Jalsa,  Mumbai      June 29,  2008        11:45 pm

 

Magic happened ! I was able to recover my DAY 66 blog, thanks to Shiv from bigadda. It was so exciting, it simply changed my day for me. The smile and laughter came back. The sets of ‘Shoebite’ were not so dull anymore. Everyone seemed a dear long lost friend. The energy returned and all because of one lost blog.

Germany - Spain final about to start and I shall be with that, but before I go I do want to leave you with two interviews that I did recently, which I thought could be of interest for you.

Subhash K Jha on Sundays and Meena Iyer of Times of India on changing NRI attitudes -

 

 

 

Subject: Re: sarkar raj doing well in USA

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2008 3:58 PM

Conversation: sarkar raj doing well in USA

 

 

 

 

On 6/28/08 2:04 PM, “Meena Iyer” 

 

Namaskar Amitji,

 

Sarkar Raj debuted at no.11 at US box office almost breaking into the

top ten chart of US which is a tough nut considering the size of the

market (UK top ten is much easier). In its first three days the film

collected $ 642,543 (neilson figure on the net)  and till now have

grossed over a million. In UK the film broke into top ten and made its

debut at no 8 collecting approximately 200, 000 pounds in the first

weekend and till now touching half a million pounds. The total

collection from just  these two markets have been around 9 crores and

the total overseas market at around 15 crores.

 

Karan Johar’s KANK is one of the biggest grossers overseas.  And even in the past movies made

by Karan and Yash Chopra have found favour with the NRI audience.

 

But in recent times there has been a shift in taste.  Sarkar Raj, a gritty drama has done very well.

Earlier Race did well…and so did Taare Zameen Par.

 

Sir, may I have your reactions to the success of Sarkar Raj and 

a comment on whether you think that the NRI audience taste in  Bollywood cinema is slowly

changing.

 

Would appreciate a reply as soon as possible even if it is brief.

 

Thank you,

 

Meena Iyer

TOI

 

 

Meena,

Herewith my response

 

I am delighted that you and your paper have brought this topic up and have acknowledged the perceived change in the overseas film market temperament.

The overseas market has been a bit of an enigma for an appreciable number of years. Lack of accountability in the distribution processes has merely added to the mystic.

But gradually with time and the penetration of renowned production houses, corporate and non corporate, into that arena, has brought credibility and facts into the open.

My personal reckoning of the issue was guided by the pioneering efforts made by a few enterprising individuals who took me out to world wide concert tours in the early 80’s. The stupendous turnouts and the excitement generated was an eye opener. How were these thousands of stadium filling audiences so conversant with our cinema and our stars ?

There were only two reasons. Video piracy or non accountability from the prevalent exhibition and distribution systems.

It was Yash Chopra, Adi Chopra, Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan that understood this potential, worked at developing it and came out victorious. The immense popularity of Shah Rukh Khan came as an added benefit and thereafter the market was never the same. The credit must entirely rest then on the three friends who changed the scenario of the market. Indian Cinema was known always and its artists and stars revered; Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Mithun Chakravarti from the mainstream, Satyajit Ray from the more artistic, but now it was different. Communication facilities improving connectivity, brought the locals too into the fold and the market grew exponentially. 

To address your query on the possible change in the quality of films, is to be wading into unsheltered territory.

The very West that virtually annihilated our content and its escapist song and dance routine, began to see just that as its unique selling point. And the so called NRI quotient that prevailed  predominantly, began to flourish. The early patrons to Indian Cinema were expatriates, migrating from their motherland to seek better opportunity and still steeped into their roots. They connected with everything that reflected their original homeland. But now they have first and second generation off springs, citizened and adapted firmly to the country of birth. They may not have the same connectivity or emotion and hence perhaps the change in taste.

With the recent success of the films you mention – Race, Taare Zameen Par and now Sarkar Raj, there is a healthy shift to recognising creativity of a different order. An order that can compare with a certain amount of pride with what the West itself produces. I am not surprised at this development. I have always maintained that Indian talent is in no way inferior to that of the West. We just need the financials, the marketing and distribution systems and we can match any other in the World.

There is greater awareness on these counts now and greater access and this is responsible for the changing scenario.

But the real heroes of this entire change are the audience. It has been their encouragement and patronage that is turning the tide. And riding close behind them are our young and dynamic new generation film makers that are fearless, aggressive and out to prove that if the West can do it, they can better them.

 

There is a qualitative change in our products. A change brought about by enterprising new faces and their dynamism. And the audience, ever the most intelligent, is recognising it.

Long live the audiences and long live Indian Cinema !

 

 

On another note Meena. You have mentioned some statistics which are surprising you. I would wish that you visited a site : ibosnetwork .com, for some further startling demographics. It is a site that monitors pretty exhaustively the operations on the performance of our films. Very revealing. 

There is much that our media and industry are still unaware of !!

 

Thank you,

Amitabh Bachchan

 

Subject: Re: Sunday questions

Date: Friday, June 20, 2008 2:22

Conversation: Sunday questions

 

Subhash,

Herewith the responses.

Amitabh

 

 

Have you  ever resolved to  take Sundays  off  only  to  find that an impossible  demand on your schedules?

 

ANS// 

I have during various stages of my career, taken it upon myself that Sundays would be off days – days to spend with the family. But never have I been successful in maintaining it. A schedule gone wrong, an unexpected hitch, a permission for a particular location only available on Sundays, a set that needs completion, but most importantly my own personal insecurity are reasons why the resolve has had to be abandoned. I have felt that if I am not working then something is obviously wrong with my career. Forced holidays, days in Hospital or the horror of my sabbatical loom large in front of me when ever I am questioned in this regard. So I work. Makes me feel all is well with the world.

 

 

*When you do have a   Sunday off, how does your day start? And do you keep the  day open or do you plan it out as you would plan any working day?

 

 

ANS//

The odd Sunday that falls in your lap when there is no work, is no different from any other day. The gym in the morning at 6 am is a must and then paper work thereafter. There is absolutely no planning, because it comes too late and too suddenly to be able to schedule anything. But I would enjoy a family lunch together, maybe a film in the afternoon or a short nap and in the evening have some friends over or drive the family down to an eating place. On days when family is not around, and this would happen often keeping all our busy schedules in mind, I like being alone. Just ruminating perhaps or sitting in front of my piano and pressing keys at will. I do not know how to play the instrument, but just the sound of the keys randomly played can keep one occupied for hours. The purity of a musical note is the closest physical feeling to godliness; at once so peaceful and uplifting.

 

I know  you sleep frugally. Is it true that  4-5 hours  suffice for  you?  Do  you  rest /sleep more  ona  free Sunday?

 

 

ANS//

My sleep is frugal because of circumstances. It is not a disability. There are commitments and schedules to keep, but yes when there is time available I do doze off more than usual.

 

 

What’s is  your Sunday breakfast like? Do you prefer Indian or continental  breakfasts?

 

ANS//

My breakfast is frugal too. I know I do not do justice to it, but I am happy with it. There have been occasions, though, when if available, I would love an Indian course. Puri, aloo, parathas, dahi, idli and all the wonderful delicacies of the south.

 

 

Do you excercize on Sundays or  take  a day off to just laze(when not working).

 

ANS//

I exercise everyday. Though my trainer prefers that I take a break on Sundays. At age 66, if you are not mobile every 5 mins, you tend to stiffen up, so I keep moving – answer the door bell, get to the kitchen for your water, deliver papers to the staff rather than ask them to take it away. Things like that.

 

 

 

 

 

I also know you are a frugal eater when you’re working. Does a  free Sunday mean a heart Sunday lunch with  the family?

 

ANS//

Answered above.

 

 

One book  that you’ve kept aside to read on  a  free day?

 

ANS//

I keep stocking up books. Read a few pages and then paucity of time makes me put them away. I have a corner where I systematically line them all up, knowing that not before long I shall be forced into doing just that – reading. Provided of course if my faculties remain in tact.

 

 

Do you  watch a lot of films from all over the world? The last film that  you really enjoyed and  the  one film that you’d love  to see

 

ANS//

Yes I do see films. All kinds of them and whenever possible. Lately, I enjoyed the French film on Edith Piaf, the one for which the actress won the Oscar.

 

 

How much time do you spend with the family on  a free day? That, needless  to say, is  your  idea  of a perfect Sunday?

 

ANS//

Yes spending time with the family is my idea of a perfect day, so I would like to spend all of it with them.

+++++

thank you

Thank you Subhash,

Amitabh

 

Be with you later tomorrow. Thank you for your concern for Aishwarya. She improves, thank you and so does the electrician, who will have to go through a few surgeries. 

My love for you as always -

 

Amitabh Bachchan

Prateeksha, Mumbai               June 28, 2008               11:47 pm

It started at 5:00 am. The alarm on the mobile - my trusted keeper of time, management and contact. It wakes me up, manages my day and helps me keep in contact through the MoBlog, with those that matter to me.

You ! My friends and keepers of my conscience !

Amer Fort, Jaipur and the son e lumiere commentary took up most of the magic hours of the day. The best thoughts, the best ideas and the best writing comes during the moments when the sun struggles out from behind the dark monsoon clouds of Mumbai.

When Hanuman desired to gain knowledge he went to the Almighty and asked Him how he could achieve that. The Almighty guided him to the Sun. Go there, he said, the Sun is the giver of all knowledge. When Hanuman approached the Sun he was in for a rude shock. I am continuously moving said Sun, how can I impart knowledge to you. Hanuman was smarter. I shall face you and walk backwards as you move and gain whatever you need to teach me. You keep moving, I shall keep learning.

A symbolic tale ! Which is why the importance of rising before the sun.

The best thoughts and ideas come then.

After three hours of continuous commentary recording, with repetitions to get the intonation and projection right, with glass fulls of hot water and honey to lubricate the voice chords and with almost 75% of the job done, I beg excuse else I shall miss my timing for the shoot.

It is a long and strenuous drive to Film City these days. An entire civilisation has erupted around the place. When I had inaugurated the premise, there was just one hut, where now an entire city has hibernated. It takes precious hours to get there, even if you are in the suburbs. But I am not complaining. It gives me the time to complete the office paper work, go through the news papers, prepare for my upcoming scene, make those morning calls to all connected, the daughter in Delhi and the grand children, the son who has worked till late and who I have missed meeting in the morning, the wife who was still asleep when I left, the daughter-in-law who still struggles with her german measles, the secretary to get the itinerary for the day and days to come and….

What !!?

Accident ? Where ? Is he alright ? Which hospital ?

Its my electrician. The staff that remains within the house for emergency electricals. Cycling from Jalsa to Prateeksha and hit by a fast moving car that has broken the signal and broken his hand and leg and his head.

Papers can wait. Get some staff to take him to the nearest Hospital. Call my doctor, rush him there. Call the Hospital. He works for me, take good care of him. Should I come to see him. No. No need he has gained consciousness. You will attract unnecessary attention at the Hospital. I shall keep you posted.

Reach the studio and on to set for ‘Shoebite’. A flash of coincidental lightning ! It’s a Hospital set. Wife hit by a car, rolling her blood stained body into the OT. Reactions as we wait outside. Tears, emotion, silence.

Ma..

My Mother in Leelawati. Her last moments as we watched doctors struggle with her frail body.

No !!! Get out of it. Don’t use that moment for your act. Get professional. You are an actor !

Doctors hands pumping my Mother’s heart. Ten of them around her bed, piercing, injecting, administrating.

Cut !!

Amitji, super ! I liked your look I want to come in closer. We shall do another take. Change to a closer lens !

The set is crowded. Lights and people move and get busy. General talk takes over. I have left my Mother where I last saw her. Smile, because a co artist smiles in greeting. You need distraction to come away from Lilawati. Phone ! Phone ! Mobile lao !

Let me talk to someone. Open Moblog. Write something. They will love to hear what you are doing right now. Finished shot, breaking for lunch, meeting Abhishek across the floor, emails, more questions for interviews and then rehearsals…

Human kinds’ precious wonder - the mind. How we torture it into submission. How relentlessly we badger it to change cycles and moods. It thinks for us, never speaks. Maybe it should. Wonder what it would sound like. Funny I should be writing this. It is my mind that is bringing out these words. Ha ! Stupid of me.

Just look at its versatility.

And how we damage and pollute it with everything that has no bearing. Hate and jealousy and anger and revenge and violence. Let me put it to rest. Even for a few hours of sleep. At least it shall dream for me and not be occupied in nefarious thoughts.

It is late. This mind has had its fill. It is warm with excessive activity. It desires the softness of its nocturnal companion - my thin weather beaten unchanged for years, pillow !

 

Good night !!

 

Amitabh Bachchan

Prateeksha,  Mumbai        June 27-28,   2008             12:57 am

 

 

It is late and I can see the anxiety coming through the readers - ‘this man is crazy to be up so late after a hard day to write a post’.

But I am lost and disturbed when I falter. Once I commit I hate to break it. I feel the presence of my fans and well wishers standing by my side with expectant expressions, waiting for something to come their way.

I am making a quick endeavor, because I must be up at 5:30 am for another commitment - the commentary for the son e lumiere, or song and light for those who may find their French as bad as mine, to the Amer Fort in Jaipur.

The day was eventful and of value. This set of ‘Aladin’ is over and so is most of the film. There is now just one song remaining and we shoot that on the 7th July onwards for three days. Then this film goes into post production and a huge amount of special effects, looking to be released by November, hopefully.

But in one of the several meetings that I concluded on set, one of them gave me a great insight. Through discussions on various issues one prominent thought came across very strongly.

For long Indians talked about the glorious past. This generation talks of the glorious future.

This is an important observation, a pertinent reflection of changing times, a decisive acknowledgement of not just what we think about ourselves but what collectively the world is thinking about us. And we must dwell on this chapter with greater intensity.

I must to bed now. I know this is insufficient material for the day, but tomorrow is another one and there will be opportunity to make ammends.

Till then, dearest ones, I shut my eyes.

You will remain with me throughout the night -

Love and admiration and a warm embrace -

Amitabh Bachchan