Posted on: August 29, 2008 - 8:44 am
London, UK August 29, 2008/ writing for August 28, 2008 1:40 am
Some readers show an anxiety at not seeing today’s blog and wonder why.
My apologies to them for this delay. I had hoped that I would settle down by the end of the day to converse with all, but the family had other ideas for me. They took me to see the musical ‘Wicked’, which I must say I rather enjoyed.
It is such a joy for me to be a part of an evening such as this. The crowds at the theatre, the lines in queue for the tickets, the walk to the designated seat, smiling an acknowledgement to the one sitting next to you, standing up to allow the others to pass through to the other side of your row, the lights dimming, the orchestra striking up, the curtain rising and for the next three hours being transported to another world ! Marvelous.
Some readers show annoyance and disgust at the attitude that I have adopted for my interview posted yesterday for Hindustan Times.
Some readers endorse my response.
Some one like me, needs to say something to some of my readers.
Before I go into specifics, let me first inform all, that their basic premise has been wrong. Mr Diganta Guha has not been fired from his job. He had sent in his resignation a month ago. The interview with me was his last because he wanted it that way. Nowhere have I made it out that he lost his job because of my interview, or my remarks. Mr Guha himself, in his response on my blog has clarified that. For those that missed it, here it is –
Dear Sir,
Thank you very much for your kind words. They mean a lot to me, and I hope our association continues. I somehow have a feeling I will continue to represent the media in my dealings with you! -:).
Warm regards as ever
Diganta
On 8/28/08, Amitabh Bachchan wrote:
My dear Diganta,
I have read your mail and the comments for the blog.
My intention was not to slight you or the media, it was more to mention Vishal’s fluke comment.
I do not meet or do interviews with HT, because of your Mumbai office having an uncalled for, disgusting and personal biased agenda against my family and me. Their writings have been obnoxious and beyond any journalistic or civil code. They will not have my cooperation. But you did. Because I found in you a genuine ness and sincerity, often missing in others of your clan. I often wondered, how you were managing to circumvent your papers’ deliberate agenda, in patronizing me. But you were, and for that my respect for you grew even more.
I shall maintain my admiration for you wherever you go and wish you greater glory and success in all your future ventures. This is ‘my blanket view’ about you. Unfortunately I cannot profess that towards the media in general. Particularly when it comes to matters concerning my family and me.
The media has always had a problem with me, which is fine. I have lived with it for 40 years. I shall for a few more. But that will never stop me from acknowledging individual exceptions. And you are one such exception.
Warm regards,
Amitabh Bachchan
On 8/28/08 11:31 AM, “Diganta Guha” wrote:
Dear Sir,
This is the comment that I have posted on your blog. I would be grateful if you could please go through it. Once more I have to say that I have not resigned as a result of that interview, primarily because of the way you have presented the entire issue including lending a little twist to the sms I sent you. Before I end, just wanted to tell you that the only reason I wanted to do the interview was that I wanted IT to be my last before I quit my seven year stint with Hindustan Times..
will keep in touch
regards
diganta
Dear Mr Bachchan,
Thank you for taking the time out to introduce me to readers of your blog. However, I would like to make a few minor points, if I may. The principal point is that I had resigned from my job long before I did this interview. Indeed, I am nearing the end of a month’s notice period. Second, though I appreciate Vishal’s concern, I have to say the responses were not rude/nasty enough for my paper to even consider censuring me, let alone sack me. In fact, the introduction to my piece reads: ‘Caustic, unforgiving, defiant. Amitabh unplugged’. And the interview has been printed exactly as you sent it. I think any editorial staff will have the sense to realise that your comments are entirely yours, and that I have nothing to do with the way you feel.
As I have always maintained and will continue to do so, I deeply appreciate the support you have always extended to me, and will remain grateful for the promptness with which you have responded to my requests for interviews.
However, I would also ask you to recognise admiration when you see it, and to not adopt a blanket view of any profession, even if it is something as ‘lowly’ as the media.
I remain,
Yours truly,
Diganta Guha
Facts in place, I now have this to say.
AB jr : says that I replied rudely. Should have just said yes or no.
Dearest AB jr, it would make extremely dull copy if an entire interview would contain a mere yes or no as a suggested reply.
Was it a success – yes
Is Abhsheks career shaping ok – yes
Did you like working with Ritu Parno - yes
Have you read the literary work of Utpal Dutt – no
I mean come on ! A little elaboration, a little jest, a little fun never hurt anybody.
Secondly. Requisite research on topic of interview is the interviewer’s prerogative. I have been diligently posting pictures of sold out stadia, reviews of some of the most important news papers in the world; the New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The LA Times, all the prominent papers from London, the net reviews. All have given sufficient indication on the status of the show. But no. The interviewer will either pretend he has not seen it, or if he has will pretend he has not. If he has not done either then he should not be doing the interview with me at all.
So when you will, after all this insist on asking me this question, I shall have two things going on in my mind. One, that the interviewer already knows the answer, but does not have editorial consent to acknowledge it personally because of internal policy dictates. And two, it is always safe to get the interviewee to comment, because that way you open up doors to challenge it.
When the question is put as ‘ and now the million dollar question is , la de da de da, you Mr D, have already given yourself up. You have exposed yourself. Why ? I shall tell you.
You asked for an interview giving the release of ‘The Last Lear’ as the peg. Had you been honest enough to say I would want to talk also of your Tour, I would not have objected. Instead I would have happily given you more details and pictures which certainly would have made better copy. When I have done that for other media why not Mr D ?
Mr D decided to slip in the questions after getting my ok for the interview on my mobile. The content of his email is there for all to see on DAY 127. His intent was that I would not refuse an interview if it was going to help a film of mine on release and once the questions came on the email, as agreed, and I did not respond to questions on the Tour, he would have had the opportunity to say in his report –
‘we asked Mr B about the success of the Tour. Mr B made no comment.’
This, to the reader of the newspaper, depicts that Mr B has doubts about the success of the Concert !
Get my drift. So now that the question has been slipped in. What is expected of me to do ?
I have been caustic because I need to educate the interviewer and hopefully the readers, that I have caught him trying to be smart, but still be able to give the answer that I want to give.
A lot of interviewees are not averse to acknowledging their own credit. I am not one of those. I am embarrassed to say I am good or successful. I am self depreciative in nature. And I am upset and annoyed that I have been cheated into saying that I am a success !!
Hence AB jr,… the nature of the response given to Mr D
Veena : says ‘we don’t love you right now’.
I am sorry Veena that you do not. I hope that I can mend that opinion. I hate losing fans. But if you were to read or come across some of the bilge that adorns the pages of the HT Café section of the Hindustan Times against us you would have perhaps refrained from such harsh decisions. I collect all my cuttings from the press. On paper, on mobile, on email. I shall only be too happy to send you the material that I talk of being offensive. Its sheer volume may take you a lifetime to get across it. In a free society is it the right of only one community to express themselves ? I do not possess any ? I have spoken merely twice on this particular media . They speak every alternate day. And have been for years.
My morals and sense of ethics will not permit me to disclose why this particular paper writes the way it does about us. It is not as simple as readers assume it to be. That is all I wish to disclose. I can only say it is not journalism. It is personal vendetta. And that to me is the destruction of the very code of fair and unbiased journalism, one that has been constitutionally stipulated by decree democratically.
Pulkit : says my remarks were ‘too shallow’, I write my blog only with an intent to ‘avenge media’ and that they were ‘revolting’ –
Go through my entire posts..all 128 of them and tell me how many you have come across that have been written to avenge media and how many have been general and personal ?
Define ‘shallow’ and ‘revolting’. And indicate to me their presence in my writing. Because then I shall give you examples and exhibits of what this particular media writes and let the readers of my blog poll independently. If the poll result says that I am incorrect, I shall give my word that they shall never be entertained on my post !!
Nelson Mascarenhas : says my retort tried to make a ‘laughing stock of the journalist’ and that the attempt ‘has back fired’
Mr NM, read and reread the exchange between Mr D and myself and gauge it correctly. Then perhaps you may consider reconsidering your accusation. Who really is the laughing stock and what has truly back fired !! Let me enlighten you. The media even before we set out on our tour had written us off. But the might of the people and fans and well wishers and the packed audiences has made media in to a laughing stock. The media’s attempt to destroy and deny the success of the Tour has in fact back fired on them !!
It is time to wake up and smell the coffee !!
Radhika : says I have tried to create a ‘negative attention’ towards Diganta and now all my ‘foul-mouthed die hard fans’ will take great joy in ripping apart poor Mr D.
Radhika, I take strong objection to you calling my die hard fans ‘foul-mouthed’. They show me love and respect and I reciprocate that. Whenever they have crossed the line I have cautioned them and shown my dislike. I will if they were to do so even in this incident.
But I merely question this. In an open forum, where there is absence of moderation, and I am open armed about abuse that comes my way, why would you be concerned if it went to some one else ? I accept mine fairly and seek possibilities of how I may repair to improve so that the abuse is abated. Maybe others would want to react the same way. Or are you saying that to abuse me is justified but not to others ?
I have spent an entire night on this. It is now 4 am !! I did not want to leave this half way. So I have continued to write. And I know that this will initiate many more sleepless nights in the days to come.
But my argument will remain steadfast. There cannot be one set of rules for one and another for another in this game !!
I am not afraid to admit that I fight this cause alone. But I am also not afraid to fight.
Fair, righteous, bias, integrity, truth are words that can have only one meaning.
A body of people are trying to tell me that they have other meaning too. I cannot and will not accept that !!
Amitabh Bachchan
yipee, we got the next blog..
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Hi Amitji,
You might remember the couple who touch your feet at The Marriot in Chicago. Just want to make clear as we know you discourage anybody touching your feet (seen in Bombay Talkies NDTV show). We feel that everyone is unique in some unproven unknowns. We touched your feet just with elderly respects and get your blessings and you are proven unique in world of acting.
I completely loved ur article on ur Mother and it almost made me cry.
You Rocked the Show in Chicago
Thanks for being inspiration.
Regards
Pooja and Parshu
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Dear Mr. Amit
Hi
As always, you have not replied to my mail. I am very disappointed today. Anyways, I shall continue to write to you.
Take care
Annie Awasthi
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sorry..am having problem with my reply mode in safari.. this i am working through Fire Fox..love and thank you
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No other comments yet so let’s see where I am placed when my post is accepted. ‘Morning, sunshine! I wake up to smell the coffee …..that I percolated myself…
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Wow…I am here…finally here…at the Big Adda…or as I like to call it…Heaven! Einstein said of Gandhi that “generations to come will seldom believe that a man such as this once walked the earth.” What can I say..I feel the same way (errr…about YOU that is…hehe). Anyway, it has always been my dream to write and direct films. I finally did it! After writing for over a year, I finally made a short film for my hero…my father, who turned 80 in July. Everyone loved it and that has encouraged me a lot. So I continue to chase my dream. Part of that dream includes .,….well…should I tell you?…part of that dream includes directing you. Maybe that will not ever happen…but who says I cannot dream? As I tell my 8 year old daughter and 5 year old son…”dream…dare to dream…dreams can only be fulfilled if you have a dream…dream about the stars and you will at least get to the top of the tree.” Well, sir, for me you are the star…and who knows…maybe I will get my wish…
With great respect to you.
Rajesh
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Dearest Mr. Bachchan,
Sorry but this time I want to send a message to Mrs. Bachchan…IN BANGLA that is!
Dearest MRS. Bachchan,
Asha kori apni bhalo achen. Apnar monay nai, kintu onek bochor agey apni akta natok niye tour korechilen
and akta performance apni city Long Beach, California te Jordan High School e show chilo. Ami tokhon apnar
shatey backstage e chilam kintu ato lojja pachhilam je ami apnar shate thik moton kotha i boli ni, khali eita
bolechilam je ami Mr. Bachchan er khub boro admirer & uni amar HERO. Show shesh howar por ami amar
amma ke backstage e niye eshechilam but apni onek busy chilen to apnake r distrub kora hoy ni…amma pore
jigesh korlen je ami apnar shate Banglay kotha bolechilam ki na, kintu amar mathay tokhon eita i dukhe nai
je apni Bangali. Anyway, amra pura family apnader fan, Abba theke choto bhai porjonto amra apnader admire
kori, amar amma shobshomoy bolen apnar moton artist ar hoy na and even though ami still young achi, ami apnar
onek movie dekhechi and ami pura puri biswash kori apni apnar nijer league of talent e achen. Amra apnake
appreciate kori from being an artist to being a wife, mother, and grandmother. amra shotti apnake bhishon
bhalobashi…asha kori Mr. Bachchan apna ke amar message ta forward korbe.
Always Love and Prays for all Bachchan Parivar,
Obby Choudhry
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Dear AB,
Needless to reiterate my status as your “fan”….I have to be frank here !! And this is a personal view !!
In this particular case, Mr Guha, with his response, has emerged with a “dignity” that is normally associated with you !! AB Jr. has a point. If a large section of the media unfairly transfers their personal agenda to AB Jr as well……it is probably unfair too then to transfer your ire against HTCafe against a scribe of HT !!
My love as always.
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you coerce me to publish what HT cafe writes.. don’t.. because when i do it will not be comfortable for anyone.. have you ever read HT Cafe.. if not maybe you should..
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hey pa all d questions asked 2 u by different peoples about u bein rude 2 d journalist n all r totally wrong…..they didnt understood wat u meant 2 say may b dats d reason…….n a questn abt d success of ur tour and abhisheks career i thnk u mst hav answered it 100 of times bt dan 2 all of dem ask u d same questn agn n agn…….and all dos people who thnk dat abhis career is not good or sumthin dan jst wait 4 dilli 6 n dostana……nthn else v can say…….
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absolutely bang on..!
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Dear Mr. Bacchan,
I am a fan of yours….probably not a die hard….but according to me, you are the best that we have today and I truly admire you.
In the interview I dont think there was anything wrong or derogatory said about the media or Mr Guha. Whatever you have said about the media(and especially a certain part of it) is absolutely correct. Why is it in bollywood , media likes to portray enmity between two actors?(I am specifically avoiding the word superstars). This stuff never happens in hollywood. The best way to defend yourself is to ignore such comments and continue with our life. As it is said very correctly, ‘ There is no truth, there are only interpretations ‘. I hope you will continue to enlighten our lives with your work more than anything else.
I hope I did not waste your time.
Sincerely,
Nikhil
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Interesting point you have raised.. must take that up somewhere.. about Hollywood..thank you..
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Dear Amit ji,
Very well said sir, u mentioned that this will intiate many more sleepless nights.. but please dont be awake till late night.. its my humble request.. infact i think everyone will agree to this.. please please do take care of urself.. Please..
Love u forever
Yashpal
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thank you i will…
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Mr B I salute u for your truthfulness & I personally feel a person should always stand up for himself if he feels that he is taken forgranted & being used by others.BTW My Son Amogh says hello to tall tall amitabh.
Komal Raikhanghar (USA)
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say hello to your son..
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Sir,
In this day and age of plethora of TV channels, newspapers and magazines; media and journalists need the ‘Breaking News’ or the rude remark to get the reader’s mindshare and walletshare. Unfortunately that means that we lower our standards in all aspects of communication. TV Channels show live the shooting of a terrorist and then invade the home of the hostages interviewing 2 year olds and talking about trauma little realising that they are contributing to it. Won’t the kids relive their trauma when they talk to 10 TV channels and 100 publications again and again about the experience?
Of course, we are to blame as well when we stay glued to the TV wanting to catch the ‘action’. In your sphere it would mean ensuring that the actor says one open sentence that can be ‘quoted out of context’ and rake up a rumor to sell the paper / magazine.
Having said that, we ‘foul-mouthed’ fans of yours will always be on your side and know for a fact the kind of person you are.
hum aapse kandhe se kandha milake aapki pratishtha aur charitra ki raksha karenge! ( was that foul?)
With respect,
Kaushal V.
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No not foul at all.. and i hope concerned people are reading this.. but thanks..
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Also Please take care of yourself & dont waste another minute of your sleep over these issues as we want our hero to be strong & healthy to deliver many more beautiful films particularly for next generation like my son amogh .
Komal Raikhanghar(USA)
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MR. BACHCHAN….MAN YOU ROCK AND YOU JUST SHUT EVERYONE’S MOUTH AGAIN…I CAN FEEL YOUR PASSION IN THESE EXPLANATIONS TO THE READERS…YOU SHOULD CHANGE YOUR SLOGAN BEFORE GOING ON TO THE STAGE FROM, “WHAT TIME IS IT!” TO……………
“WHO’SE THE MAN!!!!!” “YUP, YOU GOT IT…I AM THE ONE & ONLY MAAAAAAAAAN!!!”
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thank you..and have forwarded your message to Jaya..
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dear Sir,
Thank you for writing block. May you always be happy and not suffer from even a twinge of any negative or disturbing emotion.
with the deepest respects and regards for the most dignified and sensitive human being ever..
Uma
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Do you want me to believe that you are writing these blogs yourself? Is it humanly possible? You are touring all over the world right now, attending media conference, parties, charities and still you have time to write the blog and read all the comments and reply to them. You must be kidding! We, the Indian are not like we were in the time of Deewar or Kaaliya. That time we wanted to see super human played by the heroes who can beat 10-20 goons. Now we believe in realistic films which are true, which are possible. Don’t make fun of us. We understand it is not poosible to do so many things simultaneously. Accept that and acknowledge that there is some copywriter who is writing for you, may be you are giving all the inputs.
Btw, am I the first one to comment today?
Ghosh
Singapore
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you are wrong… i write these myself.. do not believe..come over and see for yourself !!
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errr.. i am in London.. you are in singapore.. long trip.. and i leave for paris in 2 days.. just giving you my plans, so you know where to come..
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Mr. B,
Please don’t say that “I am not afraid to admit that I fight this cause alone.”, I am with you and will always continue to be by your side, all you have to do is ask sir, I will write letters to these “media establishments” and expose their bias. Sir, I think 33 of us wrote to IBNLIVE group about that false article regarding the show, I know they did not even blink but I am sure it will make a difference some day.
Sir, if you get a chance try watching Obama’s acceptance speech it was out of this world.
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please do.. and thank you for the support.. where can i catch Obama speech..
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Dear Amitji,
You shouldn`t be wake at 4 AM in the morning. It`s too late.
Please take rest.
Luv,
Subramanian Iyer
Toronto Canada
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Dear Amitji,
You ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. You have all the right to write against such journalism. It should be issue based rather than writing against a person or family. I simply just do not understand why the hell media is so envious of your and your family’s success. You are doing the right thing and we are with YOU. If you sit silently then who else in the world can fight againt such biased journalism. ALL OUR GOOD WISHES and best of luck. Please keep writing. God bless you.
Regards,
Shesa
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Dear Sir,
Its really appreciable that you clarify your fans responses even though u dont need to…
that shows your humility…. and makes most of us respect u more and more every day.
I had also written some cmments few days back when u invited a debate on media’s role….
however i believe that your interview was to the point and nothing offensive about it….
Continue caring for your fans as they really really do for you hence get offended or react to smallest gestures of yours….
nobody else has even gained or will gain such a respect….
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i respect what you express..
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I frankly had a good laugh after reading your interview with Mr D. Have fun in London and behind Park Lane there is a quaint bookshop which is worth a visit.
cheers
shreya
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Here’s something you might mention in your next post.
Tashana says: Some people might not ‘love you anymore’, but my respect for you just multiplied a hundred-fold. It is one thing to be diplomatic. It is quite another to sit back and tolerate unprovoked slander against you and your loved ones. If the same was done to us, we would probably be a lot less restrained in our response - I know I’d go ballistic if someone made public comments like those made about your family. From where I stand, you have answered the questions put to you honestly, while protecting your integrity and that of your family - something which, let’s face it, all of us are duty-bound to do. It is now up to the media (and I use the term very loosely) to decide whether it prefers its celebrities muzzled or vocal - they cannot have it both ways. I wouldn’t be too concerned about losing the support of your fans - every filled seat in all those auditoriums and stadiums over the past few weeks should tell you that you have nothing to worry about.
Rest easy, and GIVE ‘EM HELL
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love you…
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hello sir,
I think you and Duha point is being cleared and i completely back you that he should have mentioned that he also wanted to ask about the tour.
In any case you have sent him such a aprreciative email that it will definately be good for him. So I dont think anyone has the right to feel bad or pass any nasty comments.
In any case media reads small small notes from your blog so they must be definately reading the comments of we all bloggers and from there cant they guess how grt the show was and if not please next time tell them to read the blogeers comments or contact we bloggers we will tell them about the show?
one thing i must admit irespective of a celebrity interview or whatever the media behaves so ignorant i mean if they cover and tragedy moment they will ask the concerned person who is facing the tragerdy as to kais lag rahaa hai aap ko ? I mean how stupid that person is going through a bad moment how do you expect him to feel . sir this was the reason i was telling you to see mumbai meri jaan they have shown this quiet well and off course the after blast effect on peoples life.
Sir I would just tell you do what your heart tells you , and people who genuinely love you will stand behind you.
Sleep well
renuka
houston
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good point…
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Dear Sir,
Not only do you entertain us in your movies, but on your blogg too. this is hilarious… keep it up, very entertaining..
p.s have you had a donner kebab yet? you should whilst you’re in the uk…
Saima from Texas, PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE…
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u r d best Sir….
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blushing into all hues of pink…!!
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THANK GOD I CAN ACCESS YOUR BLOG AGAIN!! Albeit requiring a lot of ‘refreshing’ but i finally can!
Was frustrated for a while cause i couldn’t access it.
Mr B, I give you credit for the respect you have for your fans and their ‘opinions’ …… but I also think that perhaps this issue is not worth you losing your sleep over….interpretations will always differ…..as long as you have made amends with Mr D and have communicated that…….it should be enough……
when emotions run high things are said..and the submit button hit….it cannot be undone even if 4 hours later ones opinion has changed….
perhaps you really shouldnt lose your sleep over it….maybe if amongst your 400 odd comments…350 of them demand it of you…..i didn’t think this was the case here…..
Love
P.B
P.S LOVING this new comment tool….perhaps one day i shall be so lucky to get some responses from you….and yes…i said responses…plural….as i plan to visit your blog and comment everytime you post! (almost)
P.P.S Sad to hear about the flooding……….. wishing for hope and peace to those displaced…..
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thank you… yes very tragic about the flooding.. it happens every year..sad
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Dear Amitabh,
Your views on wide range of topics which touches your and your family sensibilities are very much appreciated. I genuinely feel that going forward the blog posts of yours will become some sort of best seller. Keep your candid views flowing..we love it as always…
Regards,
BG
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I could careless how or what Mr. D feels or how Mr. Bachchan’s fans feel. I am here entirely to know the feelings of Amitabh Bachchan the man. This is not his publicity tool, this is where he shares his feelings and I entirely respect that. People familiar with the idea of a BLOG already know that the expressions expressed here are entirely subjective and by NO MEANS should be they POLITICALLY CORRECT. For what is the purpose of this blog then if Mr. Bachchan has to run around censoring himself? How will it be any different from saying things directly to the media? No, that cannot happen. Amitabh Bachchan is a man before he is anything else and for that reason his emotions and reactions needn’t be expected to be JUDGED by anyone. Mr. Bachchan has every RIGHT to present himself as clearly as he wishes. I think we ought to feel privileged that he is being so honest with us and we must applaud his honesty. He has opened the doors of his heart to us and shown his true self, not some PC-DUMMY. Every man is never a full anything, he can be a sum of everything which what Mr. Bachchan appears to be. That is what makes him normal and makes each and every other person in this world normal. Those who are demanding apologies for what Mr. Bachchan has expresses in his BLOGS need to throw a gander into their own hearts.
I enjoy reading Mr. Bachchan’s honest defiance against India’s naive media houses. He is trying to establish a precedence whereby the media realizes its responsibility and chooses to function in a respectable manner as opposed to functioning in the fashion of hungry dogs that would pounce at every stray scent of meat. A respectable media can be established as a role model for a respectable Indian generation. Don’t you get it?
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applause !! thank you..valid point
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Dear Sir,
IT ALL MAKES COMPLETE SENSE NOW ! And this was not just an emotional response out of frustration. YOU SHOOK THEM UP FOR A REASON.
Thank you very much for taking the time to share with us the details. The background of this with the particular paper and their malicious agenda is abhorrent. This knowledge makes a WORLD of difference in the way your response to the interview was viewed.
Anyways, Hope you are enjoying your time off. I so wish to see you there walking in the park, standing in line for the ticket, enjoying the show…Could I request you to paste some random pictures of yourself ? If that is asking for too much considering your modesty, a picture of surroundings where you have been will be next best thing.
Love you loads
- prats
YOU ARE THE BEST !!!!!
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ok will try.. maybe from paris where i go next.. photos i mean
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Hey there, Best Friend
Though I find most of your blogs engrossing, this is one which I couldn’t take my eyes off from. I haven’t commented so far on the Dig episode- cause I couldn’t help agreeing with you, even though at that point I’d no idea about this ‘personal vendetta’ attitude of HT. That must have been traumatizing- when a medium as big as this decides to rip you and your family apart. Digressing just a bit, though HT did give me my first break years ago as a freelance, even I’d felt a a bias there and have long since quit working for them. But coming back to Dig, I couldn’t agree with most of my fellow bloggers who’d sided with him and pulled you up for being rude- if you have seen my first post yeasterday, it is just that the interview helped me decide what NOT to while interviewing the BIG B- you, for one, don’t suffer fools gladly! And why should you?
You’ve done a wonderful job of deconstructing an interview from the interviwee’s POV.
I am so glad that you realize how difficult an interviewer’s job becomes if the interviewee gives monosyllabic answers- now I guess I can safely delete the ’sir, please don’t be diplomatic; reply honestly sir,etc’ from my questionnaire!
Still waiting for the mail ID though :P, looking forward to getting it soon.
Lots of love
M
PS: One small point, ‘no love as always’ at the end of your posts???? I guess, I’m a bit hurt!
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send me the questions on this my blog… in all fairness… eventually it will be posted by me here wouldn’t it..
I did not put love at the end of this blog because i am angry and upset.. but not with you.. my love for you always..Amitabh
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You may be right. But most of the fans who use intemperate language against anything worng in their eyes remind me of Raj Thackeray’s supporters. No doubt you are admonishing them, but your admonishes have little effect as it is too soft. It is not your fault, it is the fault of the system where people take up for their idols or ikons in a blind manner. And Ramgopalvarma also replied voicing similar concerns about the frenzy displayed by southern fans over their cherished idols. Otherwise, how can anyone explain Chiranjeevi’s hyper political launch and other such things. Thank God Kuselan failed. This must have taught Rajani a lesson that fans are really those who bring down their idols unwittingly.
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we all have our faults.. never wish ill of anyone’s work.. rajni is a dear friend, but that apart, we should not be happy at anothers failure..
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After reading ur blog i remembered ur song from MAIN AZAD HOON.. “kitne bazu kitne sar, ginle dushman dhyaan se…….”
WE ARE WITH U FOREVER..
Now please smile…:)
Love u
Yashpal
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Dear Sir,
Please do not waste your energy on these matter. These are never ending issues. Please do take care of yourself and try to sleep well.
Love you and do give us some of your good and experience thought which we can use in our daily life and make our life successful.
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Dear Mr Bachchan,
Please go to sleep and please don’t worry. I know its easy to say this because i’m as sensitive as you are but we have to change our nature for our own good. Health is wealth so Sir please get some sleep.
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Respected Amitji,
I entirely agree with your ideas. If we give clean chit to the way the media operates in our country, we would be so naive to do that. You have dealt with press for almost 40 years and by the grace of God, you will do it for many more. I don’t think anyone needs to teach you how to deal with them. JThe standard of journalism has fallen considerably in India these days. Intense competition has made the quality hit the new low. Above all that, when the journalists get the power of reaching people, due to personal rivalry, they tend to misuse it. Misuse of power is in human nature but that doesn’t mean that they should be forgiven for their malicious writings. If someone is attacked personally, that person has a full right to defend himself. Many people here don’t understand the significance of the reputation damage. Journalists modify the facts, fabricate the news and then print their articles, the way they like. For them, it takes few hours to prepare and publish the article. But people don’t think that a person who has worked extremely hard to build his clean image and reputation suffers tremendously due to this non-sense inklings. It takes a mammoth effort to clarify those things which never happened in reality. It becomes a big nightmare to answer millions of questions based on the false story. The biggest pain though is to be get condemned by your pwn close ones sometimes. I remeber few years back, a lady made an allegation of rape on one of the doctors with the help of a journalist. It is not uncommon to have a knee jerk reaction from people in India. Poor doctor who didn’t not commit any crime was boycotted by all of his patients and he became so depressed when his own wife left him. At the end of the investigation, the truth was revealed that it was a fake case and a false allegation done on him for personal revenge. Can people here writing against Amitji, realize how much damage was done to that person in terms of his reputation and credibility? And yes who doesn’t know about Uma Khurana case and the role of media in that. All that we read is not true. News are spiced up just to increaes the sells. When we people would understand it? Here is the link for Uma Khurana case.
http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=126283
In my opinion, you defended yourself sensibly and honsetly which was your right and I admire you for that. It is not us who are born with a blanket view for certain profession, it is the unethical people in that profession, who push us to aquire a blanket view for that profession.
Yours Truly,
Parth Mehta
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thank you for the support and understanding
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loved your simile..” they push us to acquire a blanket view of their profession”..superb !! with your permission may i use this as a quote in the future..?
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A couple of people keep on mentioning that this blog creates controversy and media hype… The funny thing is this blog DOES NOT NEED the media or the hype. It is vice versa. The coverage of your blog has been on various media outlets at their own will.
As far as controversy, it has been synonymous with a few producers from the fraternity to create one to push their upcoming releases. You are not a producer, you are not pushing or promoting yourself through your blog. This blog is not written for the purpose to sell something or to draw a revenue generating audience.
It is a beautiful way of interacting with your audience and we hope it stays that way without the commercial media’s interference.
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absolutely…!! well said
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Amit jee,
Charansparsh !
I say : Be very selective about media interviews. Meet only few.
Think about it !
ShubhDin !
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It should read as wrong. Typo. Anyway you have loads of sense of humour. The problem lies here. The interviewer wants to provoke you and you hate to be provoked. He or she wants to say that you are wrong and you want to correct it in your own way. Its a Tom and jerry fight. Who is Tom and who is Jerry? This stupid game will not end as long as editors want interviews and as long as you accept them as a necessary evil. By now, the media guys must have wisened up and they are playing this game extracting saucy reactions from you. They want masala, whatever may be the form of that masala. They are playing victims now. Ha.
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Mr. Bachchan
You cannot please everyone all the time.
So what is need to try?
Subhash Kaura
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i have lived in the uk for a few years and toured london on multiple occasions. i have literally walked half of london on my last visit there last year. beautiful experience, a truly universal city. gives you a lovely perspective of difference.
London inspired me to pen this poem. those of you who have been there will understand the beauty and magic of London, those who haven’t hopefully can catch a glimpse of it.
THE PASSAGE OF TIME
THE SQUIRRELS STILL DART,
THE CATTLE STILL GRAZE,
THE BIRDS STILL SOAR,
IF ANYTHING HAS CHANGED, IT IS I.
THE GRASS IS STILL GREEN,
THE GROUND IS STILL SOFT,
THE LEAVES STILL RUSTLE,
THE WIND STILL WHISTLES,
IF ANYTHING HAS CHANGED, IT IS I.
THE SUMMERS STILL WARM,
THE WINTERS STILL COLD,
THE AUTUMN STILL GLOOMY,
THE SPRING STILL BRIGHT,
IF ANYTHING HAS CHANGED, IT IS I.
THE MEMORIES STILL FRESH,
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS STILL PLEASANT,
THE DISSAPOINTMENTS STILL RAW,
THE EMBARRASSMENTS STILL HUMOROUS
IF ANYTHING HAS CHANGED, IT IS I.
UNDER THE BLUE HEAVENS,
TIME STANDING STILL AROUND ME,
NOTHING HAS CHANGED,
NOT EVEN I.
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beautiful..!!
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Dear Amit Ji,
You are simply great. Every time you are trying to convince your fan that you can not hurt anybody and that is very true. I’m a regular reader of your blog and I too strongly believe that you can not hurt any body. It’s our wrong interpretation of your wording but all the time you came up with the clean cheat.
I also like the way you trying to convince each of us. Appreciate your effort.
Keep it up.
Your Sincerely,
Sandip Kothari
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Mr B, 2 words : Satyamev Jayate
2 more: Love you!
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…. and 2 more… Thank you !!
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Hi Mr B
I’m so HAPPY Day 128 is here …….was wondering why no Day 128…
All the best for the 2nd leg of the TU
Pls pls pls tell AB Jr that i love him so much eversince i saw Refugee!!!!
Imah
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I will forward it..
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Sr Mr Bachchan
Its finally here !! The blog is here and so the morning routinue completes..offlate its like tea,newspaper and the blog..none can be missed.media media media..they cant live w/o u and they wont let u live!! I ponder over ur blogs abt how media treats u & ur fmaily and honestly feel disheartened.As much as the blog shd be used as a medium to put urself in front of people we wanna read more blogs just like you wrote abt your mom or u asking us for movie titles ,.I do feel like living “A Day In Life Of The Bachchans” everytime I read ur blogs.Media will never get tired of u & ur family.So my honest suggestion give it a pass if u can and plus so much stress may not be good for you..
take care allways
Pallavi Garg
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it has not got tired for 40 years and it shall continue so long as we sell..
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Sir,
I am been a regular reader of your blog
You have given right explanation about the whole issue.
Sir I would like to make 1 point clear their are some die hard fans of yours like me who would never hate u even if media persons or any other actors say bad things or false things about u.
Its has already been proved that you the most respected, good human being and super star of this century……
Sir one question I would like to ask you. Will the DVD\VCD will be available of the different shows conducted during the unforgettable tour.If yes then when it is expected in our indian market
With Warm Regards
Ravi Chawda
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yes DVD will be out after a while… we are still doing shows in various parts of the world.. if the DVD is out before that who will come to see the show.. hence
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Correction:
So what is the need to try?
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Hello sir,
its so nice to hear once again from you.
I certainly agree with you.Every human being has an ideology and the same must be consolidated.
Praying towards your health and success,
Ashish
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Dear Amit ji,
Why some people think that what they think is right? One, who suffers, only feels the pain of suffering. Rather than understanding the real issue, people cause more trouble. Please keep listening to all, but you do what is right. Your true fans and friends shall always remain faithful with you.
With love,
Dr Shashi Mohan Sharma
Slough, Berks
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Hi,
That’s as good a coverage as any topic can get.
You go through it diligently and systematically. I understand and appreciate that. It’s not easy but you do it. Once again, good for you!
With best wishes
AND CHEERS FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
gilga
Good night, Good night, ’till it be morrow…
(which it already is! Morrow that is.)
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Dear Mr Bachchan,
You are my hero and you have been since I watched your movies as a kid!
It is therefore disturbing for me to see that the common person affects you. I must admit though,that I do understand how such injustice and vendetta could get to a person. Maybe you just showed us that you are human like all of us
Take care and please give my love to your family. Each and every one of them is so special to me. But “AB jr” is my soft-spot.
Hugs to you all.
Shalini R
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This is for Ghosh..
Mr Bahchan has allways made it clear on numerous occassions that he writes these blogs himself and that he is not paid for writing these blogs.Can u not conclude from the quality of language used here and the maturity in the content that it HIM who writes..I belive you are also one diehard fan of his and trust me technology has brought us closer to Mr Bachchan…so chill its HIM and no one else !
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Dear Mr. Bachchan:
Even if the media has written off your tour or is trying to call it a ‘flop’, how does it bother you? The show numbers, promoters profits and the people who attended it, know it wasn’t. How else do you care? You have catered to your audience, send them back content, and the word of their mouth spoke of the popularity of the show. What then makes u give justifications?
Are you guilty or trying to cover something? I have great respect for you, but do not understand your defensive attitude. How tough is it for you to take personal criticism? If your readers point something out to you, you get hell bent on justifying and trying to prove them wrong.
Sometimes, instead of becoming so defensive, it wont hurt to probably calm down and maybe think about what your fans have to say.
If you can be so nice and humble when accepting accolades, please be sporting enough to face criticism as well.
Thank you,
With love,
DK
Washington DC
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