheap publicity.. Dont worry about them .. you are above all this..
Take care.
Gaurav
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Mr. bachchan,
We understand your Frustration and we know that you want to tell us so many things in very little time but did you ever think why these things happening to you ? only you ? Why Not to Dharmendra or any other Actors in the film Industry ? may be sometime it is better to find out from others. you may not like it but hard truth is that you are the Most Popular and widely loved Superstar In Indian Film Industry. you take majority of Space in the News Paper and On TV. so every Little thing you say or do goes against you or gets criticized but highest complaint and highest criticism that we see or heard is that majority people do not like to see you with Mr. Amar Singh that is the biggest Dilemma that we heard not because of any personal reasons with him but only reason is that he is a politician.
Please do understand because I am your Fan and we feel and see from others that you miss.
For an example every time we see our friends or any one who finds out that I am a fan of Mr.bachchan the first question they would ask “what MR. Bachchan doing with this guy? Why a politician? So many questions why support any party?
I am talking about my friends who own successful businesses and companies in India. They tell me that we own companies in Gujarat and in Bihar but diplomatically we support all the political parties. They tell me that if any leaders from any political party comes in our company for donation. we donate them all and tell them all that we support your party. I think it is very smart diplomatically but we know that it is against your principals but it is the hard truth that no one want to see Mr. bachchan supporting any parties or doing any kind of favoritism to any party because Indian see you as their Hero.
Second example is that I am the biggest fan of MR. Narendra modi Gujarat minister and every Gujarati you will ask they will say the same thing. At the time of Gujarat Election Entire Media, newspaper was against him but we NRI went from USA and UK to Gujarat to make sure that he wins.
Just to let you know that his video Conference form India to thank NRI’s In Royal Albert Palace in New Jersey Was House Full. It was in the same hotel that you came for your 60th birthday book Ceremony. ( I was the one who was dancing ahead of you at your entry )
Only reason I am mentioning about Mr. Modi is that I was really hurt when i saw the movie “Dave†it was completely wrong in the sense of supporting a wrong cast. Why Mr. bachchan select such a film ? I wished you would asked Mr. anil ambani who is your friend and the biggest supporter of mr. modi.
Mr.Anil Ambani will tell you that mr. Modi is one of the best clean leader who did everything in his power to support Hindu’s (believe in non violation) when they were burnt in the train for no reason at all.
Mr.BALAJi Thackeray done the same thing for his Maharashtra’s to remove underworld mafia Muslims from Mumbai to protect Hindus.
Being a mega movie star you should not support any parties. Yes it is a democratic country and you have the full liberty but you are a public hero and you admire so many others but it is too late since Mrs. Bachchan is a part of the Samajwadi Party which makes even more painful. We wish we can change these and take your pain away but it seems that you have choose the path and you know more so please forgive me if I offended you in any way. I am just speaking through my heart hope you will understand.
And wish you would never get involved with these kinds of dirty politics so you don’t have to come out and defend your self or has to prove you’re self on every step of the life.
Please understand we are not criticizing or not advising you but being your fan we see things that destroying your Image specially because you are not politician like vinodkhanna, Dharmendra, Satru sinha or Rajesh khanna. You are way bigger then them in the Film Industry and you set standards for others. I think shahrukh is way smarter in this game by not supporting any political parties by learning from your experience.
regards,
Gopi
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Sir,
It is grate inspiration you sperd through to the any individial from this grate media! Cheers to Life!
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do u actually write this or somebosy else on ur behalf mr.big B??
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Dear Mr. Bacchan,I have always been a great fan of yours not only for your great acting on screen ,but also for the kind of knowledge you posess and the clarity and independence of your own thoughts.The propmtness and smartness with which you reply all the questions has always facinated me.And I always wonder how do you manage to do so many works at a time and still keep yourself mentally and phisically fit and updated. I wish you all the best in this new endevour.
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Dear Sir,
It was a great pleasure reading you about the anti smoking on screen stupidity. at this moment I would like to add to you and also bring your attention to another government menace called Animal Welfare Board. I am a filmmaker recently passed out from Film and Television Institute of India and have made my first film in Kannada titled Sparrows. It’s a children’s film on environmental issues mainly about the vanishing of Sparrows from Indian cities. The film talks about saving the birds in our cities. For this I had to show some birds in the film. But not understanding this, the animal welfare board, cuts down two important scenes from my 95minute film and brings it to about 90 minutes. Well, my film has lost its launching point and it doesn’t make much sense as one of the cut scenes is the first scene of the film! The government can’t stop wildlife poaching, it can’t stop deforestation it can’t propagate vegetarianism all it can do is, and to hit film industry with these bodies and curb the freedom of expression.
I would appreciate it if you could share your views on this issue through your blog.
Regards,
Abhaya Simha
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I just saw your interview on NDTV in London and I felt a compulsion to reach for my coumputer to respond to one of your comments.
As you said that one of the hardest things for any actor was to move from a hero image to the kind of roles you are doing. And its hard to come to terms with the fact that 20 years back, an actor would have caused a stampede in a restuarant and today he wouldn’t make heads turn.
I just wanted to express that I totally disagree with you on that !
I think its absolutely unfair to say that about yourself. I think you are a real life hero rather than a reel life hero. As far as I am concerned, I am a big fan. I dont just admire you for being the amazing actor you are but the deep and intellectually intense person you are. I dont enjoy your movies as much as your interviews. I see you as a role model. I have never seen anyone on the planet who has the balance of humility and assertiveness in the way you respond to people. I admire your charisma.
If I didn’t like a movie of yours, that wouldn’t change my opinion about you. I would still admire you as much as I always have. For example, I thought Cheeni Kum was a rubbish movie. Well, I am entitled to my opinion. The plot was good but the direction was a disaster.
SRK on the other hand is too cocky and he blurts out stupid comments all the time. Over the years, he has changed his style. He has stopped doing the goats bleating voice and started doing the husky voice like you. What an insecure loser. I hate his attitude. He thinks he is being witty or smart but he always sounds stupid. He doesnt know what is humilty. I am sure he wont be around for long.
If I liked a movie of his doesn’t mean I liked him or I admired him at all. I went to Kensington Olympia for the asian show because I wanted to shout in public - “SRK, I hate you ! ” but I couldn’t get the tickets
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Respected sir fantastic wordings for mr.minister.i enjoyed.
Thanks/vishal
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Respected Amit Ji..
This is my first blog…I am one of the millions fans. ..I was born in 1977..and since my child hood,I have grew up watching your movies…
When we watch TV at home…I have a habit of switching channels ,,,and when i see you on any of the channels..i just put down the remote..
Sir my favourite movies of yours are — Deewar , Sholay , Akhree Rasta , Amar Akbar Anthony , Sharabi , Agneepath , Hum , Khuda Gawah , Baghbaan , Kabhee Kabhee, Silsilaa ,Sarkaar….and many many more..
I hope your Asthama is better now..please take care of your health..
We all in the family love you and wish you and your family more and more prosperity ,health and happiness .
I dont like when your name is dragged in these controversies…But I also admire how you deal with all these issues…Kudos for that..
We are looking forward to see your in “Bhoothnath:”…all the best for that..
And I also cant wait to see Sarkaar raj…
I also would like to know..if you ever plan to come on the other side of the camera…Don’t you wish to direct a film…!!
Regards
Ajay
A Mumbaikar from Kashmir…:))
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Amit Ji I like your advice to Ramodass (I think there is nothing Ram in his name)
I remember some lines from your father (Friend of my uncle Shri Ram ji saran from Bareilly UP)
main kayasth kulodbhav mere
purkho ne itana dhala,
mere tan ke lohu mein hai
pachattar pratishat hala
pushtaini adhikar mujhe hai
madiralaya ke angan par
mere dada pardada ke hath
biki thi madhu shala
naam agar pooche koi to
kahna bas peene wala
kaam dhalna aur dhaalna
sabko priye; pooche yadi koi
kah dena diwano ki
dharm batana,pyalo ki
le mala japana madhushala
Thanks
Sachin Johri
From Tampa FL
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Amitabh Sir,
Really appretiate your openess on the allegations and roadblocks that Mr. Ramdoss has put across about smoking and now drinking in film making. It is obvious that polititians can go to any extent to gain popularity and improve their prospects of votes. Hope the poltics in India takes the right/constructive direction some day and help the country’s growth multiply at greater pace.
Sir, what has been your life’s greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?
regards - Kshitij
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Hi Amit ji
I have a feeling that there are 2 types of people in the world and you know you can not make happy every one in this world. If some one has problem with you or with your popularity that is their problem not yours. So please do not mind about all these types of gossip.
Do you remember one dialogue from “Bunty and Babali†Ye world hai na world isme do type ke log hote hai ek jo aapse khush nahiN aur doosrey jo aap se khush haiN hum doosrey type wale type haiâ€
Take care…have a nice weekend
Regards,
Manju
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‘Don’t eat chocolates/ sweets’ I can understand….b’cos you’re sweet enough!! ;0)
But ‘don’t drink Tea or Coffee…’??!?!? OUTRAGEOUS!!!
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keep working like this
MAY GOD BLESS YOU……………….
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तà¥à¤® अपना रंज-ओ-ग़म, अपनी परेशानी मà¥à¤à¥‡ दे दो
तà¥à¤®à¥à¤¹à¥‡à¤‚ ग़म की क़सम, इस दिल की वीरानी मà¥à¤à¥‡ दे दो (?)
ये माना मैं किसी क़ाबिल नहीं हूठइन निगाहों में - २
बà¥à¤°à¤¾ कà¥à¤¯à¤¾ है अगर, ये दà¥à¤– ये हैरानी मà¥à¤à¥‡ दे दो
तà¥à¤® अपना …
मैं देखूठतो सही, दà¥à¤¨à¤¿à¤¯à¤¾ तà¥à¤®à¥à¤¹à¥‡à¤‚ कैसे सताती है - २
कोई दिन के लिये, अपनी निगहबानी मà¥à¤à¥‡ दे दो
तà¥à¤® अपना …
वो दिल जो मैने मांगा था मगर गैरों ने पाया - २
बड़ी इनायत है अगर, उसकी पशेमानी मà¥à¤à¥‡ दे दो
तà¥à¤® अपना …
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Mumbai mein suswaagatam. Har Akhbaar mein chhapa hai ki aap Bang Bandhu Shiekh Mujeebur Rehman par ban rahi film mein mukhya bhoomika nibhaane ja rahe hain. kya yeh role aapko offer nahin ki gayee. sach kya hai, please bataayen aur yeh bhi ki Sheikh Mujeeb ke saath kya aapki koi yaad judi hai.Shubhkaamnaaon sahit.–MITHILESH, Oshiwara
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Dear Sir……hmmmm………… ha ha ha………i had a broad smile n laughter in my head while i was reading ur blog and as usual immencely enjoyed reading ur views n thoughts. Your comments on Mr. Minister are well placed Sir n i think Mr. minister should read n follow them n also implement them. Sir carry on blogging n i can now proudly say YOU dear SIR are an all rounder of INDIAN cinema. As we say in punjabi RABB RAKHA (god bless). With much love n respect n regards SIR.
Rupi Dhillon Karnani, Ruislip, London.
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Hai Amitji,
I am mailing you again and don’t know whether you have read all the mails.I have been mailing right from the day one and am expecting a reply for that.A reply is just because to know and feel happy if you have read my mail.Regarding Ramdoss,he is really a fool to ask or expect such things from film stars.I will ask one simple question with him,if he really has the guts let him ask the government to ban Alcohol.There is no necessity of Alcohol in life.Let them do that first.Also who is he to script the story of a film and is he a director to say what to be done by the stars.Meaningless,I don’t how they become ministers and they should have the least common sense as to what to do and what not to.What all that they can do is in their hands and they expect others to do small things which is not going to change the life of any individual.
Shame on him to blame others when the whole fault is with them.I don’t know as to who will see them through all this.I think he should be admitted to some hospital.
Sorry to write such things but can’t help in writing such things when such stupid things are expected from stars who don’t have a role to play.Everybody knows that is just acting.Let him make all the people literates by saying such things are just fictitious and let him run hoardings on alcohol,cigar et and beedies saying that it is injurious to health.If the persons have a drift towards it then it is their problem.How can anyone be responsible for that?Anyhow i am feeling very bad for writing all these since i sincerely believe in complete banning of Alcohol and other bad habits.
Good luck
have a nice day
May god bless you and retain you with good health
bye
Kitty
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Dear Sir,
You are so inspiring!I love your blog.Please visit my blog- soniajal08.blogspot.com and please do leave a comment.
Why dont you write an autobiography.You are a great actor.
With Utmost respect,
Sonia Kabra,
St.Josephs Convent School,
Jalgaon.
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Dear Amitjee,
BON VOYAGE.
Take Care.
Regards
vijay
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Mr. Bachchan,
I am vehemently against censorship on film. Ratings boards are ok, as they can assist people in setting guidelines for what they or their children will view, but censorship is not right.
A writer, director, actor, etc….should be able to make the art they wish. Drinking, smoking, gambling, sex, curse words…these are all aspects of life, and to pretend they do not exist by censoring them out is a denial of what is true.
If I were in the Indian film industry, I would not be able to stand for these censor boards that have the ability and clout to cut my films and tell me what is “obscene” or not. That is not freedom. That is not honesty. I’m surprised there is not more of a revolt against these censors as is. They are an abomination to art and truth.
Khan
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Dear Mr. Bacchan
What a pleasure it was to watch your measured and superb interview on NDTV taken by Barkha Dutt. I chanced to watch that interview and could not help go online thereafter, and spend almost an hour on your blog.
Firstly, let me congratulate you on this excellent blogging initiative. It just helps to bring out what a decent, cultured, educated (in the true sense), honest, warm and genuine individual you are. We really need more peopl like you in public life.
Your writing, your thoughts, your wit your sarcasm (re: Minister Ramadoss and his foolish attempts to stay in the news) your measured responses to sometimes pesky and exuberant queries from your fans is fabulous and makes for very edu-taining (educative entertainment) reading. It leaves one with a very nice feeling that there are still such nice people in this world and they can be successful
Our heartiest good wishes to you Sir for your continuing good health and happiness and may I take this opportunity to also wish the same to your endearing son & daughter in law. May they enjoy more success and popularity than you and may they have equally endearing offspring to continue the Bacchan name, It is not surprising, that with a father like you that Abhishek has turned out to be no less than the sophisticated, suave and cultured individual that he has become. The Rais must be lucky to have a son-in-law like him. We find that quintessential quality of humility, measured aggression, politeness all enshrined within him without making an effort. Just to compare, you can see the effort to show something else in Shahrukh Khan, although he too is a very intelligent human being. We wish that your son rises to the very top of Bollywood and even international success.
By the way, I read in the Chennai papers (I think it was the Hindu) that Abhishek with his brooding, dark looks would be a bigger hit in the very professional and prosperous Tamil cinema (Kollywood). With the great Rajanikant as your close family friend, we sincerely suggest you to take his advise and see if Abhishek can dabble there too.
In fact, I referred some European office colleagues to your blog (who have heard of your phenomenal success) and have asked them to read as what Indian families are like and the secret of their success in nurturing healthy sons and daughters who are taking on the world and succeeding in every sphere of life. Although they do not understand the various shenanigans of Indian public life, all of them were unanimous on their opinion of what a nice and decent guy you are. They said that now they understand why they voted him the actor of the century and if a similar poll came up, they would take that extra effort to go and vote for you. I am sure this story amuses you as fame and popularity are old allies and none that you have cared for much or pursued actively.
By the way, we are eagerly awaiting Sarkar Raaj. I am sure it is going to be a bigger hit.
Thanks for your time in reading this,
With very fond and best wishes to you and your parivaar.
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If they had banned drinking scenes in many of your older movies, some of the best comedy would have been lost. You crack me up when you are drunk in those old films!!!
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Ramodas what a hypocrit! Stop the production and import of liquor FIRST!
=====================
http://forums.bachchans.net
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Hello Amit Uncle
h r ?
h s ur life going….
have a safe journey…..
gud n8…
njoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tata
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Dear Bacchan ji,
I agree with your comments on Our minister. What we expect from others must be demostrated first. We always have an habit to point a finger on some one but forget that the other three (fingers) are pointing the self.
Take care of yourself, best wishes.
Regards
Ajay Kumar Jha
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Dear Sir,
First of all thank you very much for opening up a new medium of communication between you and your fans……but i am really amazed…..that is it really you …who is updating your blog with such a fast pace and with such lengthy posts?……..because i suppose its very hard to spare time from your busy schedule for typing such lengthy posts…..
one thing which made me laugh here is the first 2 replies for this post…..i am sure..after journalists…..insurance people are the next who will follow your blog…second to second……..hehehe…
With best wishes and Regards,
Raj Choudhary
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Hi Amitji,
Have you officially signed SLB’s next as producer also is Talimans on the cards, I havent seen the trailor but alot collegues whom have said from the trailor the movie left at just that.
Always great to read your daily blog, hopefully will get a response from you soon, A card was left for you at your hotel reception, from myself, Amer and Shameera, from the Bigb Yahoogroup, hope you liked it. Saw the new trailor of Bhoothnath, the Chalo Jaane Do, is a wonderful song, beautifully picturised and your voice is top notch, great song hopefully you will definately be nominated in the best actor (The Last Lear) , best supporting actor (Sarkar Raaj), Best Playback singer (Chalo Jaane Do), awaiting your nomination from your forthcoming movies for Best Comic Actor and Best Villian:))
All the best always
Kishore Bhatt (UK) BigByahoogroup
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Dear Amitji,
Ekta Kapoor is showing after marriage relationship, many marriages of one woman. Is this not be banned. All indian TV viewer are watching with family. It should also be ban. In gujrat Alcohal is ban. But every one know alcohal is easily available there.Why are not he stop all this and many more.
I think its ones own mentality what accept and what reject.
I think Ramdas wanna more popular so he is saying against bollywood.
Sir its nice to read about u
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Dear Amit ji,
Nobody could have said it better!!
It was from your gut ..and into his.
Well done.
Does he care to furnish us with details as to which film has inspired him to resorting to such cheap publicity gimmicks that define his last few days as Minister? Sure he cant. But now a hundred films will be inspired by his gutless stand.
Art imitates life more often than the other way around.
regards
Siddharth Chopra
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Sir
I have gone thru your blog.very intersting.do you write by yourelf or some assistant help you as it worries me how you find time from your busy schedule to be a part of this blog
It gives inspiration to al of us if you have desire then you can do as you are doing.we still remember the hard work which you have done in 1984 election at Allahabad.and you have done that job with full sincerity..Please go on writing
Dr.Piyush Misra Allahabad
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dearest amitji
it is nice to read that your asthma attack is over. I completely agreewith your sentiments towards mr. ramadoss who i think always try to enforce wrong legislation to solve the any of the issues crippling india and is a man of no integrity.The way he has handled AIIMS issue is laughable & now and than he wants to be in limelight by targeting& gagging renowned personalities without setting any basics right .
I feel pity on my younger generation who are commanding great position globally and trying to put india on path of prosperity, but, yet failing utterly & completely in changing political scenario of india. If india wants to maintain the thrust than younger generation has to make inroads in political arena or else this inhuman politicians will continue to plunder our country in every sphere.
It is high time for our countrymen to bring change politically & than only in true sense we will prosper.
i commend your effort that you are mustering enough courage by voicing your concern on many of the issuse crippling india.
Mr. bachchan you already have played your part to perfection for which you were born & we indians will forever owe you for every effort & you are truely following Gandhian philosophy that men should continue to work till they breath last & your this believe is creating immense problem to you .people who doesn’t value hard work are still unable to come with this truth that WHY MR. BACHCHAN IS STILL WORKING IN CONTINUITY,ENDLESSLY and earning his honoured livelihood with integrity & so many of them are continuously targetting you invain to derail you.
Never STOP Mr.bachchan, go on giving many sense of happiness to our contrymen and your family so that many of us would look forward to draw an inspiration from you.
with regards
ritwik,new-delhi
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Sir,
your blog is defenitely a good treat to read. But one thing i found very particular is that you are targetting vrious people and institutions via your blog but the fact is that your fans wish to know more about you your life your struggling days your days as being considered as the greatest superstar of all times , various aspects about your family life which u like to share with us . A pucca fan will be thrilled to know various unexplored avenues of your life.
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Hi Amitji,
This is the first time I’m writing to a ’star’ and I cant believe this is really happening
. The reason I’m writing, is to tell you that I am a hugh fan of Abhishek . I think he an awsome actor. Will you tell this to him for me ??Pleeeaasseee do. I wish I get the opportunity to meet him and chat with him someday!
Love ,
Vidhya
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Hi there,
First of all, I want to say that I am so very happy that you have finally decided to speak your mind and rightfully so. I recently saw your interview with NDTV and I have to say I was extremley impressed by your responses. You were, as usual, incredibly articulate, timingly humourous, and thoroughly honest. I, personally, felt so touched when you spoke about the bofors scandal and you said that the sole reason you fought was so that your grandchildren and great-grandchildren would not see you as a traitor. I do not think that there is a nobler thing you could have done and I fiercly applaud your courage and strength. Not many people would have the guts to go against a government and a prime minister in four different locations. Something else that caught my attention in the interview was this lose-lose situation you are in when it comes to your scruitinizers. You said that when you remained silent and did not give clarifications to controversies you were criticized and now that you are giving clarifications to controversies you are also criticized. I beleive the statement you gave was “faulted in silence, faulted in speech”, and I dont think there could be a more apt way to put it. You know, it really makes my blood boil when you get criticized for doing something good and other can do the most grotesque things and it need not even matter. I guess since you have had years of experience you are used to it but let me tell you it is very hard for me not to get fuming when those kind of things happen.
As a teenager, I truly am amazed by the amount of dedication you have to your committments. I am sure it is exhausting to keep switching time zones and going back and forth between locations but you make it look effortless and tireless.
I’m not sure if you read my other posts but allow me to repeat myself just a little. I watched an interview you gave to CNN-IBN a couple days ago and as I was watching, I noticed that you looked very very skinny. Now I have read in your books that you have slightly irregular eating habits and some times you forget to eat althogether! But just remember to take care of yourself. You are extremley fit but the last thing that amy of your other fans or I want is you to get ill.
Alas, it is time for me to desist from writing but I shall return again. But just remeber for every criticizer you may have, you have a 100 more fans and we (I) love you!!!!
Yours Truly,
Mehveen
USA
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Dear Sir
I would request you to have a look at my blog
http://heartatart.blogspot.com/
Thanks and regards
Saurabh Turakhia
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thanks again for exposing hypocrisy on part of moral police of india-the politicians.
if they r so concerned about bad impact of drink/smoke in movies why they not stop fighting at the joke on democracy the parliament of india
keep it up
waiting 4 more
jay shree krishna
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Hi Mr. Bachchan
Hope u had a fantastic & enriching trip to Tailnad & London.
Loved the way you responded to Health Minster’s views on smoking & drinking scenes in our movies..especially the “Liquor Lobby” & curbing the smoking & drinking habits of govt servants..
KUDOS TO YOU !
I want to bring to your notice an error–
As I was going through your small interview (by Gunjan Sangwan) in SCREEN magazine(May 2-8, 2008) the answer printed in response to a question related to “janmabhoomi & karambhoomi matter” was that “No doubt seven generation of my family has lived in LUCKNOW but this is home now..”
I believe that it could grossly be the mistake of the reporter which is quite misleading for the general reader…
Looking forward to your remaining post of the day..
Pls take good care of yourself
Love & Regards
Anu Verma
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Hello Sir,
I’m enjoying reading your blog, this is like a personal touch with you and knowing more of you without any biases.
Regards,
Naveen - Delhi
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Respected Dear Amitji,
It is always a learning experience after knowing you more as a person. And so i always call you ‘perfection personified’. Your life has been an inspiration for millions including me but the reason for which i adore you has been the moral values and ethics inculcated in you by your esteemed parents which themselves were essentially good human beings. Your feelings for them are admirable and touching and i consider you as a ‘father figure’ since i have seen the same love, concern and feelings in my father for my grandparents. And i believe that this aspect of your personality is idealistic. Similarly after reading about your family life in the book ‘To be or not to be’, your emotions, your love and the way you brought up Abhi da and Shwetdi is very very touching. It somewhere left a deep impact on my heart and mind. Well i am lucky enogh to have an equally loving, caring and doting Daddy. Inspite of being the ‘God’ of millions you are still a very down to earth person. I really can’t express my feelings for you. I am greatly moved by your thinking. I am a person of few words but i want to say that i admire you from the depth of my heart. May God Almighty shower his choicest blessings upon you and your family and fulfill all your wishes and desires and give you the best which life has to offer.
With warm regards and lots of love,
Yours greatest wellwisher,
JYOTSNA
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Hi Amit Uncle,
I think this is something New going on .A Storm is coming in the name of ‘Amitabh Bachchan Blog’. Beware all the Wrong doer. Our own New Mahtma Gaandhi has arrived who is again taking up all the issue by Pen not Sword. We all Indian were waiting for this for the ages. This is a begining of NEW REVOLUTION. Angry old Man in the Blog with the Pen. We allLove you Amitji.
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Banning exhibition of liquor - the Official way of extortion.
Finally the government has plunged into a new sector - extortion. Oh its big money sir. And the liquor lobby is rich enough. Isnt that the equation.
“There is so much comedy and humor in the films, does that bring out the humor from the people in the streets”
- (somebody’s quote, dunno who’s)
I don’t remember whose words are these, but surely is a logical answer to foolish demands of banning cigarettes and liquor from the film. People will continue to do what they want, regardless of what films show them.
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Sir,
i m the biggest fan of urs……. u may think many ppl say that but this is the first day that i got an ionternet connection installed at my home n the first think i did is to visit ur blog ….. its great to c u here … sir atleast now v can b connected to our SUPERSTAR……….
with love
ARIF KHAN
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When I first read stories about the Mujib film it seemed reasonably obvious to me that this wasn’t much more than a wild rumor! The idea that the Sarkar Raj cast was doing a film on the founder of Bangladesh seemed just a little hilarious!
I was greatly disturbed by the inherent fascism of the anti-smoking campaign and now by this potential anti-alcohol. I am at least glad though that neither came about when you were ‘doing’ a beedi in Deewar or putting a bandage on the mirror in Amar Akbar Anthony. What would Amitabh Bachchan’s oeuvre be without these drunk scenes, the greatest in Indian cinematic history?
To insist that ‘fictions’ be free of the ’smoker’ or the ‘drunk’ ought to be unacceptable in any society. Sadly, in India, and over the last two decades we have become increasingly comfortable with various kinds of ‘fascism’ whether it’s the cultural policing of Bombay by the Shiv Sena or the anti-smoking campaign against cinema.
I offer scattered reflections on Dev:
One must not forget that Amitabh Bachchan has been involved in two of the boldest statements in cinema with Khakee and Dev. Specially in the latter he is very much the ‘normative’ religious Hindu who is frightened by his friend’s ‘Hindutva’ leanings. Nihalani performs the enormous service of creating a space for Hindu religiosity. There is always a danger of traditional forms of religiosity being hijacked by the extremists. The Islamic world today with its numerous ‘Islamisms’ is the perfect example of this.
People often confuse ‘Hindutva’ with ‘Hindu’. The former is a fascistic political ideology simply claiming to be ‘normative Hinduism’ when it is anything but that. Again in Dev Bachchan is the ‘normative Hindu’. Om Puri on the other hand doesn’t seem very interested in the ’spirit’ of his religion but is only a political warrior, an ideologue through and through.
Many Muslims found the film uncomfortable viewing because they did not consider it ‘politically correct’ (there was even a piece in this regard somewhere by an Aligarh University academic). On the other hand this was not a film that pleased the Hindtuva brigade either. Finally I don’t think that the so called (and self-styled) ’secular’ crowd much cared for the film, nor did the left. Somehow all the audiences in this instances weakly misread the film (which is perhaps one indication of Nihalani’s authentic achievement!). This was reflected in both the film’s tepid reception at the box office as well as the reviews (positive overall but nowhere close to being celebratory).
I think what is often missed with the Dev narrative is that Nihalani does not in any sense adopt the good secular or good liberal position. Amitabh Bachchan is not meant to be such a character either. The film begins on the terrain of the Hindutva mindset, it accepts the fascist underpinnings of that discourse in many
ways and then when the audience might find itself neatly placed in this
position proceeds to critique from the inside the repellant nature of this discourse. As such Bachchan does change through the film. And Om Puri is not at all ‘evil’, this is the whole point! As a clue to the character of Bachchan as well as the narrative of the film I would venture that there are some key ‘battlefield’ sequences in the film and every time there is one something important happens. Also Nihalani wants to move the viewer away from a ’specific’ politics and guide him/her to the more philosophical question of the ethics owed to the neighbor. The point is not to use politics to justify one violence or another (the failing of both Om Puri and Fardeen in the film) but to
emphasize that no politics can excuse such violence. This is why the burning of the Muslim building that shatters Bachchan in the latter portions of the film is key. It is a deeply humanistic moment and one that shames the viewer in some ways — whatever positions we might hold on the set of issues Dev the film
explores, the risk that we run is precisely what we see in that extraordinary scene. And no politics in the world, no ideology could make that act defensible. Because such an act in theory and consequence effaces totally all singularity and all particularity and hence all that is most human. I think Dev is not a view on Hindu-Muslim relations but a powerful polemic against right wing and even fascist ideologies. The film establishes a narrative by following the logic of an ideology of hate and exclusion. By the end no matter what misgivings one might have had earlier on it seems somewhat clear that it is such an ideology that also enables the Fardeens of the world.
In a complementary fashion Nihalani is also strategically a good liberal here believing in the rule of law. The point would then be that a revolution is not required. One could simply start by following the law. This is not just a naive belief and/or inept move considering how much fascist ideologies have conflicted with existing liberal legal apparatuses at various points in the history of the last century. Liberalism in the old fashioned sense must be defended. Secularism must be defended. And yet one must go beyond this. I think Nihalani follows such a path and in doing so eventually strips politics to the barest philosophical essentials, to the most probing and poignant question of ethics — what does one owe the neighbor? can any neighbor in any sense deserve this treatment, no matter what the specific politics? Does it not shame the ‘audience’ in the most comprehensive sense when such violence is visited upon the neighbor? Is the audience not complicit because of its inaction? And
Dev, once he grasps the full dimensions of the issue prefers action to anything else. In terms of didacticism I don’t wholly disagree that there is some of this here but I think that the stakes being so high Nihalani’s decision to lay it out is understandable specially when one considers how much this kind of debate is current in India and has been for some time.
Lastly I would suggest that the final Macbeth-like sequence is a very important one for everything that the film is trying to convey about politics, heritage, patrimony, legacy, appropriation and so on.
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i strongly agree with about calling few people for abhishek wedding. but not calling sharukh and preety zinta aand others is i do not agree. you must have constrain of space. but you did not invite about 20 people whom you should have invited.you will agree with me that 20 more people would not put strain on you managing wedding
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I am concerned that speaking all that you have in mind will land you in trouble with those who don’t know how to handle humor but get hurt by it and take it as personal insult.
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i know that you are very religious and spiritual person. i am staying at vallabh vidyanagar–gujarat. about 5 km form v.v.nagar, there is a palce called JITODIA hwhere is a SHIVA TEMPLE which is arpond 1200 years old. i invite you to visit this temple.
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Dear Amitji,
You certainly are the master of words. Where do you choose the words from ?
Oops…whom am I asking…you have great writing skills from your dad, the great scholor, writer and poet.:-)
You are doing great (really!) on blog and I was suggesting a friend the other day if he wants to pass his MBA entrance exam, he should just keep reading your blog and understand how sentences are formed in high class english.
I have just one suggestion for you, would it be possible for you to start a question/answer section in this website, wherin you would be asked queries directly by your fans. All you would be doing is, once in a week collecting all selected questions and answering them (mediater can do this for you). The Q/Ans may be published every week in your blog. This will give your fans a feeling of being connected to you in a better way.
Sirji…please do let me know how you feel about this IDEA.
Thanks for reading (it was me who pointed out earlier on your small ‘i’
Kind regards,
Anand Sachdev
New York
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Dear Sir,
I, along with several millions, have applauded you on the screen and off the screen as well for past decades. however, it does strike a bit odd and anonymous of you to have done so less to resolve the problems of Mumbai, who has given you and your family the very best, not just in the industry but in the whole world. Perhaps Rajsaab has some point when he says he only follows you to serve his Motherland.
Apart from all political debates, it will be more heroic of you to serve to resolve the issues faced by Mumbaikars and a fitting finale to your showmanship Sir will you kindly Oblige??
Your fan (among billions)
N
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Sir,
I totally follow your take on the health minister’s rather ridiculous appeal. films are not made for education, and not showing wrong things will neither help anyone, nor make the films any better. I wonder what’s next - not showing sweets or cakes (for fear people will get too fat by watching films)? Climate campaigns could appeal to film heroes only to use small, environmentally friendly cars, or even better: public transport. Very useful in chasing villains…
But on another aspect of your blog, your lifestyle truly worries me. You don’t sleep, and now it looks as if you also don’t eat or drink anything. How do you survive? On nothing but pani and sabzi?
(BTW, I wonder why you endorse a chocolate brand if you don’t eat chocolate?)
Looking forward to part 2 of this post, its topic is very interesting!
Yours
Amber
P.S.: Pleas get someone from bigadda to install a spam filter in your blog. Otherwise, after insurances, we may get ads for cheap loans, blue pills and body part enhancements next - something all of us can surely do without!
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Glad to know you are doing well Mrr. Bachchan!!!
Why is it that Ramadoss can only look at films as the only disturbing “reality” to see? Is he mad or what? Was he elected by celluloid characters or real persons? I hope that fool can look at the Real issues of the Real people and do some REAL work to justify the bribes he is taking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Hmm… Angry Old man struck back.
Nice 2 read ur anger.. pl bring all ur anger out so that u can feel relax.
For Salim comments.. everyone knows wht type of sanskar his kids have n wht ur kids ? I m sure his kids not hav 10% sanskar which Sweta n Abhisek hav. proof is number of case r on his son n judgement of court.
Welcome back to mumbai
Awaiting to complete blog.
Luv u always
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dear mister BACHCHAN,is possible to speak with you?
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Dear r.Bachchan
My request to you is to pick important battles which require your energy, e.g. child literacy campaigns etc and not fight battles with Ramados and his ilk…I admire you more for what you havent spoken in the past.. and there are millions more like me..
Regards
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dearest amitji
it is relieving to read that you recovered from asthamatic attack. your concern towards mr. ramadoss gag is truely justifiable & your sentiments poured through blog is truely heartening. every one knows how mr. ramadoss messed up with prestigious AIIMS,and now he is trying to have his say over indian film industry in a senseless manner.
we all know how competent our politicians are and how much credibility they possess?? their every words see its route towards dustbin. It is commendable that you have voiced your concern against unjustifiable orders.
looking forward of your next blog. have a safe journey.
with regards
ritwik,new delhi
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Mr. Bachchan,
“One man with courage makes a majority.†— Andrew Jackson
Regards,
Srinivas Ravipaty
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Yes. Very funny. The headline.
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Hello Amitji,
You are the best. Sarcasm at it best… Problem with Ramadoss is same as we most have it in ourselves, i.e. Minding someone else’s business, and not ours… I hope if Mr. Ramadoss after reading this article comes to his senses and start doing his business, like providing safe and pure drinking waters to those who are dieing because of drinking poisonous water and food.
As Kabir Doha says it all.. This is for Ramadoss:
“Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye
Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye”
Keep up the good work.
Cheers.
Kripa.
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Dear mister,when you have a litle time,answer me and give me a chance to speak with you,if is possible give me an e-mail adress,thankyou.
Regards
Aradhana—Romania.
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Excellent Mr.Bacchchan, it shows your class, so diplomatic, yet so down to earth. and dignified too. It became a fad now to attract attention, one need to target the rich and the famous. Actually to divert the attention of people from real problems like Inflation, govt’s inability to control price rise, totally collapsed administrative price mechanism, these are excellent ways to shift focus, this trick has been used by politicians from time to time, so there’s nothing new. Cimena shows the social reforms taking place or already taken place in a society, so Mr.Ramdoss, or for that matter any particular person cannot change the process, better focus on issues which are really serious these days Mr.Ramdoss.
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dear sir
first of all i want to salute you for ur enormous hard work involved in the rising up of the bollywood industry….seriously saying sir you,raj kapoorji, dharmender ji,satyajit ji,lata mangeshkarji and many famous personalities gives there best to the industry….n i am really surprised that at this stage why raj thakrey is disturbing you….its clear to everyone that by taking out your name he just want to gain the publicity…..but i know god is there…raj thakrey is the only men who made bihari babu’s afraid of living in maharashtra…i just want to ask this raj thakrey that who the person he is to differentiate the persons n y he is deciding ki kaun rahega mumbai mei or kaun nahi rahega…..i am not a pure delhiti but i know we all r having equal rights to live anywhere in our country….sir i am seriously saying you are doing the best by ignoring raj thakrey…kya in logo ko bilkul sharam nahi aati itni badi personality par ungli karte hue….or sir i am really surprised that ki poora bollywood aapke saath kyun nahi hua is issue par??….ek baat bolun sir if u dont mind it..40% i know the reasson ki bollywood kyun nahi hua aapke saath..plzz dont mind it sir…aapko abhishek bhaiya ki marriege mei sabko bulana chahiye tha..sabko laga aapne unko ignore kiya isiliye ab koi aage nahi aata raj thakrey wale issue par….sir mere dad ka kehna hai dushman k saath bhi kabhi na bigado……sir ek suggestion dun aapko…koi occasion aane do chahe woh anniversery ya koi festival ho to plzz ek grand party rakhiyega or plzz sabko bulayega….sirji agar poora bollywood aapke saath hoga to aap kissi bhi bahar wale bande k saath confidence mei hokar lad sakte hain…..plzz sir dont mind my words..i know by experience wise n by age wise also i am very smaller then u but aapko dil se respect karta hun isiliye yeh sab baate boleen(i am 25yrs old sirji)…..hope aapki family isi tarah tarakki kare..tc sir…
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