Posted on: May 22, 2008 - 6:19 pm
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Cast in our Likeness
It is most interesting that the author chose as his opening gambit what Brecht wrote: “Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes”. It is also most relevant to my own response to his article, for which I duly thank him.
May I remind Mr Harsh V Pant that Brecht strongly disliked liberal individualism, considering it a bourgeois pathology, unless of course this prejudice is shared by Mr Pant himself, in which case a reminder is therefore unnecessary. This would be an unfortunate oversight on his part, for it is the ascendancy of that very bourgeois liberalism that provides him with the opportunity to freely express his opinion to all and sundry without fear.
I would counter with some wisdom from Bob Dylan: “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” Mr Pant, I should hope you endeavour to be such a hero. I should hope you fully comprehend the responsibility, both professional and personal, that comes with your own freedoms. From one hero to another, I give you advice, having the benefit of greater heroic longevity at my disposal.
As a professional writer, particularly one who concertedly affiliates himself with such an estimable academic institution as King’s College London, there comes responsibility with the public expression of opinion in a liberal democratic society.
It is the ethical responsibility of accurate and fair reporting. In your article, you have been unable to fulfil this requirement, and thus your freedom suffers.
You have not discovered anything about my private spiritual activities, which you exploit as an example for your argument about the general social conservatism of present day India. Surely you must have informed yourself adequately enough of my habits, in order to write a public document, that you are aware of my visits to religious sites varying regularly between those of Christian churches, mosques, and Hindu temples?( I visit the Haji Ali Dargah and the Mount Mary Church with the same frequency as I do the Siddhivinayak Temple ) Your description is not only in error but distasteful by suggesting that my spiritual beliefs have little merit beyond mindless superstition. Again, you force me to respond to this slander. I have a right to private worship in a secular society and I uphold it.
You refer to events relating to a marriage in my family that I have clarified ad nauseam even to the Times of India newspaper itself. The editor-in-chief, Jaideep Bose himself, has accepted that the allegations in the gutter press regarding my family’s ‘parading from one temple to another’ and the marrying of various flora, all for the benefit of lifting a putative curse from my daughter-in-law, were not only unfounded but ludicrous. Again, you force me to respond to this slander. I refute it.
You speak of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as a ‘demure bahurani’ who chooses to ‘stand behind quietly’. This is insufferable and I will not remain silent on such a serious issue as women’s liberty and equality in our society. Aishwarya has continued an independent career since her marriage with the full family support and respect which she rightly deserves. Her mother-in-law is a Senator in the Indian Parliament, hardly a role model for a quiet bahu. Nor is her intellectual background amenable to such a position, having studied architecture at university in the pursuit of a career prior to her present one. If you had taken the time to read of our recent family trip to Cannes, you would have learned that it was Aishwarya who attended in an official capacity and the rest of us were very much her humble entourage. Inform yourself by reading my recent speech delivered at the launch of Shobhaa De’s new book (which you will find on my blog) and then you may more adequately assess the gravity with which I try to follow a feminist perspective.
You falter again with regard to your assessment of my relationships with prominent politicians. It is erroneous, I should hope, through ignorance. My parents’ close relationship with the Gandhis, long before either Rajiv or I were born, has been well documented. That we were close childhood friends was not predicated upon our future careers but upon a natural fellow sympathy and companionship of youth, as any other. You are also unaware that Amar Singh lived with my family prior to his life in politics. That he then determined to commit himself to such a thankless profession and succeeded through sheer grit and hard work is something for which I cannot take responsibility. Indeed, some of my friends happen to have prominent public careers. But this must be balanced by the fact that others of my friends live in quite opposite circumstances of absolute obscurity.
And indeed, you have not informed yourself of the UP campaign that you use in your article to demonstrate my political philandering and hypocrisy. Please refer to the Supreme Court ruling of some weeks wherein the case alleging the illegality of my appearance on the public advertisement was thrown out. Twice. I decided upon acting in this campaign due to my concern for the state of Uttar Pradesh, wherein I pointedly corrected prevalent inaccuracies to defend its honour.
Again, you force me to respond to this slander. It is tiresome, yet I will not permit your error to pass, for it is your responsibility, not mine, to check your sources and provide a knowledgeable account for the public. It is my responsibility to defend my name, the honour of my family and it is my right to refute public slander. You consider that I merely complain. Note bene: faulted in silence, faulted in speech. But really the truth of the matter is that you are missing the point.
If I choose to fight injustice with words rather than blows, it is because I value more highly than you the freedoms of this very bourgeois liberal democracy, my country. I take the responsibility of its freedoms extremely seriously. I need hardly remind someone of your intellectual refinement that in a democracy, one fights with careful discourse, sane rational argument, credible persuasion. That I have a genuine concern for the quality of public discourse in my country and respond by active engagement may leave you incredulous, but it is a possibility upon which I would appreciate you to reflect at the very least.
If a hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his or her freedom, then it is about time that we all endeavour to be heros, and ones in the real world, not merely abusing the art of film and its heroic characters to compensate for the failings of our own profane existence. Art, when it moves us at all, is there to inspire: to provoke thought, quicken the imagination and give us strength for the living of our own lives.
You want me to give you another Zanjeer? What do you really mean, Mr Harsh Pant?
Is it that you consider that I do not deserve a life as a real human being but should remain eternally incarcerated in fictional characters, that this is the price of success? Mr Pant, success is not a sin. It is not a Faustian contract.
Is it that you have such little respect for any of your fellow humanity that you do not care for the truth? Such misanthropy is more likely to make an unhappy India – for you say that we are unhappy – than anything else.
Would you really prefer me to strike you with my fist in response to your bout of professional turpitude or are you simply unable to find the maturity to accept the difference between the real world and an imaginary one?
Your admonishment that I take it on the chin I happily embrace as the metaphor – not literal – that it deserves to be.
In the real world, Mr Pant, I take it on the chin, and every day. But in the real world, Mr Pant, I don’t just take it on the chin. I give it plenty as well. Either get used to it, or get out of the ring.
Sir,
I came across this website yestarday and have been reading all your views since then. It seems so wondeful!!! as if you are in front of us and chatting…
Well it’s always been a pleasure hearing, seeing, reading your views…
I still remember the only show I watched religiously (KBC), just to hear you speak and present your self with SOOO PERFECTION!!! No wonder this is why everyone ended up respecting and lving you more than ever……
God Bless You:)
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Dear Mr. Bachchan,
The media used their power to slander you, etc. Their stance was that their “POWER CANNOT BE GIVEN†and now you have proved it that “IT HAS BE TO TAKEN†and you have done so mightly with your powerful BLOG.
Long live the SARKAR
Lots of Love,
Amit Sangani
BIG B Yahoo Group - Dallas, Texas
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Wow! Angry Young Man! Go for it! We are there with you. Mr Pant - abhi picture baki hai mere dost.
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WOW………..WAT A POWER PACKED PUNCH TO PANT!!!!!!!!!
AGAIN A CREEP FROM TIMES OF INDIA……..TOI NEEDS TO USE FINIT/HIT,HOW CAN THEY SURVIVE WITH SO MANY COCKROACHES!!!!!!
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Well said Mr Bachchan, it is this kind of frank, eloquent response to your detractors that not only makes this blog essential reading but increases my respect for you. Kudos to you sir!
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Wow a good one Amitji,
Every human has a right to defend himself and I like your approach of defending yourself. I started to like you after reading your blog.
Vaish
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Take a bow mr.bachchan.
Fitting reply for a malicious article.
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Dear Sir,
I am huge fan of yours and have grown up on your films.
I have been a regular visitor of your blog quite some time
now.
I really admire the way you deal with every situation in all the times .
I would like to ask you one honest question hope you will not mind answering it
how you keep yourself so poised in all the situations that you come across.
Be it people around you commenting on various things or your initial career days when the journey to the achievement was not that easy, what was the thing that made you keep going .
Also I wan to take the opportunity to let you know that how much I appreciate the way you reply to them with all the things you want to convey them and yet maintaining the dignity.
I Would be really fortunate If you can share some words of wisdom with all your fans
As you did in your one of your recent post.â€Man ka ho to accha , na ho to zyaada acchaâ€
Neha Ketkar Shende
London, 14.00 PM
22 May 2008
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Dear Sir
Hats off to u … For giving a meaning to onces individuality and freedom …
Thanks and Regards
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i want cool u !!
u know ……..
hathi ke pichhe kutte bhonkte hai
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APPLAUSE APPLAUSE APPLAUSE
Sir,
I didnt think it was possible, but your intellectual capabilities will leave these so called “intellectuals” to shame !!! Pseudo-intellectuals…does the word exist? I dont know….but if it does…then Harsh V Pant has unquestioned credentials to qualify as one !!!
Seriously Mr. Pant……. how have you believed that Ash was suffering? That she was married to a tree? That we in india are basically unhappy? that AB has never spoken anything of consequence? What are your sources to get to these conclusions? I dont think of myself as an intellectual, but dude, if you are considered one….then I am one too…and that with greater capabilities I must add.
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AB sir,
Just because Mr. Pant belongs to Kings College means nothing. UK like India is full of empty but loud sounding ‘left’ drums in academics. We should get over our ‘gora’ hangover. Remember Subhash Mukhopadhyay, (google to find who). I think Pants thoughts are pathetic as was Yamini Lohia’s. May I again suggest Mr. Bachchan you ignore such barking dogs and move on.
By mentioning these morons in these forums you are unnecessarily giving importance to undeserving. There are so many of your fans out here in UK/US and others who better deserve some of your attension.
PS: For the information of this idiot Pant, may I humbly submit that I am IIM qualified guy and my wife is Director of a British Company. We find Aishwarya very talented and brainy. That She is religious is of none of the business of these Panties. Oh I digress. Please Please Mr Bachchan ignore these barking dogs.
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bravo ! bravo!bravo! keep it up ur the best ,the greatest and ab toofan aaya rok sa toh rok lo magar ab thamne wala nahi hai ,forever your fan
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well said Mr Bachchan…
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TIMES OF INDIA GUYS PLEASE KEEP ME ON PAYROLL………… FOR SUCH ARTICLES..I’LL DO JUSTICE…..SOME CLAUSES I WANT ON MY APPOINTMENT LETTER…
I WILL ACCEPT ONLY BRITISH POUNDS ON ARTICLES……..
I SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO TAKE MONEY FROM OUTER SOURCES FOR BASHING RESPECTED CITIZENS OF THE SOCIETY!!
INTURN I ASSURE YOU THAT
i SHALL MAKE SURE THAT BACHCHAN’s ARE MY ONLY TARGETS!!!
I WILL BE WORKING IN TANDEM WITH OTHER LIKE MINDED JOURNALISTS ..LIKE SHOBHA ,LOHA ETC ETC
I WILL LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED TO MAKE SURE THAN AMITABH BACHCHAN THE MAN WHO HAS BEEN AT HIGHEST PEDESTAL HAS UNCOMFORTABLE TIMES READING ME..
MY WORDS WILL WORK LIKE FLAMETHROWER FOR BACHCHAN!!!
I WILL NEVER WRITE ANY SENSIBLE TOPIC ON THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE COUNTRY,BUT CONCENTRATE ON 10TH RD JUHU ONLY..
LAST BUT NOT LEAST YOU WON’T EVER HAVE PEST CONTROL IN THE OFFICE WHILE I’LL BE WORKING ON THE MISSIONS!!!!!!!
P.S-When can I resume for duties SIR/S???
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Whether Mr Pant and his peers like it or not, the Bachchans - Big B, Mrs B, Lil B, and not Bahu - are India’s ‘First Family’. The prominence, the standing that comes with being the ‘First’ in any community, state or country, leads to such attention, such as that Mr Pant is according to you and yours, Mr B.
I take a few moments here to reflect whether there are any parallels in the ‘Hollywood circuit’ that I can compare to the attention that the Bachchans get each time they make themselves ‘visible’.
None such.
While Hollywood does have a fair share of ‘families’ having gained popularity in equality spread across the family members, but none that come to mind that show the family unit as one. To each his own. If the son is popular, he will show and regale in that popularity by himself or with the ‘latest’ by his side. Any other member would do so within his/her own world and space. Very fragmented and in that, invisible enough not to be noticed.
Come the Bachchans. Mr and Mrs B - first couple of Bollywood. Lil b - first son and Mrs ARB - first bahu. Each with just as important a role/standing/popularity/presence. The difference here is that the Bachchans are a unit. A family. A very ethnic, cultural, a very Indian thing. A shift from the norm that the ‘Western’ and ‘Hollywood Circuit’ is used to.
Hence those that have a relationship with all things Indian and purport to be aligned with the adopted ‘West’ have to highlight this shift. In doing so, inadvertently ( I say inadvertently, since it would be difficult for me to accept that someone who has the responsibility of teaching at the reputed and well-known Kings College, would reflect on the Bachchans, the way he has) implying unjust, undeserved, unnecessary attention and following enjoyed by the Bs.
I will clarify here that my writings and comments are not based on blind following - that of a fan - but based on principles and having a clear idea of what is right or wrong. I have been a fan in my childhood days; I now respect Mr B and his family. I disagree with many things that they have been reported to have done, but the respect remains. That I write in this blog’s - Mr B’s - comments, is a matter of coincidence. My comments would be in the same vein, if eg. Preity Zinta started a blog and I found what she had to say of interest.
Rakesh (RJ at NJC)
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Dear Amitji,
Check out Yamini Lohia’s details below whom you gave a good whipping in your last post (I think this is the same Yamini). She did her college in 2004. Don’t you think you are responding to those gossip makers now, who are not even worth being seriously read? Besides, junior ghost writers and journos should be spared from such public denunciation. Sirji…unke haath mein naheen hai…they have to comply with the demands of their employers, and keep various gossip columns running. They can hardly have their say in the whole process.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/3/BA3/4A1
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It’s not just Shoba De and Yamini..there are millions of negative comments written about u and ur family. I wonder what u would do if u read some of them- they are nasty. Especially, ur family trip to Cannes. People have said that u guys have gone for a free dinner in Aishwarya’s ticket to Cannes. That Ash has gone there on an official capacity. That Abhishek looks absolutely uncomfortable and not good on the red carpet along with ash who is gorgeous. Also, that u guys should find a job for urself and keep urself occupied rather than following ash…Wonder how u will combat these attacks???? Infact, people have stooped to the level of questioning ur relationship with ash..
I’m so sorry that u will have to strike lots and lots of people before u retire from the ring. I don’t know if it is possible to shut each and everybody’s mouth. However, we will definitely support to see u win.
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Hello,
A well written post. However, as an ardent fan, I have a request. Can you please write more about your experiences as an actor, for eg: I really want to know how was it working with Hrishikesh Mukherjee, whom I consider the greatest film maker of our country.
I understand you have every right to defend your honor and that of your family when irresponsible journalists resort to slandering, but believe me, fans like me give much more credence to your legacy as a great actor than waste time reading such reports from journalists with vested interests and hidden agendas.
Please write more about your films, your experiences, the roles/scenes which you found challenging and maybe instances where you felt you could have done better in certain roles/films.
Take care,
Thanks,
Aditya
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What a reply Amit ji. Its look like that a writer has awaken. …….a real shot…Regards.
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Amitji on fire !!!
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Dear Amitji,
You ought to have been a lawyer!The way you have taken each allegation levelled against you and by sheer logic torn them into shreds is truly admirable!
I too strongly believe that one’s religion is very personal .Ifeel you are slandered so much in the press because you are an institution and some insignificant people try to get a little place in the sun by making digs at you.
You are really going through trying times having to refute one inane allegation after another.However not to worry.Your fans are with you.Take care.
With warm regards,
Lalita Agarwal
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Wow..the resonse to this is WOW!!! Thats the fighting spirit we all have been waiting for Sir. incredible words..poor Mr Pant must be scouting for some shelter..Mr Intellectual Pant..if your family goes through such slander for even a day it will be nice to see your response. Till then as its been said by the GREAT MAN..GET OUT OF THE RING!! You dont stand a chance wimp.
Way to go Big B
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alright amitji !!! harsh pant gaya tu tel bechne!!!
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Wow, wow, wow. What a reply to that pseudo-intellectual rant!
But again I think it has made Mr Pant’s day. He got his 15 minutes.
The problem with these jurnos is they are very good at manipulating stories according to their own benefit. If Mr Pant was such an intellectual from King’s College, the least bit of responsibility he could show was to have cross checked all his facts before going “on and on and yawn” about what can be called as “anti-Bachchan family rant”
Amitji, I am not sure whether you noticed it, but I could find a certain amount of snobbery, a certain amount of dissociation from India, which is so typical of these pseudo-intellectual, pro-west writers. To look at India with a fair degree of disdain. He wants to be telling the world, “Look, there is someone in India who is not affected by the cult of celebrity worship. And its me!”
But, good for you Mr Pant, you had your 15 minutes.
As for calling us unhappy, do not worry Mr Pant, we are doing far far better than you can imagine.
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After reading your blogs, I have immense respect for you, sir
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Hurray , Again, I ma the first o comment on the blog today.
Amitabhji sadar Pranam
I feel nice to read ur blog everyday, I dont know why but I feel so proud , ofcourse it is u who should be proud, but I feel so proud that I love and adore a person who writes so well, he is not only a good actor , but a good person and a human being who has never let success make him unreachable. You are just like a person next door for me, so humble and so good.It is this quality of yours I think that makes u so great and famous, unlike other heroes of today, for eg.. he has pride and arrogance everytime, if he is something today it is just more publicity, nothing else, he cant act nor is he a good human being.
Mr Khan pls learn to be a human first then a star. You need lots and lots of things to learn from Mr. Bachan.
I just dotn havve words to express what I should say about u, u r the symbol of everything good in life.
Love u always
Anamika
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great nice hearing from you, can you tell when are you guys comming for the unforgettable world tour?and locations?
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a powerful response to mr pant who has just been caught with his pants down ;/
lamboo ji, I respect the stand with you defend not only your name, but if your entire family. very few people do that these days. others think it is their birth right to attack just about anyone in the news and then take offence that their slander has been challenged!!
lakhvir singh khalsa (kenya)
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Dear Sir,
I am huge fan of yours and have grown up on your films.
I have been a regular visitor of your blog quite some time
now.
I really admire the way you deal with every situation in all the times .
I would like to ask you one honest question hope you will not mind answering it
how you keep yourself so poised in all the situations that you come across.
Be it people around you commenting on various things or your initial career days when the journey to the achievement was not that easy, what was the thing that made you keep going .
Also I wan to take the opportunity to let you know that how much I appreciate the way you reply to them with all the things you want to convey them and yet maintaining the dignity.
I Would be really fortunate If you can share some words of wisdom with all your fans
As you did in your one of your recent post.
Neha Ketkar Shende
London, 14.00 PM
22 May 2008
(Report abuse)
Very nicely written.
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Dear Mr. Bachchan,
Fantastic fitting reply.
Well done Sir,
Regards
Dharmesh
toronto, Canada
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Amitji,
I still don’t understand why media has to criticize you and your family all the time. They can sell a copy writing good things about you as well. And there is lot of good to talk about. Everyone was busy talking about the school in Barabanki, but that became a scandal and the good it is going to for the people of Barabanki was overlooked. You took the responsibility of those 2 little girls (as far as I remember from Bihar) and it was small news item. But all the gossip about Aishwarya being married to trees is still being written by these so called journalist. Why not write about good deeds, so that others are inspired to do the same? Why scandalize evry single movement of Bachchan family? A wedding is a private affair of a family. Who they choose to invite or not should be their prerogative. Why is it an ego issue for so many people? It amazes me how media can choose to target a family and keep on writing B.S. about them for no reason.
Vandana
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Amitabh love the gud work u do.keep it up.God bless u
Love Shweta.
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Dear Amitabh Ji,
While I read your previous post(s) on day 34, I wanted to say… how many columns will you respond and why should you respond to each and every thing written in the media. But Yes, your response to this article by Harsh Pant is befitting and is/was required.
At times, I feel that you don’t have to refute all the allegations made in the media as they are in the business of “making” news…rather than reporting facts. But this article…coming from a well educated person…sitting in London and teaching something….and writing about your personal life and with mud slinging is unacceptable.
I totally understand how you feel when such outrightly (ludicrous) allegations are made about you…but I think you let it go for now…if you start responding to each and every person…that will give enough meat for another column somewhere…just let go others’ ignorance and continue your work.
And yes, I totally agree with your family reality and think that it is really tough to continue your previous “job” if I may say, even after a significant change in your personal life. I am amazed with Jaya ji’s perseverance and the milestones she has been achieving even after she got married and bore children. Not to mention Abhishek and Aishwarya …who are still going strong professionally …and I do not know how people misunderstand respect for traditions, culture, beliefs and elders as a sign of weakness? probably too much influence of western society…or they are themselves grappling with an identity crisis.
Any way…keep bloogging and so will we…
cheerz!
LeoKiKu
ps: the most interesting thing about your blogs is…that you are consistent, regular and keep talking about different aspects in each of the new posting. Way to go!!!!
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ये कहां आ गठहम,
अख़बार पढ़ते पढ़ते…
कहा सà¥à¤¨à¤¾ माफ़,
पंकज शà¥à¤•à¥à¤²
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Dear Sir,
It’s good that you have come down heavily on Mr. Pant.
Sir, just keep on writing ……….. I love to read your blogs. This line would be one among many but at least I would be able to boost some energy.
May God keep you in good health and mood …….
Naveen T
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One point. Feminism is about having the freedom to make your own choices.
If Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wishes to choose to go to temples and pray with her family, if she wishes to fast for her husbad on karvachauth, if she wishes to live life on her own terms, in keeping with her own identity and beliefs - she has every right to do so. That is real feminism!
She has a choice about dealing with her career, her marriage, her family in whatever way she is comfortable with.
Why should she, or any other woman for that matter, have to do anything to prove to the rest of the world that she is emancipated?
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My Dearest and Beloved Amitabh Bachchan Saab,
May the King of kings always keep you in good health and bestow upon you all the happiness from the seven heavens and above.
WOW!!!! What an answer!! It was absolutely mind-blowing. The icing on the cake surely the ’signature’ signature. Not to forget ‘…I give it plenty as well’. Thats it AmitJi, fight these scum in the language they understand. You have every right to answert these mongrels back. Noone else is going to take the task of defending you. It is but your duty as the patriarch of your family and this blog family to kick ass each and every time dogs like these bark. Too right when you say that why should it be they who only have the priviledge to slander without fear of repurcussions. About time you stepped up and showed them that you aint just the hero of cinema but in real life too.
And what the hell does the final sentence imply ‘the writer teaches at kings college, London’??? Does that mean scum cannot teach at this college or that prominent institutions of the West cannot produce swines like this? Bush also came from a renouned university.
AmitJi one single request…..please grant it. Next time your in the ring with misfits like this one please please please use one of the dialogues from one of your films. For example at the end of your blog. It’ll be really good for your lovers to read that.
AmitJi im goin now, watching Coolie tonight. (for the 1234millionth time). still very very very excited.
With all my love and affection
Ibrar Hussain UK
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BRAVO!!
Game , Set and Match to Amitabh Bachchan!!
WE love you!
-Rajaneesh
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Dear Big B,
I intend to question Mr. Pant on this article with regards to the references (sources) of his materials for his article and publishing it without proper facts in the UK.
Here are his details at Kings College London:
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/schools/sspp/defence/staff/acad/hpant.html
Yours,
Raj from Tanzania (now UK)
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Oh wow.
Dear Sir,
in the case of this article I second the necessity of clarification and correction. It wasn’t on the chin, but below the belt. Badly.
I can’t claim to understand India, or Indians. But I can claim to understand Bertolt Brecht, since I am not only from his country, but my father knew him personally.
The quotation above might be better translated as “Unfortunate the country that needs (the help of) heroes”. To clarify: Brecht never called for heroes, he pitied - even disdained - those that needed heroes. Thus, his writings are full of “anti-heroes”, and his protagonists are just human beings.
Just as Mr Pant does not understand Brecht, in my opinion he does not understand at all what you are trying to prove with your writings.
But maybe he never even wanted to. Some prejudices just save the brain from having to actually think.
With regards and love,
Elisabeth
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Wow.Resounding reply.Hope u wud keep firing ur words at the people who fire at u irrespective of their postion the same way Raj Thakrey deserves a reply.Hope u agree wid me on this point.
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Sir,
Everyday my respect reaches a new height for you. May we all aspire to be even 10% of the man you are. I recently had a baby son and wish for your blessings for him. We have named him Sanay.
Regards
Sonit Shringi
London
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Very well written and said ,Mr. Bachchan. Todays media and public are also much more educated and liberal and do not support Mr. Pant’s comments. Kudos!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Well said Sirr!!
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Can’t see any posts????
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Boss, you rock n how. N yeah u r right, u need to give them plenty as well but not on their chins. U shud b kicking their asses n kick it hard. Coz, thatz wot they deserve. Take Care n keep Rocking.
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Hello sir,
I am feeling truly ecstatic to write the very 1st entry in this blog’s section of urs…I am one of the greatest fan of urs ever since I have started to watch films. And that goes long back when I was a kid. I would like to share one of the most memorable experience which is contantly reminded to me by my parents since i was quite young enough to remember.
This was at the time when ur movie, DON had released i think around 1978…I was down with very high fever..malaria… and was not responding to any meals, milk etc and even my parents conversations. My parents were trying their best to catch my attention but in vain…and i was lying totally unmoved by any of their tactics like playing, buying new games etc…I am told i was running with 102′F temp then. Suddenly , my father says to my mom (obviously to catch my attention)….U know there is a new Amitabh movie called DON running in theaters, thinking of watching tonight….What do u say? Believe u me, this very statement of his made me get out of bed immed. and said..”papa chalo DON dekhte hain…main bilkul theek hoon”. Don’t know whether I was pretending to be down or lazy (as per my parents…coz ideally if i were so sick , i shoudn’t have responded the way i did), but that was it. And till today, my parents tease me….( I am 32 now)..And i love it. My love for u hasn’t diminished a bit sir, and I watched each and every film of urs (except Bansi Birju…i m not getting any dvd for that) with so much interest. Infact my father often says…what does AB give u in return that u become a spokesman of his every time people say against him and that includes me? Yur are doing free publicity for him(all this in good humor ofcourse).. Yes, i do argue with him also sometimes on ur topic… I always wanted to meet u in real life but have never got an opportunity so far….but don’t know if I would be able to say something to u or not or just take an autograph for that matter if ever I happen to meet u…Anyways, just wanted to tell u that u rock as always and SRK is not a patch on u..Infact, he still has to be termed as an actor first rather than just a superstar. And i feel truly disturbed when SRK and his fans try to compare him with u…There can be no other U…YOU R, WERE AND WILL ALWAYS REMAIN A SHAHENSHAH…I.E. AN EMPEROR. God bless u and ur family…
P.S-I have written an entry earlier on also by the name Ranjite(’e’ was wrongly added, never hoped that my entry would also get included… actually my name is Ranjit Sabherwal….but I have mentioned my reference with my email id…in the hope that someday i might get lucky and receive a personal e-mail from u….lolzzz….YES THAT’s MY EMAIL ID sir!!!)
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********* Chahe ho Shoba De, Ya Ke Ho Harsh Pant
********* Koi na kar sakega BIgB ki popularity ka Ant !!
Well said Amitji. Aapne to “pant” utaar di Harsh “Pant” ki. Well done !!
May 22 2008
California
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This is realy a deep metter i will read it …. we are your lovers amit jee well done you are realy a good writer too
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Dear Mr Bachchan
I know I said I was not going to post here anymore as I did not want to upset you but after reading the article by Yamini Lohia and your comment to it I feel the need to write this….
“Tit for tat!!!”
Simply brilliant for reading! Had me bemused! I was in stitches!!!
By the way, quoting Animal Farm as a part of your reply was simply genius. On a more serious note (and perhaps here we can also include Shobha De 34 (i)….
“WHEN DOGS BITE…KICK THEM!” They will instantly go away yelping. But as we all know “dogs have no sense” and am sure “Bitches” (pardon the pun but this is what female dogs are officially called!) “will keep coming back for more! Kick….but with caution sir….don’t kick too hard for fear you will stoop to their level. I am sure none of us would want to see that happening in your blog.
Ad’dress’ing the Ash comment by Shobha De. I have seen many pics of Ash with the hollywood a listers on many mags and tv show since Cannes and I did not see it???!!! Where exactly was the crease? Hemline…waistline…bustline….
….Bottom line is - my goodness miss De! Are you superwoman that you can use your x-ray vision to see the crease on Ash petticoat!? Or are you superdog? Did you use your super sensitive power to sniff the crease on Ash’s dress!Ha! Ha! Ha! Were I to guess I would say the latter. Leopard can’t change their spots and by the same token “dogs can’t help but smell” and usually they are sniffing their own vomit reeking odour!
Bravo Sir, they were both well hung (the best was the answer you gave on her Lohia’s illegal accusation. WELDONE!!!
Rose C (and still laughing….)xxx
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oooh! that must have hurt , Mr. Pant !!
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YOU ARE THE KING!!!! YOU ARE THE KING!
YOU ARE THE KING!!!! YOU ARE THE KING!
YOU ARE THE KING!!!! YOU ARE THE KING!
YOU ARE THE KING!!!! YOU ARE THE KING!
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Big B, Big Man, Boss Man,
jawaab nahin aapka, while reading your post this tune kept playing in my head:
……
de dhana dhan
john jaani janardhan
ta ra rum pum pum pum pum
…..
hoon yaaron ka mein yaar, dushmano ka dushman…..de dhana dhan
warm regards, and all my love,
myrythm
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Amitji,
It seems, anyone who wants to gain cheap publicity has to just write an article in a newspaper about how you are wrong.
Please let people like these slide by. They do not deserve to be mentioned by you, let alone have an entire blog post dedicated to them.
Take it easy sir, you need to relax now.
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hello sir…gone through the entries n m really irritated nw by d fact tht every 3rd person is ready to comment on u,ur bolg or ur family…y cant they choose their own business…bt then it should nt affect u…let them say wht they wish to…whole of india knws u well n need nt be requirin any clarifications…u r an ideal 4 al…stay d way u r…love u loads..tc
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First of all Congratulations on your blog! I just found out about it, and came over to check it out!
Methinks blogging is THE best way for celebs to connect with their fans and clear out all the misinterpretationas and controversies that the media stirs up!
All the power to you BigB!
Rock on…
Some Unsolicitied Blogging Advice :
I know you’re busy Mr. Bachchan, but maybe you should consider investing some time in thinking up slightly more informative/innovative/interesting titles than “Day 34 (i)”!
Also, the blog header is usually a small part of the visible area of the hoomepage… Key words being “part of”… Maybe it would be a good idea if readers could see at least the title (ahem) of the post without having to scroll down.
: )
Cheers!
Pratik
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The replies given by Mr AB to all those hell bent on tarnishing his image shows how clear he is in his thoughts and deeds.
Who needs heroes when u have superhero in AB !
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Mr.Bachchan, I wanted to ask you something very important, please don’t get me wrong in any way. Your mother Teji Kaur Suri…before Marriage has a Punjabi Sikh family background. She I believe was a descendent from the blood line of Guru Nanak devji son baba lakhmi das or also known as Lakhmi chand (1497 - 1555)> She truly was a gifted lady…with her gift passed on to her son…that would be you sir. Your stars are so bright from the blood of line of Guru Nanak devjis son baba lakhmi das. Is any of this true…I am very much intrigued by this unanswered myth..please put my query to rest.well best of luck to and your family…and see you in Los Angeles in July.
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waitin eagerly 4 sarkar raj nw…n sir if possible do come back on tv as well..it was fun watchin kbc…n specially d fun episodes..1thing more any way out to get in touch with abhishek??tc…wish ya loads of luck n gud health as always…
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I hope the journalists are reading this.I always wondered how Aishwarya could handle all those critisms thrown at her .We are so happy bringing people down in India.I am so glad that you have spoken up for her as I have never seen her react to silence people.This is not going to stop but will not be repeated by the same people .That I am sure ….
Mr.Bachchan –Do you get any sleep?….
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hi,i have been following your blogs for quite sometime but never left you a reply…….but today i just had to……..i’m surprised rather shocked to see the kind of digs and accusations these so called eminent journalist and educationalist are making at you and your family and that has been going on for quite sometime now.i wonder whts the motive behind all this……..do they think you r an easy target and probably will never bother to go through the pain of clarifying those so called “doubts” or they just get some sadistic pleasure in tickling you the wrong way.but you’ve certainly given these people a hard one on their chins too………n i appreciate the way you do it so effortlessly …that too without loosing an inch of ur dignity.i think its time they start considering to accept ur identity beyond just being a film actor……….wishing you good luck and good times ahead.take care
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new signature for the st time in the blog…great idea….thanx for signature
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Oh Mr Bachchan, now this is getting too much…we dnt really want u to give it back to each n every publication. u r a living legend, u hve scene different phases of cinema…plz tell us more about that…Hrishikesh mukherjee, u were amongst few priviledged who got to work with him, tell us how was he as a person, his passion for cinema…big b wat kind of cinema do u enjoy?? which is ur fav film?? i really hope i get to hear from u regarding this
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hi amtji.
thx for sgaring it with as .that so nice.any way is aldin going is it going on fine .amitji i have talked tonyou in my past post about my wish whT ABOUT THAT can u plss help me tha a lot
thx
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OMG
What relief I feel after reading your response Sir, wow!! No that finishing line was the Vijay of Old,,,lol,,,,,Its great to see you defend yourself against absurdities about yourself and family, However its sad to see the state of Indian journalism if thats how detracted they are from reailty, the bottom line is your pic on their cover sells copies and thats the be end of it all. Please do keep the same tone with those who speak against you and we shall always support you,,,
PS, LOVE THE WAY YOU MAKE THESE SO CALLED LITERARY EXPERTS FEEL USELESS NO DOUBT WITH YOUR EXCELLENT COMMAND OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE!!
NUFF RESPECT IJAZ in RADCLIFFE,UK
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Dear Sir
While I love the way you write , adore the way you answer back , being one of your most loyal fans , I will do a mistake of suggesting something to a grand personality like yours.
Your sensitivity leading to need to respond will be used a door to enter into your emotional heart and hurt it again and again by becoming a permanent resident there. The process will continue - you respond , somebody else who has no brain and heart will point a finger , you will respond yet again.
This is an endless chain , emotional people are the easiest people to play with , hurt and some hopeless people consider this as their daily fun games.
Being emotional myself , I firmly believe that emotions if ignited can burn the opposition parties easily , I will request you to refrain from giving attention to useless people writing useless articles those have lost their ways , have no goals in life , yet want to become famous.
I will request you to save your energy for your acting and quality family time.
Luv
- Sachin
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Dear Mr. Bachchan,
“I don’t just take it on the chin. I give it plenty as well. Either get used to it, or get out of the ring.” To describe in one word - WOW!
Reading you posts every day, I cannot help but think. What would it be like to read a short story written by Amitabh Bachchan..? Hmm.. That would be amazing.
I know that you really have very little time and that whatever time you get, you spend communicating with us lucky people. However, if at all.. by some chance.. if you do write a story.. How delightful that would be!
Just an idea, Sir.
Regards,
Varun.
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sir Mr.Bachchan,
ur on man!
with all due respect, regard and well wishes to u and your family, and to the fact that all men have right to defend his/her loved onez. i must say….
aap ne soch liya hai…abb kisi ko nahin chorna hai !
seems like zanjeer toh chalu hai sir.
i am sure by now all the film critics or jurnoz must be thinking-”hope he doesn’t get hold of somethin’ that i had written bad or without checkin facts about him, or else am in for a thrashing straight from THE SARKAR”.
right on sir !!
bajaate raho*wink
regards,
vaibhav
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Dear Sir,
Apt reply,just one question,how do you express yourself so well?i have always admired people with great command over language but my admiration knows no bound when i see someone having equally great command over hindi as over english language;And i was bowled over when you read out your father’s work in a program held in your father’s rememberance a couple of years back.Indeed,unless u excel in your own mothertongue,whats the point in fluency of borrowed languages.Reading this article, wonderfully scripted,i wonder if the world missed out on a great writing talent by sacrificing it to film industry.Hats off to you,again.
May you find a few kinder articles in days to follow,good luck Sir!
You will find a comment on your blog from me everyday,i am going to try and be as regular as you r!!
an ardent fan…..shalini,denmark!
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The signature is new, and the boxing is amazing. Trying to deliver a knokout punch, sir, I hope its the one. Why unnecessary drag you when we do seriously lack leaders is beyond any body’s comprehension.
Again would request you to comment upon how do you go about being this great in your chosen profession. I understand there is no magic wand, but if you were to be your own director/producer, what would you create? I know, practically you are a director’s actor but as a theoretical exercise wouldn’t that be interesting?
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Sir,
I do not know whter this comment of mine will be disp;ayed or will need moderation..but i wish you read my comment.
You are simply Great example of patient and calm fighter against all odds of life be it financial, carreer, health, politics etc etc..you have always maintained your position with dignity.
You my true Idol and ofcourse I thank you on behalf of all my family and friends to set such an great example of simplicity.
Take care of yourself, yes I would like to put across my own thought that you shold refrain from commenting on youor colleagues and their performance since media biased,you will have to wastte your time in replying thier stupid and bogus statements and columns in papers which they normally do for making money. So avoid those stupid people and enjoy life by sharing your personal thoughts with your fans out here.
May GOD bless you..take care.
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Amitji:
I erred; I am terribly sorry. I recently wrote to you to the effect that of late the media is generally behaving well. How mis-informed I was till I read your ripostes to the slanderous indulgence of Ms. Lohia and, now, Mr. Pant.
I salute you for your patience and perseverence; anyone else in your position of power and authority would not have hesitated from taking extreme steps to make life miserable for the likes of Ms. Lohia and Mr. Pant.
You are being nice to these scribes; they should count their blessings. They are dealing with a ’saint’ who would rather want to see an end to their ignorance induced arrogance, than wish ill for his tormentors!
Ms. Lohia, Mr. Pant, You would do well to find a reason or two for your existence and become ‘heroes’ by implementing the code of ethics you swear by in the line of your duty!
My warmest regards to you, Amitji
Neeraj Gupta
PS:This afternoon how I wished to see your signature at the end of your post; you obliged pronto! This, to me, is the power of connected thinking! Thank you, Sir. You would continue to remain the rare gem that you are for the ages to come!
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Hey,
Is it that you consider that I do not deserve a life as a real human being but should remain eternally incarcerated in fictional characters, that this is the price of success? Mr Pant, success is not a sin. It is not a Faustian contract.
We sympathise with you.
Love you more…
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Well said
You’re probably going to get a lot of people commenting that you shouldn’t ‘lower yourself’ to posts like these, but if I can interject with my 2 cents (or 2 annas, if you like!) - don’t listen to them!!! The entire point of a blog is that it is half-diary and half-open forum, and you cannot treat your blog like a vacuum of external opinion, especially when you choose to leave it open to people’s posts and reactions. As you have already stated, it is your absolute right to respond to any commentary (positive or negative) directed at you. And should you be prone to momentary twinges of guilt or a desire to self-censor, please remember that blogging, like dark chocolate, is supposed to be guilt-free! Not to mention the only way to ‘hit back’ without using your fists 
Also, can I just say your quoting Bob Dylan pretty much blew my mind
I may only be 24, but I consider any social conscience I have to be a gift from him through his music. So thank-you for the reference, it made me smile 
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Mummy , uncle ko itna gussa kyun aata hai ??????
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hello sir…. its so nice to read ur response to the various articles… i dont understand one thing y the hell, this media keeps bothering u..??? i mean media has no work to do other than just writing rubbish about u all the time.
i agree with u… that yamini lohia definately needs a job..!!!
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hi Amitabhjhi,
Was reading your blog from last week.
This is the first time i was commenting ,may be coz even am soft spoken like you were.
But how long can a human be soft spoken.
Its very interesting to read your blog,in office though they have blocked your site for access.So come at home in the night time and spend some time to read your blog.
Your responce to the times of india article is superb…liked it..
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