Posted on: August 18, 2008 - 3:09 am
New York, NYC August 17, 2008 4:15 pm
A relaxed day. Nothing to compel us to get up and be about. Nothing to be apprehensive of and no awkward mails to answer.
What needs to be answered though are a multitude of questions that are being put up by several readers and the apprehension there of not being given the system by the server to be able to do that in a systematic manner.
What I desire of them is that as I read through the comments I must have a technology in place on my blog which will give me immediate space beneath it to give an immediate response. They have been working at it and did try out a software which could give me this facility. But they were not happy with the result and are still working on it. In a few days they say it will be in place and then.. VIOLA !! I shall be able to give immediate response to a response below the response in a responsible manner !! Ha..ha ha..
Pardon the exuberance !!
I have some great music plugged into my ears and I am well.. exuberant !!
Aishwarys’s cousins who live here took us to Tao, with the great Buddha statue much like Buddha Bar in Paris and the atmosphere and music there was invigorating. So this morning is merely a spill over of the experience.
Then at night to witness one of the most awesome sights on TV – Beijing Olympics. 100m track, Usain Bolt and his record breaking run !! Man. What a sight. What attitude and what confidence. If he hadn’t been so adventurous and thumped his chest 15 meters before the finish, he could have removed some more numbers off the clock !! To me the moment of the Olympics !! Till then it was the 100m freestyle relay won in the last seconds by the Americans, but this was something else !!
My own foray into the world of track and field events had a very limited journey. It began somewhere in the 3rd or 4th Standard in School at Allahabad, Boy’s High School and lasted till the 8th. Several moments of glory were captured in a box camera of those days by my Mother on the victory podium. But after leaving there and joining Sherwood the cups and medals and my own performing standard dropped drastically. Guess it was better, more able and strong competition that did me in. Though I did manage a silver in the high jump.
But fascinating to see these wonderful athletes, the epitome of the human form, breaking record after record as the years go by. It was a historic moment when the 4 minute mile was accomplished, by the British athlete Roger Bannister when I was in School. Look where we are now. And the 10 sec barrier in the 100’s. This 21 year old Jamaican has sailed through to a 9.69 sec record !! I wonder where it will all stop.
There have been some interesting discussions with concerned individuals on the media and maybe next time we can put that up for response and comment. It is always fascinating to talk about such matters and the interesting issues that are brought up. Fascinating because it never ceases to amaze me how informed and conscious the common man is on matters we believe would never be of interest to them.
It shall be a debate I shall be most anxious to present and listen to.
Of that later and till then –
To all my Muslim friends, happy Shabe-Baraat - the moment of the closure of the book of deeds and the opening of new ones on this most auspicious night –
Love and more –
Amitabh Bachchan
My dear friend from South Africa sent me a mail on the significance of this auspicious day. I reproduce it below. It is so wonderful and noble.
Re: The Night of Shabe Baraat
—– Original Message ——
From:Amitabh Bachchan
Sent:Saturday, August 16, 2008 18:53
To:Fatima
Subject:Re: The Night of Shabe Baraat
All my greetings to you and the family and thank you for the kind deeds and words. They are reciprocated double fold with love
amitabh
Hi Mr B….it’s a very religious night for us tonite….it is the night where our books of deeds are closed and the new ones opened…so on this very auspicious night…I pray for you also……and ask forgiveness… 
Fatima
The Significance of Shabe Baraat
This night is called Shabe-Baraat ( the night of freedom ) because Allah frees all His sinful servants who were destined for Jahannam.
The Quraan has called it a blessed night.
Nabi has said in a Hadith regarding this month. “Shabaan is my month and Ramadhaan is the month of Allah .”
This month is an introduction to Ramadhaan, like Shawwal hail the end of Ramadhaan.
Allah Ta’ala ’s mercy decends during this night
During this night, beginning at sunset Allah Ta’ala ’s special attention descends upon the first sky. He proclaims
“Is there anyone seeking forgiveness, that I may pardon him?
Is there anyone requesting sustenance that I may provide for him?
Is there anyone afflicted with difficulty (so that he may ask for assistance) that I may help him?
Is there anyone with any other need?
Allah Ta’ala showers His mercy the entire night up until Subah Saadiq (early morning - dawn).
Nabi was so mindful of Sha’baan that he did not give the sighting of the moon of any other
month such thought.
It is also a speciality of this month, that all deeds done during the year shall be presented before Allah Ta’ala in this month.
Nabi stated that the month of Sha’baan which is between Rajab and Ramadhaan, is such a month that the people are negligent of its blessedness. It is during this month that the actions of the servants are presented before Allah Ta’ala .Therefore Nabi loved that his deeds be presented while he was fasting.
During the 15th of Sha’baan Allah Ta’ala shows special attention to all His servants, he pardons those who seek forgiveness and He showers mercy on those who show mercy to others as for those who grudge and have enmity for others, Allah Ta’ala leaves them that very same condition.
It is mentioned by Nabi that the remainder of a person’s life in the coming year and his sustenance and whoever shall be afforded the opportunity to perform Hajj (Pilgrimage) shall be written on this night.
During this night, the names of the souls of all those who are born and of all those who are to depart from this world. Furthermore during this night one’s actions are raised and sustenance sent down.
Nabi has prohibited one from fasting after the 15th of Sha’abaan. This prohibition does not cause the fast to become Haraam. The reason for prohibiting fasting after the 15th of Sha’baan is for one to gain strength for Ramadhaan.
It has been proven, from authentic sources, that the noble Sahaba and the Taabi’een used to remain awake during the entire night and practice upon the Sunnat Aamals. Our noble predecessors also used to honor this night and prepare for well in advance.
Committing sins during this night deprives a person of its blessings.
As the reward of a virtue increases respective to the time and place, so does the degree of sin. When during a significant time any amal is more virtuous so does the the evil and sin committed in that time be more abhorred. The law of place and time falls under the same category, e.g.. one may commit the same wrong in the Musjid and the degree of that sin shall increase. In the same manner this night is so blessed that committing a sin during this night shall be more severe.
Sunnat and Mustahab actions during the 15th of Sha’baan.
One should stay awake and perform Salaah, keep oneself busy with Zikr, recitation of the Holy Quraan and other worship. Do also recite the Masnoon Du’a of this night excessively. ( Dua on item no. 7 ).
To ask Allah Ta’ala for forgiveness, health, happiness and all our needs for this world and the Hereafter.
To busy onself with Ibaadat (worship) during the entire night of Shabe Baraat.
It is Mustahab (preferable) to fast on the 15th of Sha’baan. Our predecessors did so too.
one should visit the Qabarastaan (graveyard) and make Du’a and seek forgiveness on behalf of the deceased.
It is stated in a Hadeeth that Nabi said “One who performs Esha salaat with Jamaat and Fajr Salaah with Jamaat, Allah Ta’ala will grant him the reward of staying the night.” There are glad tidings for the weak and those engaged in business, that if they are not able to stay awake the entire night, they should try to remain awake as much as possible and to perform Fajr and Esha Salaat with Jamaat, so that they may not be completely deprived of the blessings of this night.
Hazrat Ayesh Sidiqah Radiallhu Anha say, ” I heard Nabi reciting the following Du’a whilst prostating in Nafl Salaah:”
Translation: I seek protection in Your forgiveness from Your Wrath, and seek shelter in Your pleasure from Your displeasure, and I seek safety with You from You, I cannot praise You as You are deserving and You are worthy of praise as You have praised Yourself.
Nabi repeated this dua continuously in Sajdah. This Du’a was taught to the Ummat by our beloved Nabi .
The following sins are so severe that due to them one would be deprived of the blessings of this great night:
1. To associate any partners to Allah Ta’ala , regarding His Being and Qualities.
2. To have enmity for one’s fellow brothers.
3. Not fulfilling the rights of our close relatives and treating them unkindly.
4. To allow the trousers and pants to hang below the ankles.
5. To be disobedient to the parents.
6. To drink wine.
7. To oppress and take bribes
8. To be involved in witchcraft.
9. To inform people of the unseen or to cast spells and be involved in fortune telling.
10. To read the palms in order to tell the future.
11. To play the guitar, drum or any other musical instrument.
12. To play any game that requires the use of dice.
After writing the virtues and blessings of this month, regretfully, we will have to include that due to the evil nature of our actions, we have converted all our actions to punishment and our blessings into worldly and hereafter losses. The Muslims were once those who used to draw some good from bad, some virtues from staying away from evil and benefit from troubles we encounter today. As a consequence of the evil nature of our actions, the tables have turned and we have lost out in all places of good and achieve loss in all places of benefit. May Allah Ta’ala grant all the Muslims the ability to practice good deeds and follow the Sunnah of our beloved Nabi .
And Allah Ta’ala is the only one who grants us the ability and divine assistance.
Our Saintly elders used to worship on the night of Shabe Baraat and fast the next day.
Who are we to find fault with these noble practices?
Oh ALLAH we humbly beg of You, Your Forgiveness for any of our shortcomings and we beg of You, Your Divine Help and assistance, Aameen.
Oh come on! You have got to be kidding me! I have only just reply to your last post and within 5 minutes you post another one???
You disappear for a couple of days! Then you come back with a vengeance!!!
Not fair!!! Sulking while reading this post.
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hey ur in new york?! omg awesome, watcha doin there?
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you should have tried Buddha Bar or Buddhakan in meat packing district. anyways, how did you like Tao. what did you eat since you are a veggie?
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Dear Sir,
I try to read your posts everyday, because they teach me something new all the time. I want to know how do you manage to have such a positive attitude. It amazes me. It was extremely emotional to read what you have written about your mom. Your post about your dear mother has taught me to appreciate each and every moment I spend with my parents. Thanks for teaching that lesson. I admire your positive and calm attitude. Please tell me how do you do that?
Lots of love and regards,
Chinu Singh.
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Hi there,
I think it is just wonderful how you dedicated almost an entire post to honor a nite of a religion that you dont even follow. It speaks to your greatness how you are so respectful to others and their religion. I myself am Muslim and I dont think I have seen such a gesture by a nonmuslim before. I feel its important for the world to understand Muslims and their religion better due to the tensions brewing in the world. There are many misconceptions and ideological fallacies that are spread about Islam and I think it is wonderful how you are shedding light to an aspect of Islam.
Moving on, I wanted to say (as I have in other posts) how amazing I think you are. I’m not sure if you still read posts that fans write or if you have hired staff to do so but I want to tell you how much I truly love and admire you. I went to the New York show on Friday and from the minute you entered stage I had a smile on that even if I wanted to I couldnt wipe off. You were simply gorgeous on stage! Even with the fantastic set and dancers I couldnt take my eyes off of you! My favorite part was when you and your wife came on stage to “Tere Bindya Re”. I literally started crying when I saw you in that sherwani! You looked simply beautiful!
Also, I have one request if you are still in New York then:
PLEASE COME AND VISIT ME IN MARYLAND!! ITS ONLY 4 HRS AWAY AND YOU WILL MAKE MY LIFE!! MY EMAIL IS MIZPRESIDENT2044@YAHOO.COM– EMAIL ME IF YOU WANT TO TAKE A LITTLE DETOUR AND ENJOY SOME HOME COOKED INDIAN FOOD. I KNOW ITS A LONG SHOT BUT I THOUGHT I’D GIVE IT A TRY!
Well thats it for today but I shall be back again! I hope you are keeping well and you get to your venue safely. You are simply gorgeous and Jayaji I literally the luckiest woman in the world. Good luck on your next show. I know you’ll throw it out of the ball park! Lemme know if you can come to Maryland!
Mehveen
Maryland-USA
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Dear Sir
Beautiful writing , beautiful wordings , amazing blog writing, my father is your age and he likes you very much too, he is also writing blogs now a days, i will forward this site to him also.
i would also like to see your channel in YouTube! reaching the unreachable! thanks to the internet.
Wish you good day and best of traveling !
Regards
Faisal khan Afridi
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Very interesting email from your friend Fatima but to be honest I am finding it hard to follow! It is midnight and my eyes are tired. I think I need to read it properly tomorrow when I am more mentally alert!
Again goodnight.
Oh just in case you have trouble with the French words in my last blog, though I doubt it! It translates. “I offer good night Sir. Alas, without your unobstrusive thin thin pillow”
Aimer as you know is Love…
Rose C
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Amit ji,
Thank you so much for your wishes on Shabe-Baraat & for all the information you have passed on regarding it. It truly mean so much to all us muslims who are great fans of yours. It will also educate our brothers & sisters from other religious background about our religion. I think we can all learn from each other. As you can see I am a muslim but my knowledge regarding hinduism & Sikhism is minimal. I know the basics but would like to know more!
I would have loved to attend your London Show but will not be able to make it, as I have mentioned in a previous post I am absolutely devastated especially as I am your No.1 fan. I am praying to Allah that you will maybe give me a mention on your blog, it would mean the world to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lots of Love (as always)
Your No. fan from UK
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With lots and lots of repect sir— As much as I would say that I don’t care if I am not acknowledged, I wold admit that at the same time I would want to make sure that at least you do get to read my comments——— I posted on day 15 but it was some 300 plus comments, not sure if you would get that far, so I am posting it again, hoping it will be in the first few and will catch your attention—————–
With lots and lots of respect Sir— I haven’t written you since last 9 or 10 days, first 7-8 days for personal reasons and last two days I just couldn’t because of what you wrote about Matajee.
I have been reading it every day though, I wonder sometime though, if you thought of me that the fellow who used to write everyday, what happened to him?? Now, this is too much of wishful thinking on my part to think that you must have thought of me, out of millions of people writing you and you being so busy. It just makes me feel good to think this way. No expectations from you Sir—You have given me more than my share as it is, have been giving me since 1978.
You know Sir—we all can say whatever we want to say, God has given us the ability to express but do you ever feel that what we really want to say from the bottom of the heart and really mean it , we find it that we just can’t put it in words. One just can’t come up with any kind of words and I believe that is where the real magic is and somehow you start communicate on a different level , आप बस जिसके बारे मैं सोचते हैं उसके साथ आतà¥à¤®à¤¸à¤¾à¤¤ हो जाते हैं and that’s how I feel my relation with you.
Your post about Matajee———- What do I say??? I read it at wrong time, read it at work during my break and it just broke me, I had to hide in the washroom for half an hour to calm myself down. I came out and called my mother at home and told her how much I love her and in the evening I sat next to her and appreciated her more than ever and told her about your post on Matajee.
I had a picture in my mind about her from Babujee’s biography and her pictures that I have seen over the years here or there in magazines but after your post on her, it just saddened me much, one way I thought I have met her and one way I felt that I have missed out meeting her.
माठतो सबकी à¤à¤• जैसी होती है , always giving and loving but what an amazing son you are Sir. I would like to believe that I have been a good son (If you talk to my mother, she gives you the credit for that, I am sure you know that if Ms. Rosy Singh had brought my letter to your attention) but after your post, there is a desire in me more than ever to be the best son ever any mother could have.
Sir nothing to take away from my mother, but आप धनà¥à¤¯ हैं, बाबूजी और माताजी जैसे parents पाकर, anyone could have been Amitabh Bachchan if he had parents like them and I don’t mean the popular star actor Amitabh Bachchan, I mean the सरà¥à¤µà¤—à¥à¤£ संपनà¥à¤¨ इंसान that you are.
I stand a risk of annoying you, you don’t like when someone praises you but if it comes from within and one truly feels that way, than Sir, you can’t brush it off. You just can’t and you shouldn’t.
Sir, someone told me that Matajee had a show on TV way back in late 1960s, is that true? कà¥à¤¯à¤¾ ये सच है ? If that is the case, I am sure you would have recording of all those shows, could you put them on line once you have your website ready??
Sir—Tomorrow I will be watching GTGH and will write you back.
I realize I am annoying– but what to do? Tomorrow would have been the day for your concert here in Vancouver if things would have gone right. My heart starts beating faster just thinking that you would have been here in my town today if things didn’t go wrong and I would have prayed so hard that somehow there would have a way and I would have met you in person but हाय री किसà¥à¤®à¤¤ ……………
I just want to say that I will always live with this ““Because my aesthetics compel me to appreciate Mr Dilip Kumar, when he performs†what an answer. Sir, do you even know how to spell the word “Egoâ€?? आप à¤à¤•à¤¦à¤® अदबà¥à¤§ इंसान हैं.
Spoke to my cousin today in London and she was rubbing it on my face that she has bought tickets for your concert in London next week. I am still happy for her.
Sir– आप माताजी को कà¥à¤¯à¤¾ कह के बà¥à¤²à¤¾à¤¤à¥‡ थे ?? माताजी — माठऔर माà¤à¤œà¥€ , कà¥à¤¯à¤¾ कहते थे?
I didn’t write you for 9-10 days but my respect – love and good wishes were always with you and will always be.
Take care Sir— with lots and lots of respect – Deepak from Vancouver Canada
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Big B,
its VOILA….not VIOLA….
I was a french student in college….
I remember being in Buddha Bar in Paris….awesome,….
take care
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sir….it is a priviledge to be the first person to comment on your blog…..i respect you a lot sir…but d day u wrote about your mother….it brought teras….tears to a 19 year old guy sir…..my respect towards you has gone up sir…..itzzz beeen 64 days dat i hav visited ur blog…..can’t stop myself sir….it is a priviledge…sir keep in touch….hope 2 see more of u…….byeeee sir..
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Mr. Bachchan,
Just wanted to congratulate you and the entire team of The Unforgettable Tour on such great success during the first leg of the tour, I wish you continue success and pray for your health as well as the rest of the cast an crew, to be able to have the endurance that is needed when participating in such events. I was able to attend the San Francisco show and it was truly one of the best nights of my life. It’s been a great feeling knowing that all your wonderful people (especially you sir) have been so close (here in the states) and although everyone here will miss you dearly as you leave the country we know how important it is to get back to one’s own home. As a wonderful surprise on a lazy sunday, I’ve realized that my television cable company is showing some of your films On Demand (’Bhoothnath’, ‘Muqudar Ka Sikandar’, and’ Zanjeer’) as a treat to myself I am going to watch Zanjeer =)
Thank you for enriching my life . . .
Your humble fan,
Sapna Wong
http://www.AllBollywood.com
http://www.Bachchan.com
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hello sir,
you are really awesome and woukd love to chat with u online . please do write to us always and how was rakshabandha?
please write about jayaji and shweta asap
love renuka
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Oh well!
very touching indeed. I must say, by publishing the email sent by your friend, you’ve prooved in ‘loud silence’ that you are a true Indian. It is by far, just the right kind of message required to induce the nationalism and patriotism in today’s yougsters, just as the Independence day celebrations are still afresh in our memories.
I recently came across an article that said, a part of the money earned in your world-wide tour is to be given away for the prosperity of about a 100 villages or so, in India. Hats off to you, Sir. You are true to your name - BIB B! In fact, I would like to retitle the name of your recent film - “Bachchan, Tusi great ho”! True emphasis for the upliftment of mankind in a cosmopolitan ike India, lies only in appreciating the diversity of human-existence, co-existing with the different race, caste and creed that our motherland has to offer. Doctors, Engineers, politicians, lawyers, actors and the like are on constant appreciation. But, we always forget the lower-class - the folks that have built our very own dwelling and working places, the ones that clean our houses, wash our clothes, the sanitary guy who unhesitatingly comes down to clean the drain. I must salute to such people and would like to dedicate my “independence” to people like them.
Coming to the Beijing Oylmpics, India has put up a not-so-impressive ordeal each year. But for Abhinav Bhindra, India wouldn’t have been on the medals’ chart right now. It seems like, we have a passion for a one-time victory! With due respects to all the competitors, all of us might have heard of Michael Phelps. I would like to quote a few line from “THE WEEK”:
——————————————————————-
This one is about Sprintqueen P.T.Usha:
Milkha Singh had rightly observed that the sprinter’s amazing talent was not backed by proper training.
About Anju Bobby George:
She clinched a bronze, India’s first-ever athletics medal in the competetion. Had she had the services of the likes of Mike Powell for a longer duration, the elusive 7m mark would have been history by now.
——————————————————————-
In short, India (with a 1 billion + population) definately doesnot lack the talent. What we lack is the encouragement and the options that we choose. One glance at Kerala and you’ll find yourself amidst the best rowers and swimmers in the world. A little way up in Punjab - the best wrestlers. We do not simply know how to exploit our own talent!
But, of course, things are changing a little. It is a new India - a generation confident of winnign. If Bejing 2008 is the first lap, London 2012 has to be the finishing lap.
MERA BHARATH MAHAN!!!!!
JAI HIND.
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Sir
just found this site hope you are well. Cannot wait to see you in London this weekend - we go wherever you are Last year IIFA in Yorkshire - my family and I think you are simply the BAADSHAH may you live long and keep us all smiling. Salams to your family
Lots of Love
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Reproducing article from New york times on the unforgettables nassau Coliseum, though I was party to your Atlantic city show…here goes..
UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Abhishek Bachchan was everywhere on Friday night at the Nassau Coliseum: walking through the sold-out stadium surrounded by bodyguards; soaring above the crowd on a platform, pointing out women and serenading them; rapping, in a red leather jacket, alongside the duo Vishal-Shekhar; running onstage to hug his wife, the actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, while she made pleas to the audience about sustainable development.
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Bollywood Extravaganza All that movement, and still he couldn’t quite outrun the long shadow cast by his father, Amitabh, a veteran of more than 150 films. He worked half as hard as his son, but was the clear focal point of the Unforgettable Tour, a four-hour song-and-dance-and-more extravaganza featuring several stars of Indian cinema.
There is no American equivalent to this spectacle, in which actors, joined by dozens of dancers, recreate musical numbers from popular movies. Here, all talents — acting, singing, dancing — are equal. Well, not always singing; in most Bollywood films, vocals are provided by playback singers while the stars on screen lip-sync.
And so went most of the performances here, making for an extravagant yet curiously restrained affair. For much of the show — including most of the solo sets of the lithe actress Preity Zinta, who was dressed like a flapper; and the energetic comic actor Riteish Deshmukh, who, during the theme song from the movie “Cash,†danced awkwardly in front of oversized $100 bills — the crowd responded as if they were watching a film: seated, muted, considerate.
These performances were also saddled with a contrived intimacy. Actors had jumped off the screen onto the stage, but were still at a remove. Success required removing the veneer of unattainability. This was done best by Madhuri Dixit, the oldest of the female performers, who was also the most graceful and subtle; her performance with Ms. Rai Bachchan, in a dance routine from “Devdas,†was one of the night’s most stirring.
Surprisingly, some of the most enthusiastically received performances were also the least traditional. Vishal-Shekhar, a young duo known best for progressive soundtrack work that dabbles in hip-hop, were rousing, especially on “Deewangi Deewangi,†from “Om Shanti Om.†They also performed with a live band, upending the show’s formality.
Though the musicians remained onstage for Amitabh Bachchan’s first solo set, they were less consequential. His appearance was more an exercise in collective memory than a great performance. A star of stratospheric proportions, he was celebrated with hagiographical videos and voice-overs. (“Even the way he stands makes an impact.†“They aped his hairstyle.â€) The younger Mr. Bachchan performed one of his father’s best-known routines, from “Don,†while images from that film flashed on a screen behind him.
With a silver goatee and short dark hair, the elder Mr. Bachchan cut an august figure. But he, too, was not immune to the pulls of legacy. Toward the end of the show, in a segment that was part spoken-word performance, part “Inside the Actors Studio,†he discussed his own parents with emotion. First, he recited a few lines of “Agneepath,†a poem by his father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, which was, he said, “written to inspire the Indians.†(Friday was the 61st anniversary of Indian independence.)
Then he spoke about his mother, who died last year, and slipped into his character from the film “Deewaar,†who prays for his mother’s health. As Mr. Bachchan delivered the lines, his voice grew deep, mean and improbably raspy. And then, just as quickly as he had begun, he snapped back to normal and was greeted with the night’s most sincere standing ovation. On a night full of carefully choreographed moments, this blatant blast of acting also proved to be the truest.
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Cant believe the Big B was at Tao last night………I go there all the time…….great place for drinks…and socializing…………hopefully you had the nice table underneath the statue
Would have been in shock if was there and you happened to walk in…………too funny
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Before you leave my city I just want one picture with you … can there be one meet and greet event open to the public?
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Dear Mr. Bachchan,
I’m soooo excited, a bit nervous and on top of the world rt now. I’ve just booked my tickets for the london edition of the unforgettable tour and have got the floor seating. A bit on the expensive side, so after making me wait for weeks, my friends and cousins have ditched me, so its just single ole me coming for the concert. Had to fight at the office to get the day off.. have been told by friends and family that I’m insane to but such expensive tickets. But I dont care, it might be the only time I get to see you and I’m grabbing it. And I’ve kinda justified it by saying that its my b’thday gift to myself
Just cant wait Sir!
Love & Regards
Lakshmi
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i am very happy for you that you have completed your show successfully, i was checking the pictures on theunforgettabletour.com. you and everyone one looks great, the only concern is - seems you have lost lots of weight, is it so? take care of you, last thing we want you to get sick.
Take care and god bless
MGM
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Hi Amitji
Great to see you blog again> Suddenly I feel that you are a free man….a man who has found the perfect companion to explore the width, depth and vastness of your mind and heart without inhibitions and judgments> And if judgements they are then easily possible to put them behind you without having the judge come across you all the time. a wide variety of responses come here but I am glad that as yet you have not created this place to generate mroe fan fare with you rather it is share and spread more of the real you not the one in screen but more the one that is off it. the person in you …so please keep up the good work and truth in your words so that your heart and mind is what is reflected here. It is nice to see the way that you stitch the 26 letters of the alphabet in words that make many a million mind ponder. ciao.
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My Dearest AmitJi,
May the Creator of all the heavens and the worlds keep you healthy till eternity and may He shower you with all the happiness from the seven heavens and above.
Happy Shab-Raat to you also AmitJi.
May you always prosper. May Allah (swt) give my life to you. May you always keep smiling. May you always share your love with us. May you always be with us.
Its the London show this time next week…my heart is already thumping louder than usual. Ive got butterflies. My beloved is going to be in front of me.
Thank you my Lord for giving me you.
with all my love and affection
Ibrar Hussain UK
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Be sure to take a look at the empire state building while your in town as it is decorated in Indias colors for the parade today in NY. Just thought I might mention to you.
Sameer
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Sirji,
Did you watch Phelphs Swimming comp?.. he won by 1/100 th of second.. !! thrilling.. what a man !!! .. pls do it when you are little free… Hope you have sent your Congrats to Abhinav !!!
Amol
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Dear Amitji
Thank you for remembering your muslim friends on shabe-barat, and thank you Fatima for the lovely words on this auspicious night. Amitji my 4 year old has asked me to thank you for Bhoothnath, and wants to know when Bhoothnath 2 will be made? If only you could see his expressions whilst watching this film. He cried so much at the last scene, when i asked him why? he replied mama i don’t know but my eyes keep on sweating!! Did not want to admit to his tears.
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Dear Mr B
Very nice posts.. I do hope you are enjoying New York.. your concert on Friday night was really magnificent.. I was sitting in the 4 th row and I could see and feel the energy of all the stars.. your dialogues were exceptional.. I have also seen when you did them last at Giant’s stadium but this time it was different I could see it on your face.. I am sorry about your mother and yes “she will not come back” as you said but sir do find peace in that she will live on forever in your hearts and the many lives she has touched!! have a wonderful evening and thank you for sharing your thoughts with all of us…
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Hi Buddy,
I’m really touched my your today’s blog. The way you mentioned about this sacred night is awesome. Yes today is 14th shaaban, today everybody’s deeds book of the past year is presented to Allah, and angels descend on earth to fix our fate till next year. I’m so glad that you have mentioned all this in your blog. I prayed all night and now fasting. May Allah bless you with more happiness, health and wealth. May this night Allah shower lots of blessings upon you. You really have touched my heart so deeply with all this. Thanks for being such a person which you are. Abhishek and Aishwarya, you are both very lucky to have a father like this. The desire to meet you has increased now but limitations does exist. May be someday it happen.
Happy Shab-e-Barat
Regards,
Ayesha (Lahore)
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Hi Amit ji,
the unforgettalble is exactly as it says, I am still in the KHUMARIof it, what a performance by every body.I could not write earlier as we came back from n.y yesterday.It was so touching when Abhishek introduced Shweta.It was touching when u talked about yr mom.We all were in tears too.
IT WAS WORTH DRIVING FOR 3 HRS. ON 95S ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON PRAYING EVERY MINUTE TO REACH ON TIME.My both kids enjoyed the show the elder one,who is going to pharmacy school in 11 days ,was born in india &came here at age 7,enjoyed the most ,clapping like crazy,shouting a very different guy as i know him to a quite,shy basketball player in new englan’d Renegades .What I like the most is the song of Abhimaan.very good thought.Thank u so much for coming,thanks to all the members,WE love u all ,May God bless u with a grandson like abhishek sooooooooooooon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.with regards,
anu shrivastava.
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Mr. Bachchan
Your Long Island show is covered by New York Times. Please click on the link below for the full news item.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/18/arts/music/18boll.html
Best wishes and with warm regards
Joydeep Bhattacharya
Plainsboro, NJ
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Hello sir,
How are you? i am your great fan. rightnow living in new jersey. basically i am from gujarat, india and i am doing my Masters here. I recently came to know about the unfergettable tour and your recent stay in NEw York. i am a very big fan of you and i wanted to meet you. plz plz plz let me know when can i meet you? my contact no. is 201 218 7789. i like your movies especially abhimaan, satte pe satta, anand, black, chupke chupke, kabhi kabhi.
please sir before you leave, i really wanted to meet you.
regards
jaladhi
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Once again a remarkable post and a remarkable gesture…
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Dear Sir,
How sweet of you to put in “The Significance of Shabe Baraat ” in your blog. I read your blog often because I learn something new everytime I read it - Thanks for your sincere untiring efforts to keep in touch with all of us!
Best Regards to you and your family, and heartiest congratulations for the stupendous success of the (USA leg of) the tour,
Aruna.
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Dear Amitji..
I am a die heart fan of you and Abhishek as well I heard a lot about your unforgettable tour from my friends who were lucky ones to witness your live show!!!!!!!
I am also staying in New York and studying pharmacy since last two years.. and I always feel that New York resembles our Mumbai a lot….So how did you like your stay in New York?
I watched most of your movies and the recent one Sarkarraj was mind blowing .. Now I am expecting some movie casted with all Bachchans!!!!!!I wishing all you a very great future life ahead … God bless!!!!!!!!
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Bachchanji- Tuesday the 19th August is Parsee Navroz, meaning New Year. If you get a chance, do wish Parsees and zorashtrians world wide on this auspicoius occasion. Fyi
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A mention should be made of Madhuri Dixit’s appearance in the U.S part of the tour. Sure she was paid for her performance but she was a huge boost to the already huge starcast for the tour.
Many fans who simply bought tickets to see that one dance between the top two stars Mads and Aish’s Dola Re.
madhuri has indicated that she has not worked with Amitabh.
Perhaps some producer-director can find a script that could bring together Madhuri and Amitabh in a film.
The blog also revealed another side of Amitabh. The software side. It also revealed the human side. That after all they are like
us. Losing baggage. Being in hotels. Getting mugged. Getting
emotional. Getting a cold. Jet Lag . Fatigue. Standing ovations.
Appreciation for the efforts and for the well put shows.
Some promoters going overboard. I can go on and on. But it all came to a glorious end. More Cities could have been added.
Perhaps a few years down. Good luck now to all the starcast as they leave NY for their next journey.
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“Fascinating because it never ceases to amaze me how informed and conscious the common man is on matters we believe would never be of interest to them.”
Now THAT’S the epitome of upper classism — Sherwood trained you well. The British must feel gratified !!
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Wow! You have more than made up for the slow down in speed:-)
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Very informative. Didn’t know this.
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love you so much i’m a big fan to aishwarya so please amitji tell her that i love her so much and that i’m looking forward to see her in morocco
so i hope that you have already plannned to do a concet in morocco
all my love
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Dear Mr. Bachchan,
sure we wish you would be “able to give immediate response to a response below the response in a responsible manner”
actually your commitment to the blog is overwhelming. and of course we appreciate your efforts and your desire to respond to each and everyone.
thanks Mr. Bachchan, for your wishes for a happy ‘Shabe Baraat’ the 15th of Shabaan.
yes it is a blessed night, and it is one of the several nights that the Muslim wait to ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness. one wishes he would be able to make all what he can do to be blessed and forgiven. unlucky are those who miss this blissful night.
thanks for enclosing Fatima’s message and the information about the importance of this night.
it is really nice to share these moments with you.
with love and lots of care,
Rasha Zayed.
BigB yahoo group.
Cairo, Egypt.
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Dear Amitabh,
It is after a long respite that I am returning to catch up to your blog. Your english speaking, writing, and baritone skills still never cease to amaze me and for that matter at least 2-3 billion people around the globe.
I am happy that you are feeling better and are having a relaxing day.
I wanted to inform you that I was at the Atlantic City concert and I met you in the lobby as you entered the hotel the day before the A.C. concert. I was taking the photos in the lobby and asked to shake your hand, which you very kindly obliged. It was a privelage to meet and shake your hand albeit for 1 minute. I doubt that you even recall who I am as you meet hundreds of people daily. I have been your ‘greatest’ fan since I was seven years old. My son, Anand, who is now 7 years old is Abhishek’s ‘greatest’ fan. My family enjoy all the Bachchan’s movies and thoroughly enjoyed the “Unforgettable” show.
I read with fascination as you have written about your mother. I was wonderful to read about your relationship with her, the rest of your family, and very supportive friends. I lost my mother to breast cancer when I was 17 years old and I am still grieving her loss today (20 years later). I could not open up publicly as you have about my mother. You opened up to us and gave a very close and personal look that was solely your discretion. We fans all empathize with you and love you with the bottom of our hearts.
I wish you the best of luck and health as you continue your world tour.
Sincerely,
Priyesh
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hello sir,
i read all your blogs @ your usa tour.you all must have really enjoyed the overwhelming response from the crowd.
i want to share some experience of staying in china. i am in china since last 4 months.this country is really amazing…the progress it has made in these recent years is mind blowing. you must have seen this in their powershow in the opening ceremony in olympics.
indians are treated with great respect here.chinese people really admire our facial features. especially our eyes and nose :)…
though language problem is there…but you will be amazed to know that our great indian filmmaker raj kapoor is famous here in china .ofcourse with older
generation.they can’t spell R so they call him ‘LAJ KAPPOL”..:)as soon as we take any cab and if the driver is in his 50’s he will ask if we are INDUUS…
indians are called induus in china…and they will start singing AWALLA HOON..
oh..god ..they are crazy for this song.and they know only this song and laaj kapool.
i have listened to this song ..from them ..i have lost the count.
such is the popularity of indian cinema. they even don’t know english..don’t know hindi..
but they still can sing our song…
but immediately one question is always there on my mind? why they don’t know @ our present generation movies..if they still remember raj kapoor then why can’t our amitabh ..shahrukh…abhishek..
its really sad that they don’t know present situation and the progress we have made in indian cinema.
I THINK YOU ALL SHOULD ARRANGE ONE SHOW IN CHINA…PLEASE SIR…
TRY IF YOU CAN…
REGARDS
RESH
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Mr. Bachchan,
I was not fortunate enough to see your show. How I wish I did. Well, perhaps next time. It was wonderful reading your blog and I feel bad that you will be leaving USA soon. I feel that you are somewhere closeby and soon will leave us.
Have a safe, wonderful and happy journey back and may you have the time of your life performing in London. Good luck and take care.
Sujata.
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Dear Amitji:
Congratulations to you and yours on the successful completion of your Unforgetabble tour concerts in USA.
A few days back you had posted a loving tribute to your mother on your blog. It was very joyous for me to read the accounts of your happy days with her. It was also very overwhelming for me to read the account of her last years of life, and the experiences you went through yourself in those difficult times. Thank you so much for sharing your treasured moments with all of us.
Today, on your blog, you mentioned something about starting a discussion or debate of some sort regarding the media.
I would like to know Amitji, what do you think about euthanasia? If you think favourably about it, would you support efforts, from the front, in legalizing euthanasia in India? It was reported in Times of India recently that there are going to be discussions on this topic in the legal corridors of India. If you believe human beings have the right to live humanely, and die humanely (you know my bias by now), your support on this issue in India could really make it happen. As advanced as the USA is in human rights for the living, and I am a citizen of this country now, I am appalled at how backwards they are in recognizing the need for humans to go through their final journey with human dignity and no unnecessary and prolonged suffering. Some parts of Europe, on the other hand, acknowledge the moral and humane values of euthanasia, and have legalized it, with all necessary checks and balances in place. It was very heartening to read in TOI that there is a serious interest in debating and discussing this topic in India.
On a lighter note, I have been your fan since your Bandhe Haath and Parwaana days (I was probably 11-12 years old then.) Thank you for providing so much entertainment and creative excellence for so many years for billions of your fans. May God be with you always!
Warm regards,
Suresh Sadarangani
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Mr. B..
please respond back to my question… can i be in one of your films? I want to act and be with you and abhishek and aishwarya…please email me at blackstarssjmisticgohan@yahoo.com
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Dear Mr. Bachchan,
I have been enjoying your blog since Day One, and your writing hasn’t bored me once :). Now your blog is one of the regular things I read along with the day’s morning news :D.
A small pointer, I have observed that you frequently misspell “voila” as viola, which is a flower, and also a musical instrument :D.
Many congratulations on the success of your North American tour.
Regards,
AJ.
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Big B,
1. Technology for “live” replies- please add “chat” feature and come online for 1/2 hr every week or fortnight- will warm the hearts of a million.
2. Tao is awesome- its a chain and we (me and my wife kavita) have been to the one in NYC and in Las Vegas; wish we knew you were going there for dinner– would have definitely gone there to catch a glimpse of you.
3. You may not like this request and my post will probably will not be posted on the blog because of my request but having learnt from you I will do it anyway; please post your candid thoughts on Ajitabh and your relationship (or lately the lack of it) on the blog. You have been so upfront on every issue so hoping you will do the same on this one even if I offended you.
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Dearest precious ……star…..of my loving country.
well I am writing after quiet a few days…..was just reading your blog.
sp. the on about Ma, I read it more then 5 times….and was able to visualize it…so emotional…
I have a question for you sir….how come some of your fans can email you?
Is your email id somewhere on this blog ?
well I was just wondering……
anyways…here is a special invitation to you and all your family to come again and again and again n again n again……..(infinite times) to USA and give us such great shows and opportunity to see you all.
one more thing ……Please write once in your blog that you do read my entries , sir….everyone in my family teases me………that you are such a big ,busy , celeb….person. how can you get time to read my entry,
but i have faith in you and in god…i know you must have atleast read one of my entry by now.
well let me make it short …….(guess it will take less time to read)
lots of love,respect,regards …..
Urvi.(los angeles)
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Reading this blog alone has inspired and encouraged me in many ways , Please continue the good work you are doing forever . I really appreciate you as a good Human being .Your blog rocks .
Regards,
Sudheer
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Hi Amit Uncle,
Thank you for including the explanation of Shabe Baraat…I am a Muslim and my aunt was explaining this auspicious occasion to me, but I still wasn’t comprehending the full meaning of this night…Thank you also to Sister Fatima for providing the explanation.
Take Care Amit Uncle,
Much love,
PB
PS…do you really read all the responses to your daily posts? Just curious
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I found this photo link on the internet and felt that it should be “framed” It is the cutest photo:) How long is your family staying in NYC. We would love the opportunity for a meet and Greet.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/photos/slideshow/day-in-pictures-17th-aug2008.html
BTW - if you like TAO in NYC- definetely visit Budha Bar in Dubai.
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It would be irresponsible of me to not wish you luck with that new technology coming up very soon on your blog. I’m looking forward to that.
That Muslim holiday sounds very much like Judaism’s High Holidays coming up in the not too distant future except we don’t stay up all night on Yom Kippur.
Continue enjoying your relaxation and the great music.
Love,
Rochelle
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As you are a vegetarian I am curious to know what you liked at Tao? I always have a problem when I think about taking my parents there.
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Congratulations Amithji..
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Hi Amit Uncle,
I just read Nazir Patel’s post that you and Madhuri did not act in a movie together…Madhuri didi was in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, though it was a special appearance, with you and Govinda bhaiyya.
Just an FYI
Much Love
PB
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Mr. Bachchan,
It is so great to see that you are so accepting of all religions! You are an amazing person and have truly inspired so many of us.
Well this is my very first time writing to you and I must say that I am very anxious/excited as I write to you, because if you were to reply to this I would be so happy. You would really make my day. First off, I would like to make a note that will hopefully catch your attention and get you excited as well:
Your father and my grandfather were really good friends at one time. My grandfather’s name is Har Prasad Shastri. He was from Ghaziabad and was a poet as well. There are many stories my father has shared with me about your dad as I constantly bother him with anything that he knows that relates to you. One specific story that comes to mind is when my grandfather was holding a poets convention (I believe) and your father was unaware of the event. When your father came to know of the event, he called my baba’s house and my dad happened to pick up the phone. Your father asked for my baba, but my dad told your dad that my grandfather had already left. (I hope I haven’t lost you with my story yet) So then, your dad asked my dad to take him to the convention personally. Once your father reached the event, my grandfather was happy to see your dad as my grandfather thought that your father would not have been interested in the event. But then your father replied by saying that of course he would be interested and in order to see his enthusiasm for the event, your father delived some of his own poetry to the crowd. My father said that your father was brilliant.
There are many other stories about your dad and my grandfather, but unfortunately I never got to hear them from my grandfather as he passed away at a very young age in 1992. All of my grandfather’s children (Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, etc) live in America now (I was born here) and still we are very proud of our culture and heritage, and my older sister and I are huge fans of yours truly! My grandfather promised my older sister one time in America, shortly before he passed away, that he would make sure that the next time we came to India we would get to meet you, but things didn’t work out that way.
Well before I bore you sir, I just want to let you know that I am a huge fan of yours and I went to your concert in New York and you were amazing. I am only 20 years old, yet I knew all of your songs within the first 2 seconds that you sang them/danced to them. I love your film Kaaliya, so when you opened up with “Jahaan Teri Yeh Nazaar Hai,” I was very pleased. I was also so happy when you came out with your wife to “Teri Bindiya Re.” She is an amazing actress (her film ‘Koshish’ was lovely) and it was just wonderful seeing you two together. I downloaded some dialogue you delivered at one of your old concerts from the early 90s when I was about 11 or 12. I used to make my family listen to it all the time when we would go on roadtrips. On our country’s independence this year, when you delivered those same lines from Agneepath and Deewar with the same music from your 90s concert playing in the background to give the emotional feel, I started to cry. I remember the dialogue I downloaded from your old concert in the 90s, when you started to deliver the lines from Deewar you opened up by saying “I’d like to do the next scene from a particular favorite of mine and it just so happens to be a particular favorite of my mothers… who is somewhere in the audience today, and I dedicate this to her…”
When you spoke about your mother in this concert and how even though the fictional character Vijay was able to bring his mother back, you were not going to be able to, I really felt for you sir. Your mother seems like she was an exceptional person who gave you so much of your culture and liberal ideals. I did not know until recently that she was Sikh, but now that I know that makes me so happy to see how diverse your upbringing must have been. My girlfriend is also Sikh and actually sir another way that I may soon get to know you is because her chacha has actually starred in a film with you. His name is Ajit Pal. But anyways, back to the point, what you wrote about your mother in your previous post was just so beautiful and poetic that really, your dad would have been so proud of you. You are an exceptional being, so please don’t let someone like ‘Dr. Parag Gandhi’ bring you down. There are lakhon more of us who have/are/and will always stay by your side no matter what the circumstances are. I really mean that.
Sir I will end shortly here now by saying that one day I will meet you and your son so that your father and my grandfather’s friendship can be continued. I am an aspiring filmmaker/actor myself and recently have filmed for a television show in America that will be nationally and internationally broadcasted. It is a stepping stone for me and my career is just beginning, so it wont be long until Amitabh Bachchan and Sandeep Sharma meet. If you have some free time, I would like to share with you a video that my sisters and I did for our cousin in India. We sent this over to him as we were unable to attend his wedding. I hope you enjoy it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVv4Tj7Hlg0
It has been a pleasure watching you for so many years and even more amazing to read your biography that Mrs. Jaya ji gave to you on your 60th birthday, interviews online, and finally your blog here. You are the man!!
With the deepest respect and highest regards…
Your loyal fan,
Sandeep Sharma
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Hi
Good Morning!
So nice to know you had a relaxing time.
And that everything ended happily.
Cheers for HEALTH and Happiness
gilga
Ps: Voila as opposed to Viola.
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please see my mail written about “god tussi great ho“
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amitabh ji aap se aage mere sirf god hi he me aapko bahot chahti hu aap sab
god ke liye har jagah gaye he lekin dakor to aaye hi nahi kyoki men god dakor hi he shri ranchhodray jo last me dakor me aake base he is liye aap dakor jarur aana
nirmala bhatia
dakor
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Thank You Amitji for posting about Shabe Baraat. Hope it gives a right message to all the extremist of both the religion in jammu and Kashmir to behave like humans.
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thank you for your Shab-e-baraat wishes. Very thoughtful of you!
Some actions on the list above are aggressively conservative I think. While technically correct, the bigger picture is to see the meaning behind each one. For e.g. The ‘dice’ activity refers to gambling….when one gambles they make money that is not hard earned as directed by Allah hence in theory taking someone elses’ hard earned money…. and when one looses they fail to retain any self control encouraging greed to rear its ugly head….and who knows where that might lead….
I think a harmless game of ludo may be alright as long as there is no gambling/betting involved.
Food for thought.
Love P.B
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I saw a very lovely picture of u and Jaya on stage in NYC. Very romantic. Both of u looked wonderful together!!
Please put pics of u together from the show up here for us.
Also a different personal picture of u together in this blog homepage.
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Respected Sir,
I am excited to see the how the new software will work