Posted on: May 10, 2008 - 2:13 pm
Prateeksha, Mumbai May 10, 2008 2:13 pm
Back home after the ‘Shoebite’ schedule and the heat and the dry winds and the glue !
As is apparent from the photograph all that extra hair needs to be put on twice a day, by the very accomplished hands of my make up man Deepak Sawant; his devotion and skill and labour being exceptional. He came on 35 years ago and I have never changed him since.
The night before, BR Films sent down the print of ‘Bhoothnath’ to Nasik for me to see. We booked a local multiplex and I invited cast and crew to come along.
‘Bhoothnath’ is a cute simple film. It is not the adrenalin pumping high octane fare, that perhaps is the norm these days, but one that is staid. It carries an innocence that we may have lost in todays fast paced world. It touches on values and tradition subtly. It actually refutes the existence of ugliness with goodness. The Mother in the film corrects her little child with ‘there are no ghosts, only angels’. Its the one factor that changes the main protagonists point of view, into being a kinder soul. Its a healthy thought. Not just for the child in the film, but for humanity per se. The ‘Bhooth’ is a metaphor.
Among the hundreds of congratulatory sms’s and comments on the blog about the film, I was most touched this morning by a phone call from the music director Shekhar. His little daughter, all of 3, had gone to see the film and on returning home picked up a framed photograph of mine that I had given to her father and put it by her bed. When asked why, she answered ‘He’s my angel’, an obvious reference to an important reference in the film.
A young gentleman expressed his utmost joy after seeing the film thus - ‘ Thank you for taking me back to my childhood. I wept profusely during the film because it took me back when I was little”. Prominent distributors all over the country, who possess extra sensory powers to smell box office, loudly proclaim it to be a ’super hit’ and to wait for the word of mouth to take over. Friends, unknowns, well wishers all send profuse praise, which I dutifully pass on to Vivek the first time director, who is desperately seeking the make up department to supply him with the false set of nails I wore in the film, he having devoured his own. And, my phone sms memory is having a cardiac arrest !
The question is not whether the film touches the topic of ’superstition’ or ‘exorcism’, as was very guardedly expressed by some reviewers both in the electronic and print, it is the faith and the strength of its existence for hundreds of years, that formed a part of the story.
The shradh, is a religious ceremony conducted in Hindu tradition, by the son of the deceased individual, for the peace and tranquility of the soul. When we express our condolences in a moment of grief, we always say in Hindi ‘Bhagwan unki atma ko shanti de’ or in English ‘May his soul rest in peace’.
The film gave a finite form to the soul in the shape of Bhoothnath the character of the ghost played by me, a name devised by the little kid, who is confused by the fact that when he does confront the ghost and refuses to believe that he is one, wants to know his name. The ‘ghost’ directs his attention to the gate of the house and the name plate, Kailash Nath. The ghost tells the kid he is a bhooth, the name plate reads Kailash Nath, so the kid reckons in his innocence that the guy must be BhoothNath !
Indeed, the revelation of the story during the later half and one which some critics tend to dislike, is I feel, the very essence of the story.
There is a disturbed soul in the house and for him to be at peace, the shradh which his son had ignored, needs to be performed. The back story is important to narrate in order to show the circumstances that led to the disturbance in Kailashnath after he passed away.
The irony, as is apparent in most problem homes is that, it is always the outsider that proves to be more ‘loyal than the king’. In this case, its Banku, the kid that has now endeared himself to Bhoothnath, who, convinced first by his own father ShahRukh in the film, now volunteers to conduct the ceremony for his ‘buddy’ himself. And the sad part is that, Banku in performing this much required deed, is unaware of the consequences - that he will lose his best ‘friend’ to the ’stars’. His friend would have achieved salvation, peace, and leave him and go away to the heavens. The separation of this beautiful relationship that both have enjoyed, and one that most critics have too, is the poignant moment of the film.
Now tell me. Anything wrong with that ?
And Khalid Mohammed who reviews the film for Hindustan Times of date, who instead of reviewing writes a personal letter to me through a public document, who wishes that I go and learn how to act from the Pune Film Institute, who laments at the only dialogue he heard in the entire film, my oft repeated ‘Haiiiiiiii’, who as director made three of the most colossal bombs in the history of Indian Cinema and who now tries to educate others in the craft, who credits the cast of the film as AB,AB AB, disrespecting the other eminent star presence, who allegedly as Editor of Filmfare, coerced the talent of his directed films to work for him in lieu of the alleged consideration of an Award, titles his diatribe -
‘TO BOO OR NOT TO BOO’
Well KHALIDA ! And this is not a gender error, but a call you respond to lovingly, when Jaya addresses you, as you spread yourself across our dining table in Jalsa, sipping our, in your own words, ‘exclusive and expensive wine’, this is what I have to say to you -
‘BOO’ !!!
Hi!!!!! sir. First of all i would like to appreciate the NEW LOOK + tag-line of this blog and also your intention and devotion towards trying to write blog in hindi. But, please dont forget reading english messeges coz a lot of us wont be able to blog in hindi. AND…………..
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Coz I could sense positive vibes and something constructive happening through your recent write-ups.
Constructive - because u requested the bloggers to share their views on some of the tv projects….. And, i think this is a very good idea - AS , NOT ONLY TV PROJECTS , V ALL CAN ALSO GIVE U OUR VIEWS ON UR FILM ROLES AND ALSO SUGGEST U AS TO WHICH OTHER ROLE V WUD LIKE TO SEE U IN!!!
Well, KBC (anchored by u) was a huge huge hit. Almost everybody , in india and many abroad tried not to miss a single episode of it .Your natural and strong style of presentation of the show made it a delight to watch . Children (even i) watched it to learn GK , mums n dads - to test their GK. V used to discuss each episode in school everyday!!!! And, i dont know if u know this , people even started playing the dialogues and conversations of KBC in audio - (JUST LIKE THE SHOLAY FEVER) in parties , functions and other places.
It was a huge success because of UR WONDERFUL HOSTING ,IMPRESSIVE INTERACTION WITH PARTICIPANTS,UR INTELLIGENCE ,FRESHNESS of concept , ORIGINALITY(atleast for india) and ur unique way of handling the show naturally AND WITH DIGNITY…… and i think all these things are seriously lacking in many of the shows on tv these days.
I HAVE ONE WONDERFUL IDEA - U CAN TAKE UP A CHAT SHOW PROJECT - something like coffee with Karan or simi grewal. And i tell u , it would gather huge viewership as right now there is no other show like this on air……People always like to hear things right from celebrities rather than through media. And, it always is a pleasure watching u interacting with people or celebrities. I THINK U SHOULD GO FOR IT!
As far as other tv projects are concerned , in my suggestion , carefully choose if at all u decide to take up any reality show , coz people seem to have got bored by watching repetitive and banal shows like indian idol, nach baliye and likes which, i am sure, r not reality as most of them are plotted, framed and brutally edited. All they need is our numerous sms which never turn out to be fruitful , as never in such reality shows , a DESERVING ONE gets victory….
SO , i hope u decide to take up some REALLY INNOVATIVE AND INTERESTING PROJECT and i am sure it would be a great success.
keep happy and keep blogging….
well wisher
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Boo or no boo, I’m watching the morning show of Bhootnath tommorrow, along with my hubby and mom-in-law. I think it’s great tha you have started blogging. After all, public insult/humiliation must get a public reply.
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Dear Amitabh Chahcha,
Please keep doing the good work but not at the cost of your health. Please do take care of urself as much as u take care of others.
I guess the pic which u have posted today is from ur latest film “Shoebite” which u r currently working on.
Anyway one thing more i would like to say is please do not change ur nature / behaviour . May god bless u and give u loooooooooong life.
charan sparsh,
Saurabh.
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Dear Sir,
How r u? u r the best.
कà¥à¤¯à¥‚ं कहते हो मेरे साथ कà¥à¤› à¤à¥€ बेहतर नही होता
सच ये है के जैसा चाहो वैसा नही होता
कोई सह लेता है कोई कह लेता है कà¥à¤¯à¥‚à¤à¤•à¥€ ग़म कà¤à¥€ ज़िंदगी से बढ़ कर नही होता
आज अपनो ने ही सीखा दिया हमे
यहाठठोकर देने वाला हैर पतà¥à¤¥à¤° नही होता
कà¥à¤¯à¥‚ं ज़िंदगी की मà¥à¤¶à¥à¤•à¤¼à¤¿à¤²à¥‹ से हारे बैठे हो
इसके बिना कोई मंज़िल, कोई सफ़र नही होता
कोई तेरे साथ नही है तो à¤à¥€ ग़म ना कर
ख़à¥à¤¦ से बढ़ कर कोई दà¥à¤¨à¤¿à¤¯à¤¾ में हमसफ़र नही होता……
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how can any one review movies who himself made crap n sick movies like khalid mohammed.
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The title is interestingThe Jaya Bachchan-Khalid Mohammed Book on you was called ‘To be or not to be’.The guy is in a hurry .Incidently the author of the early 80’s Illustrated weekly of India article ‘finished’ which was mentioned in this blog recently was KM I think.HE has left nothing brought up even the ‘Bhagwan’ dance step.Well your response should have been with Sarkar Raj, Shoe Bite etc.Its louder and more lasting.
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AB sir,
I have gone through yr blog since last some days, & actually realised that its not a megastar talking to us. Its all about the conversation of a wise, sensible, intelligent, balanced Gentleman!! This was a first time I, myself liked very close to the Huge Star like AB. Otherwise till date You were just like a moon or the stars in the sky, whom I used to see everyday, but cant sit as a friend besides..
Your blog has bridged this distance of lacs of Miles. Its heavenly to feel that AB is very near to me.
Long live AB sir, I want to read yr blog for 100 more years…
Deepak, Pune
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sir,
nice picture!
sir ignore khalid! with that review his just payed disrespect to his profession! he doesn’t deserve to be called an editor but “ghost witrer” he annoyed me today with his cheap paid criticism! in the whole ‘claimed’ review he never talked about the film! i guess the cheap piece (i refuse to call it a film review) must have been written much in advance before the release of the film bhootnath! he seem to have sold himself, his profession, respect and dignity!
your dialogue in reply to gangadhar was a power packed punch! i thoroughly enjoyed it what you said! it had class, style and power! please write one for khalid and the likes!
there are many such irresponsible media & journalist, who write and speak what comes to their head! Media & journalists are opinion leaders and they often forget this while writing or relaying news!
khalid is a torch bearer of irresponsible journalists!
if there is any job today that involves 100% authority and 0% responsibility, that’s a media job! journalism from now will be called khalidism
sir, there is a very large audience of entertainment on TV! unfortunately no one entertains like you! whether khans or kapoors nobody is capable of keeping families glued to tv like you do!
yes the proliferation of channels and change in lifestyles have brought changes in tv viewing! audience now have a wide variety of entertainment programs to choose from!
i saw couple of episodes of the original version “are you smarter than the fifth grader”. its fabulous show! but khan doesn’t have the charisma to keep the audience stuck to the channel without surfing! So it fell! It won’t pick up even after IPL
i can’t think of anyone other than you for “panchvi passâ€!
bhootnath a superb film! we are planning to book a show in a nearby multiplex for our office staff with their families and kids!
we love you sir! keep entertaining us
lots of love and prayers
regards
dominic
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Hi Sir,
and nothing greater than to watch Mr.Bhanchan.
Definitely would love to wach this movie.I am looking forward to it.Currently I am in Korea on official work so there is no scope to watch it right away.ASAP I return I will go and watch with my family.My son is only 8 moths now but I think Bhootnath will be his first ever movie in theater
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Respected Sir
Thank you for the snap from your movie…its looking really nice!!!
…..thank you!
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Nice……. Amitji
Very Nice!!!
but I would like to know that how do you feel about ur role in Bhoothnath, the different kind of role ever in ur life?
All the best for ur next Project.
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Good afternoon amitji
Waiting since morning to look forward to your comments of the day. To me it looks as if i m spkg to u in person.
I have booked 4 tickets for me , wife and twin daughters to see Bhoothnath. I must tell u even now with so much of work load i take out time and read children mags to relive my childhood.
It is said everyman has a child in it, so i have and you have one too !!!
Dont worry about what the others say and rubbish they publishe just carry on and on and on and BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO TO THEM
pairipauna
Ramesh
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Dear Amit ji,
)Hope u r listening .
I have just started reading your blog a few days back and I am a real admirer of you just as many others.
I very much liked the song “Chalo Jane do” sung by you in Bhootnath.
I somehow donot like that every now and then you keep on replying to your criticism.
You donot need to ‘BOO’ anybody even if they deserve to be.
In doing so , you are not maintaining your own dignity.
All intelligent people know who they like and why do they do so, ur fans will be ur fans .
Please don’t waste your time in replying to all kinds of criticism all the time.
I am sure you would have much more interesting thoughts about various other personal / public issues.
Come on , change these topics now.
I Would like to know for example about something like ‘Is there anything in life that you feel you should do/ see/achieve before the end of your life ‘ . Are there any personal regrets ?
Do you sometimes wish you had just an ordinary life like many others?
What are the most touching moments of your life ?
Was there a time when you were really embarrased at something you had done ?
How would you imagine an ideal day for you ?
What were the toughest moments in your life ?
what were the most inspiring incidents/people in ur life?
Well, these r the kind of things I would like to look forward to not just to know who wrote what about u everyday and why u do or donot like it.
Like in ur song’s words ‘Chalo chodo bhi, ab jane Do’(critics ko
Take care of ur health and have a relaxed and a cool day.
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Respected Amitji
Bhoot or no Bhoot for me if its you its all that i need to believe what you would like to convey.
My father always says when you point a finger to others three of yours points to you .Let this be known to KHALEEDAAAAA.
with luv
Sudhir Vyas
Kolkata
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आदरणीय गà¥à¤°à¥ जी,
सादर चरण सà¥à¤ªà¤°à¥à¤¶,
कà¤à¥€ कà¤à¥€ मैं सोंचता हूठकि इस बà¥à¤²à¥‰à¤— को लेकर आप अति-उतà¥à¤¸à¤¾à¤¹à¥€ हो गठहैं.
आप के à¤à¤¸à¥‡ à¤à¤¸à¥‡ जजà¥à¤¬à¤¾à¤¤ बाहर आने लगे हैं जैसे पहले शायद कà¤à¥€ नही आà¤.
डरता हूठकि, पतà¥à¤°à¤•à¤¾à¤°à¥‹à¤‚ कि बकवास पर जरूरत से जà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤¦à¤¾ पà¥à¤°à¤¤à¤¿à¤•à¥à¤°à¤¿à¤¯à¤¾ देते देते कहीं आप अपनी महानता न खो बैठे.
जबकि आप बेहतर जानते हैं कि जà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤¦à¤¾à¤¤à¤° पतà¥à¤°à¤•à¤¾à¤° अपनी “दà¥à¤•à¤¾à¤¨” चलाने के लिठये सब कहते, लिखते और छापते हैं.
आपका बचà¥à¤šà¤¾…..बचà¥à¤šà¤¨ का बचà¥à¤šà¤¾…..
रजनीश, लखनऊ से….
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my 15yr old daughter has liked BHOOTHNATH from the promos that i have seen on TV it seems to be a good film,and will be viewing it soon. one more HIT .may god shower all his blessing on you and ur family.and IGNORE all the -tive comments.
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too bad Mr Khalid,jis bottle se wine piya usi bottle ko amitji ke sar pe mar diya!!!!!!!!!shame on u.
Very well said Big B…
Regards Anuja
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Sir,
I watched th film at a theatre in London.
The show started at 9.30 pm ….it was almost housefull.
This inspite of no poster of Bhoothnath in the hall…I pointed it out to the theatre people.
And one more thing…AT THE TICKET COUNTER HERE I WAS TOLD THAT MR. BACHCHAN’S MOVIES ARE SEEN AND APPRECIATED BY THE WESTERN AUDIENCE ALSO.
I liked the movie…and your acting really stands out.
As a child I was told by my grandfather that if there are ghosts there is god also. If a ghost gets nasty then god would protect you.
So I was completely fearless when I was alone or in dark etc.
But this concept of angel and god is amazing!
Gr8 job!!!
Regards,
Debashis
p.s. I read Khalida’s review in HT…i think she is biased and has a personal agenda.
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I just saw the movie with my family. Every one has enjoyed it.Well to start with…Amitabh is just awesome.You actually understand that he is today not only in a separate league from all other actors but also now is setting standards which will be hard to follow for years to come.There are certain frames where he shares screen space with Shahrukh and you will see the difference. A good entertaining movie for the whole family.Yes there are certain parts where it does drag but overall you leave the hall stuck for that signing off buddy rap number and with a great smile on your face. Take your whole family and enjoooooy
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well nice photo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
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SirG,
Baghban, Babul and now Bhoothnath or shall I say “DUDENATH”. Me and My family watched the movie yesterday 21.20 hrs. Audiences around were restless as the movie began and till BhoothNath actually enters the screen were waiting. And then begins a series of laughter all around on your each and every frame must I say including my daughter younger one Harshita (12) was hilariously mad. The audience just went and waited on when to laugh out your next funny face expression and reaction and ोन your CG wagging tongue.
For me BIgB, you grow younger with each character you play. The Best and the most improvised and stylized song is the DUDENATH. You actually are giving the young stars a run for their money.
What conviction in the Senior Citizen part and the grief of losing the son’s respect. My business is now soon becoming the business of reviews and Box office collections and production values yet as an audience you have to enjoy the movie. Which I did.
You bring back the memories of the songs in past you have done for the children like the one “चला जा रहा था मै चलता हूआ, हनूमान चालिसा पडता हà¥à¤†”।
It reveals clearly your connect with the young children and a hidden child in you which refuses to grow up.
Your character in ShoeBite as you reveal here is also worth waiting to watch for. And you being sport to any new character is your USP. Mr. Deepak Sawant definitely is a great artist and he has been a silent contributor in all through your career, as always you never leave an opportunity to thank and mention the Unsung Heroes of the Film Industry.
I willfully join in your “BOO’!!! which gives me a “DUDE’ feeling like you.
Your self crowned CHELA,
Vinod Agarwal (finishing next month a 2 year full time course in Business of Films and Television at Whistling Woods International. Also launched a mobile application http://www.onkia.mobi (BETA) to VIEW UPLOAD SHARE and EARN from One minute Video clips on mobile. Exclusive content which cant be saved or transferred.)
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Dear Sir,
It is indeed a good experience to able to cimmunicate with you through your very interesting blog. Though I havent had a chance to see “bhoothnath” yet,… your latest entry does perk up my interest in it.
I have not religiously followed all your movies…but I have admired your talent in the ones I have seen.
Also..Ireally like your voice :)…the songs you have sung..most prominently “neela aasman” and the title song from “babul”.
Hope to hear from you,
Regards,
Mriganka.
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Namashkar !!
Im inspired to watch Bhoothnath this weekend itself.
Congratulations to you and Vivek !!
I’ll be back with more comments after watching the movie.
Keep doing good work……..great going !!
Regards
Sachin Jhamnani
Lucknow
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Dear Mr. Bachchan,
Stars by the nature of their profession must possess egos. After all they have to act as heroes who save the day in film after film.
The years of adulation and blind worship by the multitudes, the “enormous” amounts of wealth accumulated,the name ,fame all is bound to turn anybodies head (except perhaps the great Mahatma)
So either you are in fact a great mahatma or your modesty (”I am just an undeserving actor”) is an act.
I have long suspected it to be the latter.
Your blog today has provided me with the proof I need (not that you would care, but judging by your diatribe against others ,maybe you do)
I have never met a modest man who was also thin skinned and easily hurt. And I don’t think you are that man.
YOUR MODESTY IS AN ACT
~Praveer
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after having commented in ur earlier post telling its high time u responded to this guy,i was wondering whether i made a mistake.
no worries now.i think this is the politest response i hav heard in
my life for such provocative writing.
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Sir, please be cool n happy. Do not let other’s nuisance disrupt ur peace of mind. Just forget about those bunch of few who bother u (coz what else can they do , than speaking - NOTHING at all!!) . Some situations , people and things which are ‘uselessly created’ should be intelligently and logically tackled ( which i think u r doing well!!!) - or usually taken lightly and in a laughing manner - then only will our heart and mind feel free and lighter!!!!!
one more thing - day 24 is appearing on page after day 23 - some prob it seems - do see to it….
V all care for u!!!
Keep happy and keep blogging!!!!
well wisher
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You Really are ANGRY , aren’t you…all your posts end up lambasting someone or the other…because they critize your movie or your actions. No wonder ‘the-angry-young-man’ roles suited you so much !! Before you start out at me, let me clarify - I like you and your acting. Your blog, though very entertaining, does not rise up to the your persona.
whoever is doing this job for you - is not doing it very well.I am almost certain that YOU are not writing these yourself - since I dont think you would lash out at bad reviewers and threaten people ( at least not in public) …Amitji is much more dignified than this.
last night I was reading a book, when i came across these lines…
” if someone accusses you rather than lashing out, imagine that this accussation loosens the chains of your own self cherishing ” - Dalai Lama.
Take care.
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Maybe like our regular hindi movie all your posts need to have a villian !
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Hello Amitabhji,
Nice to hear from you, regularly. One has to learn a lot from you, discipline, punctuality etc., Keep continuing. Yet to see ‘Bhoothnath’, but deffinately a good film. Will write after watching.
Take care.
With respect,
Kalpesh
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My GOD Mr AB,
You are the best.
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Sir–
Just to let you know–my dad wants to watch the movie and i am trying to coerce him into waiting until after June 2 so that I can watch it after my exams with him—but I know he wont listen and he ll go with mom…I will let you know what they thought….
And now after reading your blog–I wannaaaa goooo tooooo…but I cant..so I shall wait in anticipation and then go after June 2…
Have a great weekend sir..
xoxo
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VERY INTERESTING ,CUTE AND RELEVANT STORY…. I WILL SURELY GO N WATCH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Amitji,
KHALIDA may be supid. he may not understand the fine art of film making or even to be a good critic for that matter. But at least he gave his honest opinion (I hope) and did not corrupt it just because he had ’spread himself across your dining table in Jalsa, sipping your exclusive and expensive wine’. Being a bad critic is any day better than selling one’s soul for ‘exclusive and expensive wine’!
Vicky
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Reposting, for I am not sure I managed to post earlier:
Why do I feel that you were indirectly trying to prove you are more popular than Shahrukh Khan? And that when you say he is the ‘bigger star’, it is tongue in cheek? And that ‘paanchi fail’ comment, though not made by you, was included by you on purpose? You could have more forthright, but well, it is your space.
Khalid Mohammed had a right to write a negative review, but what he wrote is not a review at all. It is a very unprofessional personal attack, which, if it had to come, should have come in a more honest format. In any format though, it would be most unsuitable for a public forum. Journalists shouldn’t be allowed to abuse the space they are given. Sad!!
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I actuaaly like the ‘Haaiiiin’ very much. It is original and very expressive.
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My GOD Mr AB,
Sorry for previous comment, I know this you must have heard infinite time
. Still You are the best 
Your god belss you always. Haiiiiiii.
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Dear Mr Bachchan,
just remembered these lines from a song by Kenny Rogers “sometimes you have to fight to be a man…”
guess you may be right in hitting back…
wishes always
………..
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Great sir, You are great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I have’nt saw the movie but after reading you I am going to see the movie with all 10 children in our home(don’t worry mine is only 1 other are my nice and nefewes of my 4 brothers.)
Thanks sir, Please reply
Dinesh
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Love you, Sir.
Amad
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Sir, but you never answered me till now. Are u angry with me?????????????????????????????. I know you are a “ANGRY YOUNG MAN” but sir we are very small people why are u angry with us. Please give me time to meet. Sir, Pleaes accept my application.
Regards,
Dinesh, 9993063325
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Sir,
It is a great education. It is not only having a distinct class but actually i feel like i am attending lovely lectures on many aspects of life. Thank you so much for your courage for calling a “spade a spade”. I have become used of seeing courage only among poor and week. But you are a refreshing chnage.
With kind regards.
Bhaskar Pandit Mumbai
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Boo,
Tonite going to watch Boothnath…
Luv sunita
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hi,
its always interesting to read your blog , the way it is written , the fluency of thoughts , the ease of expression , the gravity of content leaves me full of admiration , but sometimes it does make me feel low also , how can u be bestowed with all the goodness of life , yet we be striving for simple things like writing a good letter . I know ! u have had your share of troubles , but that does not alter the fact that God has in turn given you more than your share of strength , courage & good judgement power to overcome it all,
may God be likewise kind to all of us
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I cant wait to go watch Bhoothnath! Seems like the review are coming are coming out positive. One note, I think it would be better for you to stay out of the mudslinging and allegations. Defending yourself is one thing, but throwing a subtle insult will probably only invite another media frenzy (even though I completely believe you and have seen the allegations printed elsewhere). But you’ve been in the business, so you probably know better, but I’m just saying what came to mind first.
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Dear Amitji…
Wow… i am the first one…
very happy…
Nice picture… Sometimes put the whole family photo.
Luv
Sunita
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Sir,
Did you say NO to one of Khalid’s offers to act?
Kya angoor khatte hai..
Manish Patwari
Boston
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Hello Amitji
I am amazed at your responses. People have short lived memories and change colours quite often! Dont get upset about all that. It is the 21st century and as old timers tell again and again it is the ‘kali era’. I have not seen Bhootnath yet as I dont have anyone to go with. But I will soon find someone to take me for the same. My husband who was an avid film buff in his young age has now stopped watching films.(He says he is too old to go to a theatre now that he is 65!!) My daughter who was my companion till last year is now married and in US. So I am at the mercy of some friends or relatives. But I will definitely go for this film. I would like to see your interaction with that cute little kid!!
I am glad you are back in Mumbai safe and with Jayaji. As I have told you in one of my earlier post, I am more of a fan of JAYAJI’s acting than yours! She is simply out of the world!!
So that is all for now. Take care and keep rocking.
Regards
Susheela Das
Navi Mumbai
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My Dearest AmitJi,
May the Almighty keep you in the best of health and may the Lord shower you and your family with all the happiness from the heavens and above. Ameen.
First of all may I wish you all the best for Boothnath and pray it becomes a mega hit. Im watching it tonight with younger brother and cant wait for it.
Ive read alot of critic reports and Im amused at what I see. In most cases the criticism has not been reserved for the film but the main actor and issues surrounding him that are outside the realm of the subject.
Clearly your bashing of the media has not been liked in certain quarters….but please AmitJi dont go silent on them…carry on shoving the dirt in their faces because that is what they deserve!
I read Khalid’s review…if that is what you can call it. It felt like he has some personal agenda against you or he thought it befitting for him to join the bandwagon of misfits who NEED recognition in this phase of their lives. I could understand if constructive criticism was levelled against you but this was a blatant tirade of bull****coming out of his disturbed mind.
AmitJi you must at times feel lonely as the dark and ugly forces conspire against you, but please never ever ever forget who you are and what you have. You are THE Amitabh Bachchan and you have US!!! We love you always did and always will. We support you with everything we have. Its clearly visible by just reading your blogs how much you are loved. And these are the people that have access to this form of communication. Imagine the millions and millions that havent!
See you tonight in BhootNath
With all my love and affection
Ibrar Hussain UK
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Dear Amit Ji,
Congrats on starting this blog. As Lakhs of people in India, I m also a huge FAN of urs.
Wish u all the best and happiness.
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…also, appreciate the photo, keep them coming!!!
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I too read the ignorable review by Khalid Mohammed…and there seems to be some venegence than a neutral analysis…or the age is taking its toll on him. I wonder why he is taking a personal dig at you, invariably.
Although yet to see myself, I have heard of the very positive words of those who’ve seen Bhootnath…and that’s just tempting me more….to grab the tickets before I see a ‘Housefull’.
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Dear Sir,
I am very relived to see you’re still posting in English!
How I wish I could see Bhoothnath. But that will be possible only when the official DVD is out, and I refuse to buy pirated ones. And no cinema in my country will screen the film So, as always when watching an Indian film, I”ll be months behind all my Indian friends, and those in the UK and USA. So sad to live in the European hinterland…
The Shoebite picture is wonderful. Thank you for that. Now I can imagine the endless glue procedures you had to endure every day.
With love and regards from “a foreigner”
Elisabeth
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I have seen Bhoothnath and its ok movie. Not that Good as I expected being Mr. Bachchan’s Movie. I went to see this movie thinking of Mr. India / Chhota Chetan (the ultimate Children movies coing from India), but i find Bhoothnath noway near to these movies. the use of special effects that could have made the movie more good looking was not there. Same old tricks.
I will give 2 stars out of 5. That too because of Great Work from Mr. Bachchan and the child artiste.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEE “SARKAR RAJ”
Thanks
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respected amitji
sir please don’t respond to every tom dick and harry who says anything to u. i would like to say here to those people that “chand pe thukne se chand gandaa nahi hota ” so stop saying anything to u.i agree with the most talented director of our times mr. khalid that yes u need to go to FTII Pune but to TEACH AND NOT LEARN HOW TO ACT.my good wishes are always with u and ur family.
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Dear Mr.Star of the Millennium,
This is the title given by BBC but I would you say you are star of all time Indian cinema, world cinema and role model, star of billions of people beyond the all barriers.
Well, almost every people replied you praises with nice what you undoubtedly deserve, but I just want to start with a small incident happened with me relating to you. It was 2001, I can’t remember month, I was in Saudi Arabia working with an airline, and travelling from Riyadh, Saudi Arabian capital to eastern province city Dammam to attend ceremony of introduction of new flight operation between Dammam and Doha, Qatar. While on the way to Dammam, watching your film Baghban, District manager of that airline, a Qatari national told me story happened in Cairo Airport, Egypt.
There were ten thousands of people gathered outside Cairo airport, keenly waiting for someone to come out from airport terminal, this manager was airport manager that period, and found aircraft of very popular president of Egypt Hosni Mubarak would be landed shortly, he thought people are waiting for president. Before land president’s plane SUDDENLY FOUND, ONE PASSENGER PLANE LANDED & MR.AMITABH BACHCHAN came out from that plane and all crowds cleared within
few minutes after you left. Then Presidents’ plane lands.
And you never believe as an Indian how proud I felt that time, not only that, after that I have moved to London, living here with my family, and met thousand of different national even from some remotest country of earth, where hardly any media created fake popularity of some so called self declared king of bollywood (bull**it) arrived but they all know “Amitha Bachaan†(Amitabh Bachchan).
I am a daily reader of your blog, I was born the year Sholay was released. People keep writing in you blog they have grown up watching your film, of course all are Indians, but I have heard people from south America, people from Africa continent, people from far east saying they bunk their school to watch your film, they have grown up watching your film and every should note, that period media propaganda, all these hype was beyond imagination. I just wonder how your films reach them.
We all know you are great human being, that reflects in your every movement, you body languages, your gesture, your activities towards everyone, even those vested interested people opposing you with all power just defeat you, but we know â€RISHTEY MEIN TO AAP SAB KE BAAP LAGTE HAIN†.
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Wah…
Nice new look.
Will write more in Night.. right now going to meet doctor.
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Its a great pleasure writing to THE AMITABH BACHAN. I grown up seeing your movies from the days when I was fighting for 1st day 1st show (kapda fadke!!) to now in highend multiplexes. Whoever comments whatever, me, my family going to see your all movies not once many times…. people are saying Amitabh is getting irritant now a days, I say its self esteem… Only one question sir why u rejected Ram gopal’s proposal for another Sholay.. its proven that he always do it better in the second time. waiting to see “Sarkar Raaj”…
with lots of love
its kiran
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Amitji,
Ahhhhhhhhhhh………..my First direct conversation of any kind with you, and I’m excited & overjoyed!!!!
I belong to people who’ve grown seeing you, loving you, emulating you, respecting you, fighting for you with your critics….but in my case I’m much admired with “babuji”……obtained stregnth through his writings and regard him over any1 else, shaped my life with his writings,
‘ Annkh me ho swarg lekin, paanv prithvi par tike hon”
purva chalne ke batohi, bat ki pehchan karke”..
To you, my admiration is not merely for your intertainment values but for your being true “bharatiya” social entity, representing true hindu/indian culture and overall your representation for art, literatue and family values. I admire and respect your love for ‘Hindi’, our mother tongue! keep it up sir!!! God bless you strength and happiness!!!
Love & Admiration!
Akhilesh Shukla
Dubai (originally & proudly ‘bhaiyya’ from UP)
PS : Amitji, can you help me solving this quiz?? Log kamate hindi se hain (refer you all filmi log) and baat ‘angrezi’ me karte hain,(some of them even hate talking in Hindi, not you offcourse! ) Kyun???
Love & peace.!
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We have seen bhootnath movie. It is wonderful.
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अादरणिय अमिनाà¤à¤œà¥€,
I was pleasantly surprised to see that you have taken on the suggestion of trying to write in हिनà¥à¤¦à¥€ (instead of hinglish) on your mac. This नाचीसॠwas one of the guyz who suggested it after I recently discovered the same on my 15″ mac pro.
I always greet you with अादरणिय and suffix your name with जी and this is not just becoz you are a superstar (I know you don’t like to be called that.
) The reasons behind this greeting are but not limited to…
1. You are almost double my age and that in itself calls for the respect. I know some people might not agree that age should be the factor but my upbringing plays a big role in this thinking of mine.
I know so many colleagues and friends of mine who are just too afraid of trying it out. And you being at the age you are, it just amazes me to no end how you have taken to it like a fish to water.
2. Your dedication and enthusiasm towards your work/art even after reveling in it for multiple decades. I hope I will be able to emulate you when and if I get to your age.
3. You taking time out of your personal time and making an honest attempt to reach to your fans through this blog of yours.
4. You being a mac user. why, you ask?
I want to write so many things right now but I will save it for some other day.
PS: This is only my second reply to your blog and I hope you get to at least read this.
Take Care,
पà¥à¤°à¤µà¥€à¤£
Adelaide, Australia
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But one question certainly….n expect ur answer too ” Why you don’t take criticism in your stride?” As Kabir has said- “Nindak Niyare rakhiye….”
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Dear Mr. Bachchan,
Have been reading your blogs practically from day one. Most of your blogs are very incisive and lovely to read. But every blog seems to have you lambasting some one or the other. We read your message to try to get a glimpse of our icon’s daily life. Please for god’s sake don not keep replying to any and every thing that appears in the newspapers against you. You do not need to get down to their level or keep retorting to every article.
Loved your post regarding your visit to Deolali when you were young, also loved your post about the daily happenings on the set. BUT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, do not keep lambasting people through your blog…
As they say “For the believer no explanation is necessary for the non believer, no explanation will be sufficient”.
we are your fans and will always be through your bad times and good… Please do not lower your dignity by lashing out at any and everything.
Thank you and all the very best - AP
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Hi Amit ji,
What a nice look? Ignore Khalid . concentrate on yr work &enjoy yr life. yr every breath is precious.Good luck.
anu.
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Well, aint nobody does it better than you!
It was a cold, rainy night in New York City, but inside the movie theater,you were warming my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed Bhoothnath. It was a sweet, charming film.You make a perfect ghost with your height and deep voice. I loved the look they gave you. The funny faces you make have an even greater impact because of the contrast with your usual dignified presence. I like how you were slowly introduced, then remained on screen almost constantly. The special effects were excellent without taking over the film. There is one which seemed impossible which I cannot figure out. The scariest part is how you keep getting better looking as you age. It isn’t fair to the rest of humanity. One problem I had is trying to watch you while reading the subtitles, especially during the dance numbers. You were so cool in Mere Buddy. Nobody even half your age can match you. Of course the second half had strong similarities to Baghban, leading to the same angst in the pit of my stomach. This film both made me laugh and moved me to tears. I prefer this type of film to those with such a fast pace where they try to fit many intermingling stories into 3 hours with too many explosions.
I hope you keep getting these interesting and unusual parts. You were fantastic.
Love,
Rochelle
PS: What is a triffin?!
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DEAR SIR
PL INCRESE YOR REMUNRATION IN YOUR FILED BECASE YOU ARE ACHIVE IT I DONT NO YOUR REMUNRATION ONLY READ IN PAPER OR MAGAZIN. YOUR REMUNRATION IS VERY LOW OTHER THAN OTHER ACTORS
THANKS
YOUR FAN
VIPUL PATHAK
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sir,
whether its khalid ji or raj ji…all are going out of their mind. we need to march to these people and let them know who is real amitabh is. from my millions of friends we do ctach up your words and do BOooooooooOOOOOOOOOO…..:)
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Hello.
Sorry i missed a few entries. What happened to your leg ? Is that a mobility boot for an injury ? You better take care of your self !!! You look so neet in the pic… yes maybe a little more glueeeeeeeeee! I can’t wait to take my grandkids to see Bhoothnath . We had another dance session with the blankets on the floor & all the music from Baghbahn. The kids love it since they were 2 & 3 years old. They’re 9 & 11 now. I caught my granddaughter on line at http://www.stardolls.com & your daughter in law is on there, aysh. My granddaughter had no clue she was related to her Chule Chule man, She was happy to find that out. Keep smiling & dancing. We love you,
Tressa Sheriff, Glendale, AZ USA
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oops ! Expensive wine is giving a late high?
Anyways you too brutus ,oh sorry Khaltus !!
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Dear Amitji,
Let the people criticise u. I remember you never did such things for anybody. I only can say
‘ Tu na thamega kabhi, tu na mudega kabhi, tu na rukega kabhi,
Kar shapath, kar shapath, kar shapath.
Agnipath, Agnipath, Agnipath
I congratulate you for doing such a sensible role in ‘Bhootnath’ . You proved yourself again!
Your well-wisher….. ALWAYS
Tushar D.
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you are a good man. don’t worry be happy.
could you please make your blog more interesting by answering some of our questions you like. we all want to know about you a lot more than what we have heard or seen through media. we will feel more connected to you.also, you visit lot of cities. could you spare few minutes to meet your blog viewers in person?
regards,
vikas
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Dear Amitji,
i get a feeling that you really do not like being criticised. It’s not that everybody who criticises has a vested interest. Sometimes it may be because he / she genuinely feels like that. Whether it was aaamir Khan, Anurag Kashyap or Khalid Ansari, i sense a touch of intolerance towards any form of criticism and you tend to take it personally. If i have to find a fault in AB, I think this is probably the only thing that I can think of which demeans the stature of AB.
Vicky
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Most Respected Sir,
You are my IDOL since I come to know about Cinema. My date of birth is 12/10/1969, just the day after of your’s birthday. I become very much tensed when your movie releases. I have seen almost all of your movies (upto Aag) and will try to see your latest movie “Bhootnath” tomorrow. We have spent beautiful evenings when you anchored KBC1 and KBC2. I tried verymuch to become a contestant of that programme and seat infront of you, but my luck couldn’t help. Now my dream comes true, when you started BLOG. Everyday I start my work to see your latest blog. This gives me moral boost and immense pleasure. Last day, I was watching your old movie “BEMISAL” in my CD Player and become very much nostalgic ! I always try to follow from you that how to respect the Parents and Elders. There are several times I tried to meet you but till date my dream could not fulfilled, and I don’t know whether my dream will come true or not. You were my IDOL, You are my IDOL and you will be my IDOL. I had spent sleepless night when you were admitted in Lilavati Hospital from 28th November, 2005 to 17th December, 2006. Please take care of your health, particularly when you are in location.
My deepest regard to you and your family and all the very best for your forthcoming movie.
With regards,
Dibyajit Ghosh
2/1A, Rajendra Dutta Lane
Kolkata - 700 012.
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love you
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अमितजी,
मà¥à¤à¥‡ उन लमà¥à¤¹à¥‹à¤‚ का बेसबà¥à¤°à¥€ से इंतजार है जब आप अपना पूरा बà¥à¤²à¥‰à¤— हिंदी में लिखेंगे। आपको तो हिंदी का संसà¥à¤•à¤¾à¤° विरासत में मिला है। मैं आपके पिता सà¥à¤µà¤°à¥à¤—ीय शà¥à¤°à¥€ हरिवंशराय बचà¥à¤šà¤¨à¤œà¥€ की कविताअों का अचà¥à¤›à¤¾ पाठक रहा हूं और मधà¥à¤¶à¤¾à¤²à¤¾ तो कई बार पढ़ी है। आपने अपने बà¥à¤²à¥‰à¤— में मधà¥à¤¶à¤¾à¤²à¤¾ की à¤à¤• सà¥à¤‚दर और मारà¥à¤®à¤¿à¤• वà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤–à¥à¤¯à¤¾ à¤à¥€ की है। मेरे पà¥à¤°à¤¿à¤¯ गायक मनà¥à¤¨à¤¾ डे और आपकी आवाज में मधà¥à¤¶à¤¾à¤²à¤¾ कई बार सà¥à¤¨à¥€ à¤à¥€ है। आप निरà¥à¤µà¤¿à¤µà¤¾à¤¦ बेहतरीन हिंदी लिखेंगे। मà¥à¤à¥‡ लगता है हिंदी के जरिये आप जà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤¦à¤¾ पà¥à¤°à¤¶à¤‚सकों तक पहà¥à¤‚च सकेंगे हालांकि मैं जानता हूं कि आपके इस बà¥à¤²à¥‰à¤— का यही à¤à¤• मकसद नहीं है कि आप जà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤¦à¤¾ से जà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤¦à¤¾ पà¥à¤°à¤¶à¤‚सकों तक पहà¥à¤‚चे लेकिन मà¥à¤à¥‡ लगता है आप हिंदी में अपने को जà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤¦à¤¾ बेहतर तरीके से अà¤à¤¿à¤µà¥à¤¯à¤•à¥à¤¤ कर सकेंगे।
इनà¥à¤¹à¥€à¤‚ आशाअों के साथ
रवींदà¥à¤° वà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤¸
इंदौर (मधà¥à¤¯à¤ªà¥à¤°à¤¦à¥‡à¤¶)
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Dear Amitji
The shoebite pic. is NICE, the new face of the homepage looks GREAT….and the tagline chosen for the same is even GREATER….may you keep on experimenting with your public image for a 100 more years ….amen.
I would like to suggest you, not to get agitated with what any Tom, Dick or Harry in the media writes about you….please remember it was your SILENCE which made you great….it was just because you did not react impulsively to whatever the people said, you were admired more by the society…..but if the dinner table talks and who drinks who’s wine start