Posted on: May 30, 2008 - 10:11 am
Prateeksha, Mumbai May 30, 2008 10:03 am
(to be read in continuation with DAY 39)
Prayer and reverence were not a mandatory occurrence in the house. We were never guided into following a particular divinity. If we felt pious we went ahead and did what came from within.
My early years of school were spent in a Convent and later in a Christian Missionary establishment. Going to Church or the Chapel was a part of a voluntary curriculum. Around that time my Father translated the Gita in the language and rhythm of the Ramayan, a very unique rendering initiated by a gentle and benign sage of his acquaintance, and in the mornings the four of us in the family would sit and sing from it together. During College days I was taken by my Mother to visit our relatives from her side ; all Sikhs, land owners and all farmers in Punjab and UP, in Lucknow and Jullunder and Sirsa and we paid our respects at Harmandir Saheb in Amritsar. The peace and tranquility and the ‘vani’ of the Granth still rings in the ears and the purity of the dip in the Holy water body around the Golden Temple a heavenly feel that has remained with me for years. When my Mother passed away we took her ashes to the Sangam in Allahabad, to Haridwar and Varanasi and Chitrakoot – a location she was extremely attached to, and we ended that journey at Harmandir Saheb where we were joined by all her relatives in prayer. My cousins from my Mother’s elder sister recited the Granth the entire night as my Mother lay in Prateeksha waiting to be put to flames the following morning. The blessings from the priests form a dedicated presence in my house and in my Mother’s room which I have kept the way she left it, as I have my Father’s room.
When I came to Mumbai to pursue my current profession I stayed for a very extended period of time with one of my dearest friends in the city, Anwar Ali, the younger brother of the great comedian, Mehmood. During the shooting of ‘Bombay to Goa’, my first film as leading man, Annu and I visited Tirupati together; our first visit. Annu’s older sister Baby Apa who looked after us like her own children, prayed for our well being at the Haji Ali Dargah. It is a place of worship that Annu and I visit several times in the year. That and a smaller dargah at Worli sea face. After which I bring him along to SiddhiVinayak. During my overseas visits I have had the privilege and the reverence of some of the greatest places of worship. From Rome and St Peter’s to England and its historic Church’s, even a visit to the Vatican and a personal audience with the last Pope. My dear friend Anil Ambani and I have through his meticulous organization been able to seek blessings at BadriNath, KailashNath and AmarNath and some of the great temples in Gujarat. Amar Singhji, a family member set up my recent visit to Dwarka and PashupatiNath in Kathmandu, Nepal. Some of my dear producer friends in Chennai have given me the honor of paying obeisance to prominent shrines in the entire Southern region of our land – temples, churches and mosques. I have even, with them, performed the rigorous and disciplined pilgrimage to Sabrimalai with the mandatory 40 days of abstinence. During my near fatal accident in 1982 on the sets of ‘Coolie’ my room in the ICU and the space under my pillow used to overflow with sacred waters from every corner of the world – the ‘aab e zam zam’, ganga jal, the Holy Mother Mary and threads in the hundreds and ‘vibhuti’ from various temples a symbol of the prayers offered by millions for my life.
After all this, would I now go to the Almighty to ask for something ? All the above is my greatest blessing and gift. I ask for nothing. I believe that there is a hidden force that exists, one that we cannot see. There is so much in the universe, in our world, that is beyond explanation, answers for which we do not have. I revere and respect that. I go to HIM to give my thanks. To seek strength and protection to exist with honor and grace. I cannot prevent the media from making it look like a public spectacle. I do not and never have invited them to follow me. They must do their job as must they do and I mine. My religiosity is my democratic prerogative in a free society. No one has the right to question it or to paint adverse malicious comment. My visit of worship is my private moment by constitutional decree and I am not obliged to divulge my purpose. Media will always have the right to speculate on it. I may agree or disagree with it but shall fight with my life for their right to express it.
The portals of divine presence belong to no particular individual. HE is the only VIP. In HIS presence all are equal. I deny any special treatment meted out to us. For better people management certain locations have intricate procedures in place. If it is accessible to all and if I fall in any one legally programmed category I shall avail it. My presence there is that of a devotee; as one with the others.
If my visit is an inspiration I feel blessed. Inspiration is important for the human breed. It is important for progress, in art and literature and speech and belief, in our daily lives in our very existence. We are inspired to do better to improve to correct our faults to better ourselves and society.
But I will not be inspired by wrong thought and its ugly manifestations.
I am most disturbed and immensely upset and angry by anti secular comments made by certain elements on my blog. I shall not mention them by name but they must know that they will never be entertained or acknowledged here. They are ignorant and wrong in their assessments and accusations. May the LORD forgive them for they know not what they do or say !
Yes I am a common ordinary man. My beliefs and actions are similar to every other. I shall bow my head, be servile and subservient to an inspiration of faith.
Because it is our tradition.
And because my Father writes –
“Manushya ko apni parampara se bahut door nahin jana chahiye”
Human beings must not go too far away from their tradition !
In hope and peace,
It is a matter of pride, privilege and honour to share this platform of communication with a man of your stature. Ofcourse, I am your fan but, since I have had sense and sensibility, I am not a die hard fan of anything. So, my admiration to you is not derived from your immense popularity, your incredible talent or your association….. There are lot of things that has made me admire you…..YOur integrity to begin with, is exemplary. Every single time there has been a death defying blow on you, you have raised above it…. in real words you are a SURVIVOR!…. I don’t say you do not have faults or you are God! that woul be both embarrassing and atrocious…….because God does not fail…. but, you are a good example of strength, values, morals and a great human spirit….it is not that no one fails…. it is a test to one’s character……to raise to the occasion and fight thru the testing times takes immense strength…… that’s what AMITABH BACHCHAN is all about….. numerous occasions, numerous allegations, accusations, abuses…. you have seen it all…..any normal sane person would have been bogged down…but, you have stayed sane, dignified and struck to your values….. lot of things might have changed in your life…. you have accquired wealth…. lost it….. made friends, lost them either to death or in adversity… what you have not lost is your character! your values, your morals…..
My questions to the media, journalists , press and so called news makers /reporters who were not even. born when sholay or coolie was released.
1. when there are shootings in various places, people mob to watch the film stars….lots of time…. time, manpower and energy is wasted due to the intrusive overtly interested crowd/ press ….the great press doesnot complain…..but, when an actor ants to visit a religious place…. u start picking on them…. why? if they bring their own security, u complain of them coming in a crowd, if they are given special entrance, u have a problem,if they do not come with security, u complain them of using the govt. servants(police men) for frail reasons….. why don’t u come up with a solution….. and remember this is a democracy….the best of ur solutions are subjective to debate! Come on you guys, every single day hundreds and thousands of politicians throng such places….. their families, friends use their name to influence the lesser known and everyday common people compromise….. you never write a word abt them,….. ur pens lose their power to those in power!
Mr. Bachchan doesnot need your sympathy or compassion, a little understanding would make his life better!
2. how many of us have undergone a death defying accident/incident as many times as Mr. Bachchan….. he has been haunted by bouts of asthma, an unfortunate accident, myasthenia gravis, surgeries post 62, accusation of being a traitor to one’s own country, bankruptcy….just to name a few? Any man would call for the intervention of an unknown power after having gone thru so much…..that is where we give in for the presence of the supreme power and call him god…….we pray to him for forgiveness, we pray to him to bestow us with strength to perceive thru the hardships….above all prayer in itself gives us peace, strength, hope. FAITH is a small word with immense depth…..dear journalists,i want to know….. when you are really sad, do you pray for success of your articles ? and hen you are happy do you thank HIM in your prayers or do you keep asking for more success? well, most of us would ask for strength in the former and thank HIM in the latter case…. so why is it that you think Mr. Bachchan would go an pray for the success of his movie ….. wh y is it hard for you to believe that he would pray god just to be blessed with more peace of mind…. and who gives you the moral right to judge even his Faith…..? Why and who are you to scrutinize and analyze what is on his mind dduring his prayers….and make comments on that in a public platform,….. don’t you have any morals left…. you people need to make more padayatras to wash your souls!
3. and fellow bloggers! so may comment on philanthropy…..daan-dakshina! all those net savvy people who say MR. Bachchan is accumulating wealth…. did u help him when he went bankrupt…. then what moral right do you have to question him and how are you so sure that he has not helped the needed andd poor and let me ask you all (including me) how many have we helped? with whatever less or more we have, we surely can afford feed a poor soul for a day, a week ? well if we can cut own on our internet expense, we surely can…..they speak abt Bill gates and his philanthropy.but, you know what ……he has started all his social work after enjoying his wealth…so y shud not Mr. Bachchan enjoy his hard earned money…. we have seen him working 18 hrs a day… so why not? and the fellow journalists have you ever thought of asking the so called politicians where they have accumulate wealth from or what social service they have done from their ac homes?
we dare you ! let’s see if you can bring one of them before law in public interest… oh sorry, public is not interested in knowing where the taxes are going or why the inflation in economy…. we are interested in what is being cooked at MR. Bachchan’s house and we want to read your mocking at his every move….. TAKE A LIFE YOU MORONS!
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Hi Amit ji,
Lovely thoughts…………
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“I am most disturbed and immensely upset and angry by anti secular comments made by certain elements on my blog. I shall not mention them by name but they must know that they will never be entertained or acknowledged here. They are ignorant and wrong in their assessments and accusations. May the LORD forgive them for they know not what they do or say !”
well, i am saying…. even if 1 single ordinary mans darshans is cancelled because of your familys visit, then, GOD WILL NOT FORGIVE YOU.
sheilding you in high security is fair enuff, they can protect you, guide you in lines, hold umrella for you, put you in pardhah… what ever. but they should not be let to direct others, block others or even touch others unless something untoward happens. your money can buy you power but not for long.
Mr bachchan, i have never had anything against you. but the more i read abt you in your blog… the more i realize how ordinary and shallow you are..
abt the umpteen explainations you give abt the controversy around… its bcos of a guilty mind. if you were not bothered, you wouldnt care to explain. the best example being ash. not that i like her , but she doesnt go abt clarifying… may be bcos its not bothering them. but you are bothered Mr bachan… gulity conscience pricks !!!!! and thats seen clearing in you words…
and pls don think this is my attempt to gets my name acknowledged. actually this isnt even my real name.
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dear amit ji, you are one solid source of inspiration for many ‘homo sapiens’ …let the anti social elements do what they wish…god has his own way of punishing them..back to topic..i got so inspired with your recent visit to Siddhivinayak, I came up with a plan to celebrate upcoming Janamastami -Lord Krishna festival..at a temple near our place. Its called as Barsana Dham. My husband tells me you such a human being that each day of yours can be taken a source of new learning and new inspiration. I pay my utmost respect to you. My regards to you and your family - Ruby
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Sir;
It is an honor and a privilege to read this particular post. Thank GOD you either could recover the blog from your computer or from your memory to post it complete today!
It is a lesson in perspective to see how celebrities and public figures’ lives and every action becomes purview to being questioned, speculated, criticised etc as anyone and everyone who calls himself a critic or a journalist may want. Some may call it the trappings of success…. I agree to a certain extent but what I would love to know is how these very same people would respond if they were to be questioned about their actions or views in the same matters they hound the “known”.
I agree completely with your view that it is a constitutional right to be able to practise one’s religion in one’s own way and the motives/purpose behind it are private and not liable to questioning by any self appointed judge!
I am a practising catholic but again having been brought up in the religion of India find no fault in visiting a temple to pay obesience.
Kudos Mr Bachchan… though this may sound like ‘chota mooh badi baat’
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and personal opinions with everyone.
Regards;
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Dear Mr B,
Agree with you completely. Religion or beliefs are a very private matter and it is no one’s business enquiring what or how you commune with God.
I see you managed to recall whatever you wanted to share. Hope you keep in mind the tip about putting up the content from a saved local copy to save you further ‘Arrggh!’ moments.
Bless you,
Asha
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Dear Sir,
I know I dont have to mention that I am one of your ardent fans who are spread all over the world. I think even after alarming by you to these anti secular elements if they write something nasty you just ignore them. Let them say whatever they want. May be they want your attention and they get it if you reply them continuously.
I pray to the god that you get the positive energy all the time and may all the bad things stay away from you.
Have a Happy and fruitful day.
Cheers
Vyenky.
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RESPECTED SIR
WHAT A LOVELY WRITEUP SIR. AMITABH BACHCHAN IS IN A TRUE SENSE A COMPLETE LIVING LEGEND. WE HAVE SO MUCH TO LEARN EVERYDAY FROM YOU. U R A IDOL AND INSPIRATOR IN COMPLETE SENSE. SIR THERE HAVE BEEN FEW QUESTIONS ADDRESED TO U BY ME. IF U CAN GO THRU I WOULD BE VERY MUCH OBLIGED. I KNOW U HARDLY HAVE TIME FOR YOURSELF SO EVEN IF U MISS ITS PERFECTLY FINE.
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I have heard about upcoming World Tour in July and sometime in August You are going to be in Houston,Texas. Is this visit related to some social cause or some charity effort?Just being curious…regards-Ruby
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Dear Amitji,
I respect you for your spritual and religious values,it shows how a person has been brought up..and the people who question ur secularism shud peep into their ownselves first…
Great Article…keep writing…….
Lots of Love
Anuja
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Amitji,
Great words. I truely accept your stand that sometime your craze in people ask temple management to give you more facility i.e. Separate entity.
Still I don’t agree that you never ask for it. Be true to yourself. What harm in acknowledging that I deserve to be treated well as compare to ordinary man.
I been to some UP temple recently where you along with Aish and Abhi (and offcourse Amar singh ji) does the workship and being Son of an IPS rank officer, we too get same treatment as like you i.e. Whole public is stopped and we moved first. I never liked it in first place but I guess that how things work in India. The priest told us lots of things about your visit which is definetely not same as your stand here.
Still love your comments on this matter.
With lots of love and respect.
Alok Yadav
Pune
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Though I know not much of what acting - the art, is all about; I shall still stick my neck out and say - I am much more awed by Amitabh Bachchan the writer than I ever was by Amitabh Bachchan the actor. Probably the genes still outweigh the effort !
It was a beautiful piece to read.
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Dear Sir
I am glad that I am the first one to post a reply to this post. I have been your fan for ages and your blog has become and integral part of my day to day routine. Please keep it up and let the thoughts flow. Its an experience to read your deepest thoughts day in and day out. I always wonder how you keep up the energy to do so. Thats an inspiration. Already looking forward to Sarkar Raj. Though I want to write more like my earlier response but would stop now. May be eagerness to be the first post(y).
Best Regards and Wishes
Amit
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Fantastic !
Good going and well said.
Faith ( in whatever ) is very important for human beings to exist. The faith need not be in any particular god or religion. It can be on anything - material as well.
Fantastic to read….
Keep blogging sir.
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Well said! Yes, its nobodys business to know why you offered the prayers and to which God. We, common people do tend to get lazy and find excuses for not doing so many things. Thats when we look upon you, your hectic schedule, your age and draw inspiration from your disciplined hard work, be it professional or otherwise. And our business stops with that drawing inspiration. and not speculating on why you went, why only tjis God. I am sure people can understand your explanation. Anyways, I keep learning so much from you. And am sure good things happen to good people
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Hi Mr. Bachchan,
I am… I can’t say a BIG fan of yours but I simply can admit that I adore you. The way you put your thoughts in your blog is completely mind blowing. It’s so inspiring and also my respect and adoration for you increases many folds.
Please take care of your health and I pray to god that you have a long and healty life.
Love you.
Bye. !!!
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Hello Mr. Bachchan
It’s great….and very true. True in every sense. Sir I will like you too write about the College in Barabanki you wish to start. What are the plans and howz going as of now.
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HI,
AMIT UNCLE NOW I HAVE GOT MY ANS.THNX SIR.MAY GOD BLESS YOU.SIR PLSSSSSS INFORM ME WHEN IS THE LAST LEAR GOING TO RELEASE?????SIR I AM NOT YOUR FAN BUT YOUR AC.
KANKANA
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Sir…
I like the message you always give at the end of your blogs…often quoting from your illustrious father’s poems. For me it becomes a thought of the day…and the point of discussion with my wife and friends. It does make me a slightly wiser human being at the end of the day.
Keep writing.
I have read a couple of your father’s poems, but have not been able to truly understand the depth and feelings of his creation as no one has been able to make justice to the explaination.
I have heard you (on TV) reading your father’s poems, but the audience is often by invite. I find myself unworthy of a special invite from you, but I hope that you are able to explain some of his other creations in your subsequent blogs.
Regards
Sourabh
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Your learned father says the truth that “Manushya ko apni parampara se bahut door nahin jana chahiye”. But it is a pity that the whole world is drifting away from their parampara. Those who are shifting rather drastically are being punished by the Lord and those who are slowly drifting are getting ready to be punished at the appropriate time.
But the moot point is who ascertains the level of this “doori’ from parampara. Is a human being capable of ascertaining this “doori”? How far I am from the parampara? Can I find out? Sir a few words from you if possible.
regards
Ruchi Anand
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Hello Amit Jee,
I am by your side with your visit to SIdhdhi Vinayak Temple. We all believe in Almighty God and everyone has the right to worship.
I was suprised to learn that some of the bloggers questioned your secular belief. They should remember that your father were Hindu while your mother were Punjabi. You married to a Bengali girl and your son is married to a South Indian girl. You have association with people are from different religions and faith. I never heard you uttering any communal coments. So no one has the right to challenge your secular faith.
I fully agree with your father statment that one should not forget one’s tradition.
Take care
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hello amitji
its really a great feeling to read your blog..
i would like you to share your experiences with the folowing great actors as according to me you shared the best screen space with them:sanjeev kumar,amjad khan and pran.
keep blogging and take care…
shwetha,coimbatore
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Ahh..!!! Im the first one post a comment today! Well said Amit uncle… Its the media’s job to cover every activity of a star coz thats the only thing most of the people sit n watch enthusiastically as though Celebrity stars are born from the sky.
But its simply great that you dont let those irritants to stand as an obstacle to ur beliefs and faiths..! Its touching to see you live a life of a common man atleast in areas wherein you need to be one among the crowd
Also, I am awed by the great word power you’ve got. Superb usage of words…!!! Great vocabulary!
Take Care…!!! Keep Going!!!
PS- Loved Bhoothnath! None could ve replaced ur role… Cried all throughout the climax…Love u!
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The person who thinks that he don’t need god’s blessing believe me he become very harmful to society. we must pray to god for strength and honesty. In gujarat there is 1 news paper called gujarat samachar. someone asked question to ashok dave ( gujarati writer ) that see what amitabh doing. he is misguiding people by visiting temples. and ashok dave answered that you must thanks amitabh. atleast he got courage to visit temples in front of media and showing that hindu dharma is still alive.
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Dear Amitabh,
So you found the missing blog - or re-wrote it.
Why such a long blog on a trivial matter? It does waste energy!
Just one sentence - ” go mind your business” to those unwanted blogs would have been sufficient.
You can also [perhaps] block the blogs coming in from these quarters.
Have a good day and smile.
Regards,
gul
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A Nice read as always! I must be repeating myself over and over again but this is one medium through which I am getting to know you sir. I am happy that there is this chance to get to know you and talk to you through this medium. Somehow, you are not someone that I considered unknown at any point of time. I did always think that if we ever get to meet, I am sure you would be the stranger that I do not know what to talk to. That is why this medium has become the means and ways to talk to you and talk about so many different things.
You have rightly put sir, there is no need to acknowledge non-appreciative elements anytime. Especially, the ones that spew hate. It has always been a tradition to respect others. I am happy that my parents and my school teachers have taught me to learn to respect differences. There is such a joy in sharing and living together than there is in seclusion. The growth of our culture has the assimilation of various sentiments and traditions as one of its fundamental pillars.
Let us all live together and happily together. And HE shall always be there to guide.
Thanks for sharing and taking time to read my ignorant rants.
Sincere Regards and lots of love,
Sarang-
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hi amit uncle n yes a big hug 4 u …..i read ur posts everyday very religiously…..n totally believe n agree vid u on everything u say b’coz u can never b wrong….i dont want 2 question u or ask u anything…..i feel so happy n blessed that atleast i can talk 2 u(though i want 2 c u once pleaseeeeeeeeeee) thats it 4 me……love u n god bless u always…..aashni
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Dear Sir,
I must confess your blog has become addiction for me. Such beautiful and inspiring thoughts. I must also say I have regards for your blog readers too. I find their comments very enlightening and thought provoking. They are truly fans of a great individual.
With best of wishes
Regards
Sanjay
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Pyara Amitji!
Aap ko pyar bhara namaskar.
Aap ke interesting khabar keliye bahut dhanyavad.
Thanks for sharing with us your memories about your school time.
If there has been anything wrong in my last comments then
please forgive me.
Aap ko yeh din bahut pyar bhara aur bahut khushi bhara jaye.
Bhagawan tum aur tumahare parivare ka vala kare
Tumhari tabyat ka khayal rakhna.
Pyar se,
Kajo
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Wow.. Am I the second one to reply in this site and get noticed by Amitji… I cant believe it.. Sir please also tell us about the rings and the gemstones which you wear…I am interested to hear about it …
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ALL THE BEST
ALL THE BEST.
ALL THE BEST..
ALL THE BEST…
FOR SARKAR RAJ
OUR SINCERE PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY
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hi i am rajesh here from leicester uk.i am very happy to see u direct and interact with u .because in u r sparkling time 75 to 95 u r very diplomatic answerin media,but u r down to earth,very very humble after collaps of ABCL my jouney is same going with atlast i am very happy,
you are request to go through my web SIR,it is small step ,i need promotional help only not in terms of money,my sought is not reach to people but if you say one sentence it make difference in lot’s of life,thanks for u give me space in your world,say hello to most responsible house wife JAYAJI,amitabh is reflection of JAYAJI’S SACRIFICE FOR BACHHAN FAMILY;pl take care of her.
all the best to abhishek and ash,for new SARKAR RAJ
thnking you sir
rajesh parmar
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Hi Mr B,
wanted to be the first one to post a comment, but second would also do :D….looking fwd to ur ‘unforgettable tour’ to start, though will not be able to see them myself, but eager to read what u wud b writing during the tour :)….best wishes..tc
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Thank you very much for sharing these personal thoughts with us sir. Indeed, the sensationalization is created by the media, or us the public at large. It is sad that in contrast to your fathers words, we seem to be blindly following the most superficial aspects of western society and moving away from our traditions of humility and dignity. I am no xenophobe, far from it. I admire several aspects of western society, thought and culture. Unfortunately we seem to overlook most of the more imortant ones, and adopt the worst.
I would like to stand up(metaphorically) for your right to worship and your right to dignity. Even for a common man such as myself, who has been raised on liberal yet traditional values, it is often difficult to stick to ones beliefs and ideals. Seeing a man of your stature handle this shameful circus of fools who call themselves the media on a daily basis gives me just that extra strength to not give in to trying to be “cool” or “hip” at the cost of what I inherently believe is right.
Thank you for providing thousands like me with that extra push through your actions. Thank you for sharing your thoughts so frankly, with disregard to the potential for misinterpretaion by others. Thank you for being a man to look up to.
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Forget abt wht ppl hv to say… The best part is tht ur family was wid u… Wht else do u want??? So, just caary on wht u do…
I would like u to discuss something abt the institution of marriage… As we all knw u hv a successful marriage wid two well cultured children…
Talk abt dedication, love, and belief… Dont even pay attention to the media or sm ppl out here who thinks contradicting or pulling somebody down is their birth right…
Love,
Shailja
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RESPECTED SIR
MY WIFE HAS GIVEN HER SPECIAL REGARDS TO ABHISHEK WHICH PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE. SHE IS A BIG BIG BIGGEST FAN OF ABHISHEK. WE WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO HEAR HIM SOMEDAY. WE ARE CONFIDENT HE WOULD SOMEDAY ACKNOWLEDGE HER REGARDS AND SPECIAL WISHES
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Mr. Bachchan
Only once I have written before on your blog about how inspiring you as a person - outside of your movie persona and image - have been in my life. Needless to mention that I have been a silent reader of your blog regularly. I have written before that I have taken lessons from the ways you have dealt with the publicly known crises of your life. I personally admire you as a person more than the Amitabh Bachchan as an actor. What you have written above about your religious beliefs and actions is highly appreciated. The fact that you have decided to share with us your beliefs, your views and are making time out of your hectic schedule to write on this blog your thoughts and views, gives us an opportunity to take a peek at your daily activities, and I must say that for me - I can’t comment on behalf of others - it still continues to be interesting and, sometimes, inspiring reading.
This is also my own uncle’s view that maybe Abhishek should compile all these writings and reproduce them in the form of a book for the benefit of posterity. There are several lessons for hoi polloi like us to learn from you and, I believe, our posterity will also benefit hugely from this. You are as old as my mother, and I am no one to advise you on what you should do with your life, your views and your blog, but it might be interesting to know if Abhishek is thinking along these lines.
As a reply to those who have expressed various slanderous views about your prosperity and snides about your making money out of this blog, although the latter is totally baseless and completely out of their jurisdiction to make such observations, may I have take this opportunity to tell them all - on your behalf Mr. Bachchan because I know it is below your dignity to do so - that MAKING MONEY IS NOT BAD. WE SHOULD ALL MAKE MONEY ABOVE AND BEYOND OUR NEEDS SO THAT OUR SOCIETY AS A WHOLE GAINS A NEW LEVEL OF PROSPERITY. If Amitabh Bachchan has made money and qualifies for some advantages in certain situations, he also works 18 hours a day 7 days a week 300 days a year, dammit! Do the people who make these comments do a small fraction of this kind of effort for themselves, or do I see sour grapes all around? My parents have - out of the many lessons - taught me that there is always a place at the top. If someone is at the top of his profession - and therefore financially successful and independent - it is because of the hard, bone-grinding work that he has done! Don’t you guys think that he deserves what he has? According to me Mr. Bachchan is worth every penny that he has made so far, and we - on the other side of the table - have no business in passing judgments about it in any way or forum.
With warm regards and best wishes
Joydeep Bhattacharya
Plainsboro, NJ
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Dear Amitji,
Bravo for a fitting write up on your religious journey. I consider that to know a man, there are three aspects in which we can understand him more; his faith (or lack of it), his friends, and which part of his life does he seemed to remember well.
With respect to you Amitji, I envision a man who “walks by faith and not by sight” My admiration to your parents for imparting good faith to you.
Deep respect and kind regards,
Essvari
JB, Malaysia
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Satyadeep, Chandigarh,
Sarkar,
Out of the element of participation follows the certainty of faith; out of the element of separation follows the doubt in faith. And each is essential for the nature of faith. Sometimes certainty conquers doubt, but it cannot eliminate doubt. The conquered of today may become the conqueror of tomorrow. Sometimes doubt conquers faith, but it still contains faith. Otherwise it would be indifference.
Just these few lines from Paul Tillich a German born American theoligan, hands full with work, have not been writing regularly, but have been reading what you like…………. Two lines in punjabi, to describe busybodies like me.
SIR KHURKAN NOO WELA NAHI.
PALEY DHELA NAHI.
Warm Regards………. Vikramjit
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Good reply Sir as always….
One question came to my mind 2 day is… few or many of your films have been flops… some of them were very good and some bad…but in recent times even the good ones flopped…like babul, bhootnath, eklawya, nishabd etc… but u stll remain the superstar… first question when they say the film is flop , is there different yardstick to measure success of film of super star like you (or SRK or any hot selling star at the moment for that matter) ? …coz many of u r flop movies also run for 2, 3 weeks to 60 to 70% capacity…where as flops of other stars just vanish in 1 week..
What actuallt flop means ? is the movie losses (i mean the producer and distributor ) money on it or they recover all the money say over the period of 1 year if not early ? else with so many flop movies coming out how the industry and stars are still survising and demanding huge pay packet ?
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Dearest Mr. Bachchan
As whoever respondes in this blog is definately one of the bigest fans of you all over the world. I am no more different.
I dont know how did i become your biggest fan as i was too young to understand those things when i became your fan. If i recall it correctly i was just 6-7 years old at that time. What i understand is we indians generally learn a lot from our parents. My das was die hard fan of you and all your movies. So thats the reason i suppose i became your biggest fan at that young age.
But once i started understanding things and started becoming matured I became your true fan. I mean i was die hard fan of your acting skills. And still I am.
BUT WHEN I STARTED READING YOUR BLOGS, I STARTED TO LIKE MR BACHCHAN NOT JUST AS A ACTOR BUT AS A TRUE HUMAN BEING.
I totally agree with you. Media should really understand their duty. They are unnecessarily following you and your family where you really needed to have some space. They should let you and ur family live your personal life. Especially they should not make a news of anybodys religious visits. Its shame on them.
Finally Mr. Bachchan Keep acting thats we all want from you.
Best Regards,
Chetan Jani
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Just reading your daily entry, especially about “Faith in the Almighty” brings a sense of self-belief, affirms the saying that yesterday was another day and today should be looked forward to and that goodness starts from within.
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With lots and lots of respect Sir—As always you have written beautifully, one really needs to learn the art of expressing from you. You say it and you say it so nicely and every single word makes sense.
You know Sir when you say this——-“If my visit is an inspiration I feel blessed. Inspiration is important for the human breed. It is important for progress, in art and literature and speech and belief, in our daily lives in our very existence. We are inspired to do better to improve to correct our faults to better ourselves and society.â€
Its not only your visit to the temple that is inspiration to me or to all your fans but its your very personality that is inspiration to me, the way you carry yourself in bad times and your never loosing spirit and the biggest lesson that you always spoke and ever since you mentioned here on the blog that Man ka ho to accha………… Sir, I realize that you don’t like it when someone praises you but truly Sir we have learned a lot from you. What preaching can not do, your blog is doing it. Keep writing Sir. You will have to agree with me Sir, because I read what other people write and writing is very clear on the wall that we love you as an actor but we admire you as a person that you are.
Duniya idhar kee udhar ho jaaye, main aapka saath nahin choodoonga.
With lots and lots of respect , Deepak from Vancouver Canada
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Mr. Bachchan your writing skills are incisive and you don’t waste words, just like your esteemed father. I just saw your press conference for the music launch of ‘Sarkar Raj’ and how you were lamenting the fact that you could not share your opinion on the background score of the movie with your fans through your blog. Well I’ve heard it and it sounds terrific, though the beats, when the ‘Govinda, Govinda’ chant goes on, could have been avoided which would have made it more errie. This one is a little loud, but a great one nonetheless. I’m eagerly awaiting ‘Sarkar Raj’ and will see it first day first show and will tell you how I felt about it since I simply adored the first part. I have small favour to ask of you. Could you please send a reply to my comments to my mail id(paddyoct10@gmail.com) for my mother who is a great fan of yours. Thanking you. Pradeep Parameshwaran
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hello Amit ji
God is revered in so many ways and it evolves all along our life. Even the non secular remarks and belief is a step towards him , however low, they existed so that you can forgive them and make them realise that they have to grow up, bless you!!
Also i really like your reason to visit these places of worship, certainly you are growing in your spiritual journey and your growth inspires many, including me,
A very good luck for the future, prayers and strength to live with dignity and honor,
Jai shri ram, hare krishna, allah u akbar, vahe guru ji da khalsa vaheguru ji di fateh, bole sohnial sat shri akaal, Ave Maria, Jesus the savior,Yehura mazda, bless all!!
ciao
abhay
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Well said Amit Sir. Its the golden qualities such as these that makes us your fans for life !
Take care & have a nice day !
Jagz, Sydney Australia
Big B Yahoo Group - Australia
Amitabh is the best !
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RESPECTED SIR,
YOU WERE, YOU ARE & YOU WILL BE THE BEST ACTOR, PERSON I KNOW ON THIS EARTH. YOU ARE BETTER RATHER FAR AHEAD OF THE BEST KNOWN ACTORS OF THE INDUSTRY. I LOVE WATCHING ALL THE CHARACTER’S DONE BY YOU. YOU ARE THE BOSS. WILL LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND YOU WILL REMAIN IN MY HEART AS THE BEST KNOW ACTOR OF THE INDUSTRY TILL THE END NO MATTER WHO SO EVER CLAIMS TO BE NO.1 OR 2 OR WHATEVER.
ONE OF YOUR BIG FANS SINCE CHILDHOOD NOW I AM 30 YRS. OLD.
VARUN JOSHI
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Dear Amitji,
Don’t allow words from disruptive elements to disturb you. I know it is easier said than done. Having been taught to respect people irrespective of their language, religion, economic status and ethnic status right from school, I too feel distraught when people pass such separatist comments. It is the easiest thing in the world to divide people. To stick to simple logic and commonsense in these disturbing times requires stoic composure.
I am a North Indian been brought up in South India. And since I speak languages from both parts, I have seen how lack of knowledge propogates myths. Live in other states of India and you imbibe their cultures. Mingle with people of other religions to realise how similar we are under the surface variations.
I treasure the diversity our enormous nation harbours. Let’s not let the golden fabric of India be destroyed by small minds and small thoughts.
Anshu
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It’s too bad that some feel it necessary to criticize even your most intimate spiritual moments. There should be a line of privacy drawn somewhere.
Who can criticize someone’s innermost thoughts and feelings? It’s impossible to read someone’s motivation for religious observation. In America, we’d say they had a hell of a nerve. Maybe in India, too.
I always feel respectful when I see someone worshiping in his or her own way, without concern for the observations of others. We’re one on one with God when we shut out the world and pay attention to Him alone. He’s all that counts, in the end.
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I hope your Film Sarkar Raj is going to be a good movie just like Sarkar.
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dearest amithji,
thanks again for sharing your spiritual thoughts.We know very well you are very seculer by nature , just how every indian should be. then so many lives could have been saved. I personally belive in all religion.or do not belive in any religion.
I follow only one religion & that is not being angry with anything, & to just have faith in oneself.
Amithji, i do not know whether u read my previous blog or not, but i would like to make it clear that they were the thoughts of an elderly friend of ours[ my husband's ex- boss] who now lives in USA.
In case those thoughts have hurt you,then i am very very vrey very very very very very very sorry.
I am a die hard fan of yours since my teenage years
Reading what you write is simply bliss for me.
Till now i liked you sooooo much for your work on screen, but now after reading your blogs I simply worship you.
The topic of discussion in our house is what you have written in your blog!
You have in your own way silently recreating , reinstalling ‘values’ in us.
You & your blogs are simply ‘ god sent’ to us.
Always praying for your good health,
with utmost respect,
kalpana kakade.
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“Nupur Metha : actually this isnt even my real name. ”
Well doesn’t that now make you a coward? Why hide behind a name, are you embarrased of your ‘real’ identity coming through?…
and wow…you must be God…because you seem to have a direct line to know who God is and isn’t going to forgive? My friend, you can insult a person and hide behind a name…but God knows what u’re up to…so atleast to give your comment some character put up your real name otherwise, even though we don’t know who you are, we will know you as a coward and you will read this…you coward!!! Yes you, the coward who feels brave that he can insult someone of such integrity because he gets to hidr behind a false name and his monitor….i pity people like you!
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Dear Mr B ,
We all love you for what you are .God Bless You !!!
brgds
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I feel it is your upbringing that has made you so modest.Your family’s involvement in freedom struggle ,literary background and company of good people all around right from your childhood.
I personnnaly feel it was difficult to live with baseless charges imposed against you and worst aprt of it was not to express yourself or prove your innocence.
Through this medium of blog you are rightly expressing your inner views
Rajeev Srivastava
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I AM VERY EXCITED TO SEE THE WHOLE BACHCHAN FAMILY IN A MOVIE.
I WISH SARKAR RAJ WILL BE MORE SUCCESFUL THAN SARKAR.
ALL THE VERY BEST
ALL THE VERY BEST
ALL THE VERY BEST
ALL THE VERY BEST
ALL THE VERY BEST
ALL THE VERY BEST
ALL THE VERY BEST
ALL THE VERY BEST
ALL THE VERY BEST
ALL THE VERY BEST
ALL THE VERY BEST
ALL THE VERY BEST
ALL THE VERY BEST
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Dear Amitabh Bachchan,
I am very impressed with the efforts you put in updating your blog. The article on the trip to Siddhivinayak was a masterpiece! The comments made by some of people on religious aspects was bit annoying.
Earlier, people were putting lot of efforts to meet and hear from you, however now, (thanks to technology) we can hear from you atleast once in a day.
Regards,
Rachita Rao
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RESPECTED AMITJI.
NAMASTE.
YOUR CANDID EXPRESSIONS ON THIS PLATFORM WHERE NOBODY CAN DISTORT ARE TRUELY WELCOME. READING ABOUT YOU WAS OUR ONLY SOURCE OF GETTING TO KNOW YOU. READING FROM YOU IS EXTREMELY ENRICHING. YOUR POST SEEMS TO BE A JOURNAL WHERE YOU COVER SO MANY TOPICS EFFORTLESSLY..WE ARE THOUROUGHLY ENJOYING THE CONTENT, PROSE LIKE POETRY AND POETIC PROSE. MAY BE IN TIMES TO COME THESE WOULD BE INCLUDED IN LITERATURE COURSE. I FOR ONE RECOMMEND THESE TO MY FRIENDS WHO LOVE GOOD READING.
THE MULTITUDE OF FANS ON THIS POST IS ENOUGH TO SPEAK OF YOUR POPULARITY. AS FOR THE CYNICAL COMMENTS.. THERE ARE ALWAYS TWO SIDES OF A COIN. IF THEY WERE NOT SO, IT WOULD BE KHOTA SIKKA. JHEL LIJIYE.
REGARDS AND LOVE. LAXMI
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Respected Sir, I’m not as good as you in writing however its been a long search to find your personal blog and finally success - as rightly said in the Bible - Seek and you wil find, Sir we would only pray and wish you and your entire family members all the very best for a bright future and pray to the Lord almighty that he may guide you’ll in every step -
Sir, the main reason I write to you is I’m into aloe/honey health products and would request to meet anyone from your family( it would really benefit your family, friends, relatives and all around) for just one meet anytime 24hrs anywhere in Mumbai - Sir, I will be highly obliged I know I’m not asking for too much - Yours truly since childhood Fan : Ralph( ralph_lewis@hotmail.com)
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dear all,
when we are discussing about faith,reverence to the Almighty, submission to the divine, I would request you and i insist to listen to the a beautiful song. its from JODHAA AKBAR…….. i listen to it whenever i am sad….. i must tell you it gives me great solace and faith is strengthened hundred fold…. hope you all like it….. your response is humbly awaited
god bless all
http://www.ankitg.com/songs/JodhaaAkbar/Mann%20Mohana%20-%20Bela%20Shende.mp3
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Sir thank you for sharing your thoughts with us keep doing that sir.Sir i remember when i was in the 5th std my class teacher told us to come to school on saturday by 9am.when i asked her why she told me that Amitabh Bachan was going to come to school to see the exbhition which my school girls had made on your father.i didnt belive my teachers i thought they will get your duplicate.but when i saw you with your bodyguards and your cook i was amazed.i dont know if u remember that event the school name was Walsinghham house school at neapeansea road.i still have those snaps of yours with me. i will be very happy if you reply back to me
love and respect
natasha
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DEAREST SIR, Amitabh-ji,
I am weeping, and I am thankful for what you have just written. It has caused me to re-think that perhaps the armed men were not requested to be in weapons by you, but were perhaps provided or were in fact police. I do not know the ways of this type of worship, or the rules of organization in India.
Please FORGIVE ME, for my ignorance, if such has been the case, and do not hold it against me. I completely agree with every single word you have written in this Day 40 post, and feel a true kinship with you and your family, more than ever before. We are all a family, those who worship and reverence the Almighty, and HE alone is worthy of all praise. I again please ask for forgiveness.
My husband’s family name is Terdal; there is such a place in India, it is south of Mumbai and east of Goa… I believe the capital of the area it is in is Bangalore; at any rate, we hope to visit there, and find out what the association is with his family. We have heard it is, or was, a seat of learning. I myself am fully of Scottish ancestry.
I wish you well, sir, and hope to hear that you have forgiven me whatever I may have written in ignorance. I have such an abhorrence of guns and weapons… it causes my very soul to shudder with revulsion. I am not ignorant of their necessity at times, but it seems to me that has no place in an area of worship.
With much love and respect,
Elaine
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dear sir,
how are you. the visit to siddhivinayak must have revitalised you. your blog is getting addictive , in a very pleasant manner. welcome to the world of ………arggggggh….technological glitches, allow me to narrate a popular joke , to err is human ,a blunder requires a computer.i was feeling sad that day 39 ended with an arrrgh…but looks like you have recaptured what was probably lost.thanks for the effort love you for this. it was good to see voltaire and christ entering the day’s blog. your quote of voltaire is extremely pertinent in today’s intolerant world.i come from a multi-religious background and feel my life has been infinitely enriched by it.today the world values a mutilingual person, the future will value multi-religious people.
i am looking forward to sarkar raj 2, iam sure RGV will deliver a great movie………. it’s about time. best of luck for the movie , sir i am sure your performance will be mind blowing.
love
andrews, delhi
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Amit ji, your words speaks of your heart only.
Many things about you were unknown and wrongly interpreted before this blogging. With this connotations I think the media is exposed that they are the ‘Faaltu’ folks to speculate, write and expose the big name(s) for the shake of their bread and butter and to get undue advantage.
Great Blogging! I have read through Amir’s blog too and he is also equally clear hearted person. He too tries to come out clear due media monsters’ gossiping.
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aadarniya bachhan ji
sprem namskar…
hum aapke sath hae kisi bhi samay kisi bhi din
aap bus tarrki karte jaaye aur aage badte jaaye aapke dushman bhi aage chalkar aapke dost ban jayege !
kyon ki …..
“” satya pareshan ho sakta hae parajit nahi “”
aapka
rtn.pradyumn
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Dear Mr. Amitabh Bachchan,
Nice write up.
Regards
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Dear Amitji
Thanks for rereminding us our traditions ….yes faith and belief should come from within ..whatever you do pls carry on and be as you are…
when someone utters the word God ..i get goose flesh …i suppose this is
imaan…
wish you a looooooonglife but a healthy one
Dr Rumisa (AZERBAJAN-BAKU)
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PLease Please Please do not ever put those names who wrote anti secular comments in your blog. They just want their name recognized by you.
I really impress the way you write. take care,
…ashish
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Wow…well said once again Sir. The heights and fame you have achieved in your life is all due to the blessings of your parents. Your love and respect for them is exemplary and certainly an eye-opener for the ‘modern’ generation of today where people consider it pretty fashionable to keep their ‘old’ parents in old age homes.
Love and respect,
Sujoy
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Dear Amitabhji,
Please do not bother with the negative elements and keep on doing what you feel is true and dear to you in terms of your everyday life and your religious beliefs. Remember one thing sir the people who talk rubbish about you and your family are only jealous because of your family’s immense sucess may God bless you all with the strength and courage to stay true to your belief and faith. Your fan Aly K….:)
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Pa,
that was real impressive. we get to see the common man side of superstar with this blog. n yeah u r really similar to us..somewhere still there is a long bridge to cross.. we can never cross it we dont have permission to do that… u can always do it n come to us.
please come, our God, we are waiting to meet you
take care
bharti
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Dear Sir,
I am happy to read your thoughts on religion. You wrote, “A new born child has no idea of what religion is, among several other things they have no idea of. Their upbringing, their parenting guides them into the world, into life, into belief.†But how would you explain the two sibling of different believes. The social connections also make their characters. The situations lead you to nearer and farther from HIM. You resided with Anwar Ali and visited several times to Haji Ali Dargah with him and Baby Aapa. This explains how the social connections has made your character (of Anwar Ali too). The needs also compel you to do so. Does Ajitabh Bachchan also visited or have thoughts like you? He also has grown up in the same environment. The liberal view also comes from social circumstances and situations and needs and superstitions. That’s why Aapa had not accompanied you.
Its very much true till today as your father said “Human beings must not go too far away from their tradition!†and with all due respect I add to it…“ and they must not come too near to their tradition too.†The results we are seeing in this globe… You understand…!
Good to read your views on this you. You are coming one step closer to us (your blog readers) as real from reel Amitabh Bachchan.
But still you are NOT a common ordinary man… I refute.
Expecting smile on your face to read this.
Bye!
Sanjay,
Rajkot.
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Dear Mr. Anthony Gonsalvez (The most favourite character from all your movies as far as I am concerned)
Cool down please. “Kuch to log kahenge…logonka kaam hai kehena…!”. Relax and enjoy blogging!
Have a great day ahead!