Posted on: July 3, 2008 - 1:21 am
Prateeksha, Mumbai July 2/3, 2008 12:15 am
A lethargic day !
Perhaps there has been too much sleep. Or let us just say more than what I usually get !
Tentatively titled ‘Shoebite’ nears to an end of this schedule. Most of it in a hospital and tomorrow on the streets at night.
The drive to the dentist was long and weary. But every time this journey from suburb to city turns out to be one filled with peculiar nostalgia. As actors our travel has been restricted to home and studio, or at best the airport. Not having been too much of an explorer of the city has deprived me of some of the glorious impressions the outsider has of the metropolis. My view has been restricted to the periphery, to the obvious and secure to that which Mumbai gets most identified with. But there is an entire world that exists inside and I know nothing of it.
Last night was the celebration of the 70th birthday of the great maestro on the ‘bansuri’, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia. A biography was to be released and I was invited to do the honours.
What an amazing evening. All his pupils had got together and presented him the most valuable gift any guru would want to receive - a recitation of all that they had learnt from him. And the hall of invitees full of some of the greatest talents of classical music. There was an air of reverence towards the culture of our ethos and tradition. There is something about tradition.
No matter where we abide or what profession we pursue, our tradition and culture when referred to always excites the very core of our being. A wire connects us all then and we envelope ourselves in the sonorous threads of music, recitation and art.
When our roots beckon us we subscribe entirely. The earth the air the food the smell, all of it settled and secure in our every pore.
We are at a Delhi Hotel during the shooting of ‘Silsila’. It is New Year’s eve. Jaya, Yashji his wife Pam and myself sitting quietly by ourselves in the room. In front of us joining in with utmost informality a trio of magicians. Magicians of the highest order in music. In Indian classical music.
Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma on santoor, Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia on flute and Ustaad Zakir Hussain on tabla. Nothing is planned or conceived. And the three begin to play as casually as sitting across a table chatting to each other. When they started and when it all ended no one knew and no one cared, but for me it was the most incredible moment of classical music that I had ever heard and perhaps ever will hear. Each player complimenting the other, provoking the other, going beyond any written or rehearsed sequence, just wrapped in the exuberance of genius that flowed hour after hour.
What a wonderful way to bring in the year. Yes, by the time they finished, dawn was peeping through the windows ; perhaps a little ahead of time. Almost impatient in its occurrence. Impatient to be a part of the greatness that was pushing away the old and inviting the new.
I had recorded the evening on one of those portable cassette recorders - a common order in those days and now in typical fashion have no idea where I must have stored it. But find it I will and relive that unforgettable evening. An evening that I recollect silently, as Jaya and I drive back after the function for the felicitation of Hariji.
And I drive back today after the dentist almost the same route an evening later, to reach the studios of Vishal and Shekhar, the musician duo of various popular films and members of our Unforgettable Tour, to record tracks for our performance on stage. And we sing and ‘jam’ to recent hits and those with nostalgia from our films. But nothing comes even near what we experienced at Nehru Center the previous night.
The purity of the classical note is the closest we can get to Godliness. In life we strive to strike that note. That one note that shall bring us closer to the Maker. Blessed are they that achieve that feat, for they are special. Our lives and our souls would be desolate without the music of life. I want to hear it all the while. Even if I may never possess it.
In fair symphony
Amitabh Bachchan
Hi Amit ji..i know u love music..so how was the drive..god ur tooth must hurt ha..i hope its tken care of now…My father mr sudesh bhardwaj is a singer as well past 30 years..i mean he has business in la but he sperads the word of god..mata ke bhajans..i must giv u his cd if u like to hear it someday…Hope ur resting well..I LOVE U WITH ALL MY HEART..I GIVE U NOTHING BUT POSITIVE GOOD ENERGY BECAUSE I GET IT BACK FROM U BY WATCHING U AND HEARING U AND SEEING UR BLOGS..I LOVE U TRULY..URS TRULY..VIIKAS
(Report abuse)
Lovely Amitabh,
Evocative and life affirming blog. I love the way you are so unafraid of change, unafraid of ushering in the new. My father in law was telling me that while you were in Trinidad he gave you a tape with the calypso “feeling hot hot hot” and that you later said you loved it and listened to it when you were unwell. It shows so many sides of you. personally i love the rang barasi song you sang yourself in Silsila. That was just about letting go and being in the moment. I hope to see you in Trinidad. Stay in the light, and keep up the great posts. Ira
(Report abuse)
how u doing?
(Report abuse)
Hello Amitji,
Its a pleasure reading your blog, your thought on various issue,your pat experience and every other aspect of your life. Its a wonderfull experience just reading your blog.
Good Night
Regards.
Glenn Lopes
(Report abuse)
hi n a big hug 4 u………..loved ur thoughts as usual…..dont u miss goin 2 malls n shopping n eating or just may b window shopping like v all do…..i’m sure deep inside somewhere u may want 2 do sumthing like that but its impossible…but i guess u r such a huge “PERSONALITY”…I GUESS U LOOSE SUM U GAIN SUM….IF I C U SHOPPING LIKE V ALL DO N IF I’M THERE I WOULD REALLY GO BONKERS N MAY B JUST HUG U N NEVER LET U GO………….WELL WHT 2 DO my love n respect keeps growing everyday since i landed on this earth in the yr 1977…..amit uncle u rock u r the best……..WANT 2 C U N TALK 2 U JUST ONCE…………..LOVE N RESPECT ALWAYS……GOD BLESS U ALWAYS
(Report abuse)
Mr. B,
Thanks for making us part of those unforgettabe evenings - the one that took place just yesterday … and the one from years ago. You are indeed right about one thing - our culture is inherent in us - no matter where we are and where we go - the roots beckon and excite and enthrall. That is why NRIs like myself do what ever we can to find ways for our children born and raised out of the motherland to still connect to that motherland.
BTW … No sleep is bad sleep … just my 2 cents!
Be well.
/SherryBh
(Report abuse)
dear sir ,
learnt from u not to sleep early realised i have a lot of things to do , working my way up to reach u , i just have i question to u
can one aspire to be famous ?
(Report abuse)
wah! such a wonderful reading this is! you are just special, yes yes, you can convert that tape to digital format and burn a DVD or CD as you like, hmm..these are some valluables which you may need to archive for future!!
(Report abuse)
Respected Dr.Amitabh Bachchan Saab,
I just click on your site, then saw your new message.After reading your words then imediately understand that how much you care for your friends and also your dignity, thats very special.I always respect and appreciate your personal thinking and your talent.Honestly, how many actors of generation can write such a nice article in english, like you? even Mrs.Hema or Mr.Dharmendra or Mr.Shatru and etc, could not speak proper or correct english.I hope soon your writting skill or talent will acknowledge by Indian public, media(hopefully) and Indian university or Academic Institute, like your father was recognised and respected. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, life and this space.
(Report abuse)
Dear Mr Bachchan,
I feel very fortunate to be one of the firsts to read and comment on your bolg today..day 70! Once again you have touched my heart with your writing, Music is a universal language and it does break all barriers. Much luck and success with your Unforgettable tour - Audrey
(Report abuse)
i am geting addicted to your blogs……….
(Report abuse)
Mr. Bachchan,
I can very fortunately say that I can relate to the purity of classical music. I very recently saw Zakir Hussain the the Masters of Percussion perform here in Tennessee in the US. And for nearly three hours I was transported back to India and let the music simply flow over me. At moments I would be amazed at how they performed…it was a rather young crowd, mostly college students, and I was so impressed as to how the catered to the crowd by playing faster rhythmic pieces. I have seen many musical performances in many different countries but this one in my hometown was by far the most impressive. I was spellbound by not only by Mr. Hussain but the rest of the troupe as well. It was definitely a night to rememeber.
Much Love,
Reema
(Report abuse)
Dear AmitBhaiyya,
Your blogs are an inspirational joy to read and I hope you will continue to blog and share with your fans all that they would otherwise not have the chance to learn. The rapport you have built with your fans continues to inspire everyone. So, I hope you will keep on keeping on. And as for those nay-sayers from the media, let those sanctimonious narcissistic negativists go at it….
Jai Ramji ki.
(Report abuse)
Hello Amit Uncle
I read most of the article written by you and I respond some times, but I vain longing to hear back from you.
I am really not sure if they add any value. I also know that there are millions who write to you and your schedule is hectic as ever but ever it seems to you
that this shared with you helps would really bring joy to me. I donot wish to bore you.
Enough of my poor words and longings I am putting the words here from the Book of Ecclesiastes it was written by Riches King on earth lived King Solomon
hope this would bless you. May your steps and heart be guided by the Alighty.
Good Day!
LoL
Ravi.
Ecclesiastes 7
1A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
2It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his
heart.
3Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
4The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
5It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
6For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
7Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.
8Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
9Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
10Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.
11Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.
12For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
13Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
14In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should
find nothing after him.
15All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his
life in his wickedness.
16Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?
17Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
18It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
19Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
21Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:
22For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
23All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
24That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
25I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness
and madness:
26And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the
sinner shall be taken by her.
27Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:
28Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
29Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
(Report abuse)
Sir, I look forward to seeing you perform live in London.
It will be the first visit to London for my wife since she has been in the UK, and it is nearly 1 year we have been married.
I am not able to afford top price tickets, but I am attending because of my loyalty to You.
Pls would we be able to meet, and get your blessings??????????????????????????
Merci..
(Report abuse)
hi dear amithab
app ki kiya hal he?
you take the trouble very much.
good luck sir
anyone brought whatever had
for to buy of love
but mad had not nothing
they imagined mad crying
for the reason
mad don’t have nothing
but nobody don’t know
love price is tears
and
tears price is love
(Report abuse)
Namaste,
What would be the scene where Pt Chaurasiya and you were present ! You are too lucky that you had been with him. Pt jee ko meree managal kamanayen. And for you lots of love.
Your fan,
Avaneesh
(Report abuse)
Dear Mr. B.,
A lovely reminiscence. Memories of greatness that have nothing to do with fame or fortune … just connections with beauty and love in its purest form through music.
I well know what it can be. My greatest love in life has been music. I love opera most, because of the great stories and the magnificent voices. My own favorite memories are those of music I’ve heard and operas I’ve seen. A good friend is an opera star, Richard Troxell, who sings gloriously in movies. His movie of “Madame Butterfly” made ten years ago is a masterpiece. It’s available on Netflix or at Amazon and you should see it. (I’m not advertising for him … I just think everyone should see it. Siskel and Ebert gave it two thumbs up … no one who sees it comes away less than amazed. It’s a classic in the opera field. Another great singer … Wojtiech Drabowitz … sang a definitive Eugene Onegin at Glyndebourne in England. The DVD is also available. These are my two favorites. Tragically, he was killed a year ago in a car crash in Poland, only 41 years old and with a great career. Life is so precious and can disappear so quickly …
I’m so glad things are going well for you and that you’re getting some sleep. Yes, I think it can make you lethargic next day … but maybe that’s good too! A little less frenetic existence can be good for you, although it may make the work a little harder.
Will you have some more pictures from your sets for us? I loved seeing the ones from Aladin and Shoebite before.
Aloha from Hawaii …
Love, Dorothy
(Report abuse)
I am pleased to hear Abhishek and Aishwaraya are doing better. The way you described your visit to the dentist reminds me of my father. He too is afraid of the dentist, even though in general he is very bold. However, to show one’s vulnerablity at times is quite endearing. It makes us fans feel closer to you.
In “To Be or Not To Be”, I remember Shweta saying you have a memory like an elephant. How you narrated the night you listened to classical music with Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia while shooting Silsila has validated your daughter’s remark. That was more than 20 years ago and you tell us as if it happened the other day. That is sweet.
I first saw you in K3G, but it is Silsila that made me fall in love with you and your acting. I like the film so much that I watched it over and over again until the DVD broke. You just look amazing in those white flare trousers. So thanks to Silsila, I have come to know one of the world’s greatest actors. That film will always be special to me.
I heard that too much sleep can make one feel lethargic. But I think it is much better than not getting enough sleep and feel tired. As a matter of fact, how you spend your time sleeping is your personal choice and I do not think I am in the position to give you advice. So I will just say please take good care. You are like our treasure and we would like you to feel your best always.
(Report abuse)
Hi Amitji,
Well you sure are old by age to be called uncle.. but somehow, your young heart does not permit me to write that.. when i read your blogs, even though you are talking abt 70’s , (i was barely born then) feels like what i would think abt right now. I wonder how you keep yourself so youthfull, full of energy and zest for life!
Your writings are very inspiring and equally enigmatic to read. I look forward to it everyday , infact logg into the website couple of times a day , thinking may be you found a time to drop a line or two. =0)
It works out well as I am in US and most of your notes are written in the night time in India, when its day here in Us and since I am into IT field, am working on the computer most of the time.
I have read your Autobiography written by Khaleed Mohammed and I guess some part by Jayaji. I was inspired then to know more of you as a person and cant beleive here i have a chance to know the great men of the centuary talking to us from his heart .
Amitji, I and millions of other fans of yours thank you from bottom our heart to make this happen. we feel so much close to you as never before and would hate to strive apart from this great pleasure of being part of your everyday.
Please keep writing and motivating us. You know, you could count on US.
Ending with a salute to our Inner super power as said by Ralph Waldo Emerson:
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us”
(Report abuse)
Dear Amitabh Bachchan,
Thank you…
With love.
Tatiana S. USA
(Report abuse)
Respected Amitabh Bachchan,
Sorry for not being on your blogs since couple of weeks as was bit tied up with some work and social commitments.
Last week we watched SARKAR RAJ and once again nice to see WORLDS BEST DUO (Father & Son) and adding flavour to the movie is Aishwairya…(The perfect Bahu!)
Excellent movie and mind blowing performances and would also like to appreciate the perofrmance of Shri Dilip Prabhavalkar (Rao Saheb)!
Reading some of your past blog, came to know that you were not very well, that’s why i think you need to take some rest (couple of lethargic days).
Please do take care of your health and your family.
Best regards,
Bhushan
(Report abuse)
A Day In the Life
Shooting shooting all day long
Rehearsing a dance or dubbing a song
A premier here and a premier there
Same day but I am everywhere
It could be Lucknow or it could be Indore
I don’t mind if it is indoor or outdoor
It may rain or it may shine
I will be there to play that role of mine
Today London tomorrow New York
I will go anywhere if it is for work
I don’t care if its day or night
A song sequence or a tough fight
Give me dialogue and some make up
Won’t need an alarm clock for me to wake up
The angry young man of yesterday
I remain ever so busy even today
There is no time to fume or fret
Have places to go in my private jet
A press conference is waiting for me
Wanting to know tomorrow where I will be
What I do or what I don’t
That question is going to always haunt
So much I try to accomplish each day
At what cost only I know by the way
For example can’t take for walk my poor dog
Who do you think will then write the blog
I am getting older but also much bolder
All those girls dare not give me the cold shoulder
Chini Kum hai to Nishabd na rahunga
Apne man ki baat mein apne blog mein zaroor kahunga
When every one sleeps and it is past mid-night
For wiritng my blog I feel the time is just right
Soon I will be up to face another busy day
To live this life I do not know any other way
Subhash Kaura
(Report abuse)
Dear Mr Bachchan,
Yes I saw the glimpse of you and Jayaji on TV for Hariji’s 70 th Birthday. The whole event was giving the impression of a divine and spiritual evening. And I must admit that even your presence there was spreading a special , pure aura in the whole event. Now I know why…The way you write your thoughts ,one can feel a pure soul behind it.
I am speechless…!!!
Looking forward to read your thoughts next day…
Ruchika
USA
(Report abuse)
Hello Amit ji,
We are from South india but we are fans of yours as much as Chiranjeevi and Rajnikanth.I am a regular reader of your blog and I am happy to see all the random happenings in your life.
Music is always a part of life.Come what May!!
Good luck with all your endeavours.
Love to Abhi and Ash.
-Lollypop
(Report abuse)
Read this somewhere as a child and still remember it:
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
(Report abuse)
Hello Sir,
There is something very sweet and genuine in your recent posts. I am happy that you are out of attacking media. Because we want our bond with you free from them. As audience we hardly meet our idols in life but still adore them. We choose to ignore their flaws and focus on their mastery of the topic. So we do need an attention which is just for us and for no other purpose.
I think at the core you are very emotional and sensitive person, thats why every cheap rumour hurts you. But dont underestimate your fans. They have a brain which is that of swan and it an easily separate truth from false.
I loved your Moblog.. And especially one message where you talked about your disappointment of loosing your Moblog on new cellphone. Sir you are adorably loving person to say that. In this busy world who really cares to be connected to even their dear ones. and you take this pain for strangers like us.
I totally felt for you, when you said your life is bound with Studio and home trips. That must be very suffocating at times. Because Mumbai is a different world in itself on inner parts. Be it local trains , be it bus stations , be it busy Ghatkopar Market, be it Ruia College , be it Mumbai Rains.. You are missing so much sir.. I think you should spend one full day with me in Mumbai. And I will take you to the places you have never thought existed in Mumbai. He he..
You must be thinking this gal is some crazy fan.. No Sir.. I am not crazy But I am fan. I am in US now So cannt be there. But If you ever come to california..Please make sure we get to meet you.
I want to mention one incident to you, When I first visited Bombay it was some eleven years back for my job. I loved the city and its people. We used to stay very near to Kamal Amrohi Studio. Everytime our Auto crossed that gate, we wished to see that place once from inside. After one whole year of crossing that gate from Auto, one day my friend and I got down from Auto and tried to go inside. As expected, security guards didnt allow us. There was no way we could get an entry. After one hour of passive attempts, we came back to out place disappointed. We never tried to see any studio then. When I came to US, I got opportunity to see warner Brother’s studio in LA. To say the least It was easy and accessible. The first ever Set I saw was that of “Oceans’ thirteen”. I really found this bizzare that being a citizen there I cannt see basic Studio in India and beign Immigrant here in US , I can see any studio I want to see. Not sure why people in film dont encourage public to see studio. It allows people to connect better.
Ria
(Report abuse)
Hope you have a good day !
(Report abuse)
I still can’t believe it’s you only !
Well your thoughts on classical music and musicians are like ….. amazing ! I used to think that people from bollywood (mostly) are either oriented to bolly music or western music (as it is so common with so called elite of society & economy) .
Nonetheless , are you planning to come out with your edition / book of poetry or prose ? I think you should , sooner than later ! I pray it is in (chaste) hindi !
All the best !
sks
(Report abuse)
At the end, everybody has their own view to look at things. This is my perspective.
Passion is one word I can read in today’s writing. Pupils are passionate to give back to their guruji. The three magicians are passionate about their creations. The passion which makes you forget the bonds of time. Passion leads to innovation. Classical music is one such type of innovation. Things we do with passion are always remembered and preserved.
Thanks for sharing your experience with all. It really means a lot.
(Report abuse)
This is Really a GREEEEEEAAT article… How beautifully you expresses your feelings about Music!!!! Simply SUPERB!!!!
(Report abuse)
Dear Amit ji:
You make a wordly point on the thread of music and culture as beings. Two weeks ago, on a busy evening in London, I was teaching in a room full of students from 36 nationalities. There was lot of unease as most of them had had a hard work day. I asked them to close their eyes and put the Pt Hari Prasad ji’s music.
After 3 minutes, I stopped the music, and I could feel the air full of tranquility-many of them smiling. For next 2 hrs they were connected and focused. The power in Pandit ji’s flute is unmeasurable and beyond this world….and so are your performances. There is one connection both of you share, and that is of taking audience to another world with your brilliance on stage..and furthermore displaying offstage modesty.
Best wishes for a great day tomorrow.
Ajay Bhalla
(Report abuse)
A really touching description. good to read some nostalgia from you. Longing for more.
Have a good night sir.
(Report abuse)
hmmm…..as Keats said,’ a thing of beauty is a joy forever… great music, great poetry, great landscapes…. they are all shades of the divine. Its touching and some what reassuring to know that someone of your stature can feel awed and humbled in the presence of such genius just like your ordinary joe [or zara!! ;-)]
(Report abuse)
Very True Amitji
The Classical note is the Closest we can get to Godliness
My dad always listens to Jugalbandi of Ustad Allarakhan saab and Ustad Zakhir hussain saab……He has a collection of all the cassettes , recordings of their concerts
U gointo a completely different world while listening to it
It is as if they are talking to each other via Tabla :-O
Fascinating!
Lots n lots n lots Of love
Take care
Swati Pai
USA
(Report abuse)
Hello Sir, I am not particularly inclined towards Indian classical music, but know I will give it a try….I did have the priviledge to attend Zakir Hussein’s concert when I was 10 years old….so did not retain much. I shall ask my mom to lend me her collection…i am sure she will be delighted to share!
(Report abuse)
p.s. had a chance to hear Panditji at the Royal Festival Hall….it was amazing beacause he could transport you into the realms of mysticism with the flute and bring you right back o earth with his rustic humour!!
(Report abuse)
What a memory!
Right I have so good old memories of your films, that everytime you go back in old days, I myself is going through same thing
Thanks again for giving such wonderful memories
Also a hearty CONGRATULATIONS to you, Abhishek & Ash for giving a classical called Sarkar Raj.
I just saw yesteraday & wondering why people are criticising for such a nice movie
Keep it up
This is my first reply, although I am reading from day one to each of you blog
Take care
(Report abuse)
Mr. Bachchan,
I also like certain forms of classical music. I agree that the music is very pure, raw, and sincere. I enjoyed reading about your New Year’s eve with Jaya, Yash Chopra, and his wife. I would love to read more about Jaya and also about your other memories of your childhood, your past films, etc.
The Unforgettable tour sounds like it is shaping up to be one of the biggest stage shows in decades. I read an article from Times London that stated the Unforgettable tour would be in 28 cities all over the globe. I think that is awesome news. However I still must stress that the Official Unforgettable Tour website is not updated. The schedule on the official website only has 8 tour dates. That means that 20 of the tour dates are still not up on the official site. So please have the webmasters at the Official Unforgettable Tour keep the tour’s schedule updated with the most recent added dates so that the fans can have one main place where they can get the factual info and details about the tour. I’m glad to hear that Abhi and Ash are both doing well now.
Best wishes!!
(Report abuse)
amen
(Report abuse)
Very well written, Amitji. Many years ago I had the opportunity to see and hear Pandit Hari Prasadji and Pandit Shiv Kumarji here inthe Netherlands on two separate occassions. Both maestros used to come regularly here. Those two evenings, although many years ago, are as fresh as yesterday in my memory. There are certain golden moments in your life which are so marvellous and exceptional that you never forget. Those two evenings were such moments for me. Enchanting, beyond words.
It is late even here in the Netherlands now. I am going to hit the pillow.
Have fun tomorrow.
Best regards
Vimal
(Report abuse)
Talking of classical music and the icons, I got a chance to hear jugalbandi from Zakir Hussain and Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma at Harvard few years ago. It was just amazing. I remember they played a mesmerizing raag, jan-sammohini. Mind-blowing.. not that I am a pundit in classical music, or know anything more than an ordinary person but I could enjoy and appreciate it.
-Zita
(Report abuse)
I am a doctor working for NHS in london. I am a big fan of Big B and would request him to do a small interview for patients. We are making a small video for people, to encourage and inspire them to go for regular check ups and get treated for disease like hypertension and diabetes which can lead to cardiovascular diseases.
Mr Bacchan is a actor of great stature and some words of encouragement from him will help attract a lot of patients. Please contact me on my e-mail ID.
(Report abuse)
Lovely thought as always……i m counting each day till 18jul when my prayers wl be answered even though i wl only b able to see u {live}…from farawayand i dont know what wl happen at the moment the time wl just stand still……oh u cant even think in yr dreams how much that means to me…..i m yr ever so “diwani fan’..may god bless u …aur aap ko meri umaar bhi lag jaye aap asse hee umesha khush rahein and with the best of health…..god bless u all…amen
(Report abuse)
today was one of the best of your blogs! I was impressed!
(Report abuse)
My Dearest Mr Bachchan…..
You only listen to Indian classical music? Or do you ever listen to Mozart, Vivaldi, and the other famous classical music artiste? And yes, you have to find that recording! Sometimes impromptu are the best works. Shame you can’t share it with us. Is there anyway you can link some music on your blog. Would love to hear you sing and listen to some of your works.
Love to unwind listening to classical music - funny you should be talking about it tonight in your post! Have had a very busy day so to unwind I went to my collection of classical Cds and have chosen to listen to Schumann. Well a compilation of his work really in one Cd entitled “Romantic Legends.” Some are too fast for my liking right now, not suitable for unwinding, before sleeping. But I like, “Intermezzo” - slow, pure, dreamy, clear… .then it burst into euphoric energy….then to a soft meandering romantic pace - all three alternating until the end. Music that touches deep into the soul. There is one piece called “Dreaming”. Just solo on a piano. I close my eyes and listen to it. It transcends all feelings. Anyway must end here because…..
Me thinks, ’tis time to bid you adieu, to yonder sleep doth thee needeth to go. ‘Tis to dream….dream….dream. Ha! Ha! Ha! Not even sure if I am making sense here. Must end, for the day was long and the body yearns for rest and the selfish mind does not want to be divided. It wants now only to give attention to music!
I bid you goodnight dear sir…
Myself too I layeth to thine bed….
In musical harmony….
Rose C
(Report abuse)
Sir ….. How Can You Afford To Be So Amazing ? Who are You Sir? A Magician ? Because You are Just too Good to be an Actor ! HAIL TO YOU SIR !
Love you Loads !
(Report abuse)
wonderful writing, beautiful n flowing words
ur words take away 100% of my mind n soul ..to peace..:)
i really liked this particular entry today !!
God bless you !
(Report abuse)
Dear Sir,
Dont you miss the life od the outside world? Or are u already used to it and you dont care about it anymore?
(Report abuse)
sir, hope u recall more of those days and wrote it here for us. It would be great to know the Amitabh thst was without the French beard.
(Report abuse)
Dear Amitji,
May you find the symphony within yourself. May you find harmony all around you.
And may that beautiful moment happen to all of us too!
Loads of love and strumming the strings of my heart!
Anshu
(Report abuse)
beautiful…
(Report abuse)
Re: “Perhaps there has been too much sleep. Or let us just say more than what I usually get !”
“The Cancer Prevention Study II … showed that people with serious insomnia or who only get 3.5 hours of sleep per night, live longer than people who get more than 7.5 hours.” Guess you are just one of the lucky ones who get to enjoy more of life than the rest of us.
Find that tape, enjoy it again, and put the BS out of your mind (that’s what’ll kill you).
(Report abuse)
hi,
i will never miss to leve a feed back in your blog………………………………………..you are really the best
thxx
(Report abuse)
Dear Mr Bachchan,
Wow! What a wonderful piece of writing. At 33, my memories of events that happened last year are nothing compared to the detail with which you recollect past memories.
I appreciate classical Indian music too. I wish it was given more importance in our world today - simple music brings such peace of mind - the same peace of mind we get when we remember god.
Excellent thought provoking stuff!
Lots of love,
Falguni xxxx
(Report abuse)
Hi Amitji,why didnt you say all your love as always???today??
we dont want just the symphony…please..you are one of the lucky ones to have enjoyed that private musical evening so amny years ago love and regards gurpreet
(Report abuse)
amit ji
just keep going ..
and DONT FORGET WE R ALWAYS WITH U …
khush rahein ….ALLAH hafiz ..bye
TANVEER…….PAKISTAN
(Report abuse)
sir ji
Thanx for sharing the beautiful evenin of delhi ..I could see it with ur eyes and hear it through ur ears and enjoyed it…
Mahesh Thakur
UK
(Report abuse)
IS IT TRUE THAT THE INDIAN MEDIA IS OWNED BY FORIEGNERS?
Media is the only institution that has POWER without RESPNSIBILITY. That is UNjust.
(Report abuse)
“So True, So Beautiful, So Amitabh Bachchan”
(Report abuse)
Dear sir,
What a harmony bewteen your wonderful thoughts and unmathced performance of The Great Classical Trio , Pt. Hari , Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma & Tabla Vidwan Zakir Hussain Saheb !!!
The value of Diamond is rightly judges by Johri………..
By the way, i watched all available videos of Abhi-Ash marriage on you tube….
Awasome….. i felt like being presnt in the biggest marriage of India…..
Sir !!! Please confirm…….do u receive our comment in response to your MO blog on you mobile also….?
With Respect, Love and Faith….
(Report abuse)
good - c u 2mro
in fair symphony
(Report abuse)
Dear Amitji,
You are very lucky to have such an evening with greatest of Indian classical music legends. Pls work hard at finding that record and if you could publish it with their permission, we all can become part of that evening. That will be your gift to us helping us taking closer to the Maker.
Best Regards,
Amol Dharmadhikari
(Report abuse)
Dear Amitji,
Very true…classical music has its own place and value but sadly our younger generation is getting away from it mostly by not realizing its importance and charm. Hariprasadji is one of the great among the present members of classical musicians, god bless him and this wonderful art.
Thanks,
Vinay
(Report abuse)
I’d like to slightly differ in this case. The purity of effort has nothing to do with the genre of music, classical or popular and filmy music whatever. The reason we find classical musicians more soothing is because they are not as much polluted as the packaged Bollywood albums these days. Popular music in today’s India means technical sprucing up, branding and packaging. It hardly take care of human talent. Classical music is also affected by the same phenomenon, however the level of pollution is quite low, since they have to cater to a smaller audience (even though elite) .
I have personally seen how folk singers of great caliber, who could enthrall you inside the green rooms, would go flat once occupying the stage. A blatant show of money, arc lights and camera can kill anybody’s creativity, no need to be surprised here. This is also why Pakistani singers draw in larger crowds. They haven’t been made insensitive due to the lack of a Bolllywood like counterpart in their home country.
Bollywood music post 90s (also post Kishoreda and RD Burman) has mostly been reduced into technical gimmickry. They extend more weightage to stage craft, dancing tropes and camera work as compared to the playback sounds. Techniques take precedence over the human talent. Could you say Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore, Lata, Asha and Manna Dey were less virtuosos as compared to your chosen classical singers? Of course, the majority of them immigrated from the classical music itself, but they had a much wider audience to entertain once into cinema. Producers used to have the requisite patience until mid 80s to allow the kind of moody Kishoreda’s creativity could be. No more nowadays, though.
Try changing your get up and travel like a commoner in some Indian train (you must have initially done it, of course). Look at the talent of those Indian kids who make the railways their only abode throughout this country. With primitive tools of music in one hand, they sing like the Tansens of modern India!
I write this because, Indian classical music gets undue significance from a particular section of media and society. One should applaud good music and good cinema, irrespective of the genres they may belong to.
(Report abuse)
Belated Happy BirthDay to Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia .
I am also a Big fan of Ustad Zakir Hussain .
Please convey My regards to them if possible .
Have a Good day sir.
-Krisna
(Report abuse)
I think I am the first one to comment on your blog today. A big Yay!!!!
You are so right - nothing like being transformed by classical notes. We had a recital at our home last year by Shahid Pervez - well known Sitar maestro. Four hours of pure bliss where those Sitar strings did all the talking - it captured the melancholy, the purity, playfulness, flirtatious and finally joy, exuberance and ecstasy. That is the power of classical music where you can bathe in the presence of divine.
And having been raised in Patna(now a very sad place) - my grandparents and parents were music lovers and we got to hear Ustad Bismillah Khan, Ravi Shanker, Bhimsen Joshi at close quarters and I have to agree with you - the experience is unbeatable.
(Report abuse)
What an amazing man you are sir. You are becoming my inspiration.
May God Bless You Forever and Ever.
Love you
(Report abuse)
Hi…Aby,
Great to know abt Abhi and Ash. Another wonderful blog!!
Have a Rocking Day ahead.
Love always ..
Nive..
(Report abuse)
hiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!
GOD tusi great ho (””’–””’)
(Report abuse)
Hello Amit ji,
Still can’t believe that I am actually talking to you. Thank you for writing and being so close to your fans. After reading your blogs, it feels like we are in Mumbai and very close to you. Isn’t it amazing.. wow!
Reading your blogs is a learning experience for me, you are so humble and nice and classic.. well I am short of words, so will say Simply Great… God Bless you.
Please take care and will talk to you later.
love
Seema
PS: I saw your Sarkar Raj again (third time) on dvd ofcourse and simply loved you.
(Report abuse)
Morning Sir !
How’s it going? beautiful write up…I must say ” Blog ho tho Amitabh Bachchan ka jaisa, warna na ho”..pardon me for lifting lines from your film ‘Sharaabhi’
(another one of my favourites).
Your passion towards your craft and life in general is amazing !
Found a nice quote on my desk calendar this morning (not applicable to you, but I still thought I could share it with the other readers here)
” To pursue your passion and never achieve is far better than never having a passion and living with regret forever” - Keith Abraham
Have a nice day !
Regards,
Jagz, Sydney Australia
Big B Yahoo Group
Amitabh is the best !
(Report abuse)
dear amitiji
we hope all good and u will be in very good
condetion and very pourful health ans please
dont late and enter the internet everyday and write your comments and
we consider you as a sign of india and a sign of culture man
and you are our first actor in our life
and we love your huminity in your films and you characters
and your normal and sensitive character usually
connect between us and you and we belive it very
and we consider you as an important part in our day
and we are very suspended to know everything about you and your life ,your day,your important and your a magic of life and your w diamond and you’ll not ever repeated
best wishes from my mother mrs zeianab and she is a big fan for you and she is crazy about you she has all your films she continous you when she was first see you in coolie
best wishes
kiss from me and mum
yours dr hadeel
egypt
(Report abuse)
and we hope commiunicated with you we try alot to get your num ber or your address and no one gives us
please amitiji we’ll die without you please send your num to just listen to your voice it’s my only hope in life is to call you
i’m waiting for you
hadeel_amrdiab4@hotmail.com
hadeel_amrdiab4@yahoo.com
0020106863662
it’s my num and my emails if you see my comment please answer to mee
love you for ever
hadeel
(Report abuse)
Amitabh Ji:
I am sending this note from Houston, Texas. Eight of us (four couples) are planning to attend the “Unforgetable” show on August 2, 2008 at Houston. I am a great fan of yours, particularly after seeing “Baghban”. Following is the review I have posted, “This is all time Great movie expressing the sentiments of love and family values of yester years. Saw the movie on 11/8 for the first time in a theater and have been seeing the DVD repeatedly in the evenings for over six times or more. Amitabh Bachchan’s and Hema Malini’s action in the last seen was superb. Amitabh’s rendition of his speech in the last scene was excellent. Excellent movie. Mallik Putcha 11/23/2003 8:27:18 PM”.
If posible, I would like to get your autograph on the Baghban DVD. Please let me know and we can correspond offline. If possible, I would like you to render parts of your Bagbahn’s speech at Houston event. You are exactly 60 days older than me!!!!
All of you have a safe trip, see you soon.
With best regards,
Mallik
(Report abuse)
Good morning Sir,
Above are the words of a true music lover, sounds true.
Many years back I saw your photo in a magazine where you were playing SAROD being a left hander. The article said that you play the instrument well.
Flute sound is closest to human voice and the sweetest of all the musical instruments, SANTOOR too is a wonderful instrument, but not easy.
Take care.
Have a nice day !!
Yours for classical note,
Shailendra Mathur,
UJJAIN.
(Report abuse)
Dear Amitji,
This is what NDTV has published….
Honoured: Vipul Shah was every glad to have Big B at the launch, but the actor didn’t seem to be truly enjoying himself out there. According to a source, Big B was quite happy as he reached the venue, but the moment he saw Salman, he began to look depressed and left the place too early.
I wonder why an actor like Amitabh Bachchan would get depressed to see another actor of the same fraternity and that too when they are working together in the same flick.
Thanks,
(Report abuse)
beautiful!!! absolutely beautiful….. i got goosebumps reading this article…. very soulfully written indeed….
even the experience of listening to pure classical music makes one feel closer to the almighty …. i wonder how do the musicians feel when they play or sing with so much of purity…. i guess it is something that I may never experience….shadder!!
(Report abuse)