London, UK August 29, 2008 midnight !

My friend from South Africa sends me this mail - and I will not comment !!

Hysterics over Histrionics

The desperation to remain in the limelight is symptomatic of the insecurities every superstar suffers from, writes Derek Bose

Amitabh Bachchan is having to face a lot of flak these days, for reasons not entirely of his own making. Wherever he goes, his handlers are holding what is known as “meet-and-greet” programmes. It means that for a certain sum of money, you purchase the right to shake Bachchan’s hand, pose for a keepsake picture and walk away with his autograph. No receipt is issued for the amount paid and there is no guarantee that your turn in the queue would come before the megastar runs out of patience, ups and walks away. But it is a chance people are taking. And when things don’t work out their way, they are throwing a fit.

Now Bachchan claims that he is not a party to any such commercial arrangement and has asked his fans for documentary proof of moneys paid and commitments dishonoured. According to him, he meticulously abides by what he is contracted to do and if there is anything out-of-the-way he does to please his fans, it is purely a goodwill gesture. Quite clearly, he cannot be held responsible for some foolish people who want to part with their money or for the racketeers out to make a fast buck using his name.

What Bachchan and indeed, all top-ranking stars cannot deny is that the “meet-and-greet” is always a welcome activity on the sidelines of a concert tour as it reinforces their standing in public eye. It contributes immensely to the fanfare surrounding stardom. Nothing can be more disappointing to a movie star for the public to be indifferent to his/her presence, or worse, being completely ignored. Stars survive on public adulation and invite as much chaos and confusion, controversies, discord and disturbance they can, if only to raise their stocks a few notches higher.

At least Shah Rukh Khan has been frank enough to admit that he enjoys being mobbed and wants people to stand outside the gates of his house chanting his name every morning. He sees no point in a star trying to “hide” behind dark glasses after spending half his life to be recognized. On his part, he has gone to exceptional lengths to extract full mileage from his star status, from dancing at weddings to making an appearance on the cricket field to promote a film to actually sponsoring a cricket team… And he makes no bones about it. Other stars are only now picking up the tricks of the trade from him.

The desperation to remain in the limelight is symptomatic of the insecurities every superstar suffers from. But today, this anxiety has turned into a fierce battle of one-upmanship, fuelled largely by two factors. One, never before has so much money been chasing so little talent in Bollywood. From monstrous paychecks to multi-movie contracts and profit-sharing deals with multinationals, the perks associated with stardom are absolutely mind boggling. Everybody is determined to make the most of this situation in the fastest possible time. For, there can be no saying when the bubble will burst. And nobody wants to miss the bus.

The second and more important factor stems from a general acknowledgment of the fact that a film’s box-office run is no longer dependent upon the looks, personality or histrionic ability of its lead actors. More films with rank newcomers are proving to be bigger hits than those with established stars. In fact, there is very little a star brings on the table that another actor cannot in order to pull off a hit. That even freshers like Ranbir Kapoor and Harman Baweja (with major flops behind them) are going places is indicative of the intensity of competition around.

To make matters worse, the room at the top has already become overcrowded. From a time when there used to be one Rajesh Khanna or an Amitabh Bachchan to rule Bollywood, we moved into an era when the three Khans ~ Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir ~ called the shots. Now, there are at least three other frontrunners snapping at the heels of this triumvirate. Akshay Kumar is on an unprecedented roll. Hrithik Roshan is a long distance prospect. And Saif Ali Khan is the joker in the pack, capable of upsetting the applecart any time.

Till that happens, it is a level playing field out there. And since talent, seniority and acting ability have ceased to matter, the war for box-office supremacy has spilled beyond the silver screen. Today, it is being fought on six fronts:

l Television: We have all seen it happen: Just before a film’s release, members of the cast start popping out of every channel posing as chat show guests, celebrity judges or simply giving interviews. The film is released and they are gone!

l Awards’ functions: No awards’ function recognizes merit, but making an appearance at the event matters ~ be it as a performing monkey, the show host or as presenter of the trophies. It is all for a consideration, but adds to good PR as well.

l Overseas shows: There’s big money in this. But more than moolah, it helps to expand the star’s fan base, strengthens bonds with colleagues and sends out signals to others in the industry about who is with whom and how!

l Film parties: Never before has the guest list of film parties become as important as it is now. For those who attend, it establishes allegiance to a certain camp. And for the star host, it establishes the clout he enjoys in the industry.

l Sweetheart deals: Every time Shah Rukh appears in a Karan Johar show or Katrina Kaif plays ball with Salman or Amitabh drops in at the premiere of Aamir Khan’s nephew’s film… you should get the drift.
l Blog wars: The ultimate free-for-all space for every self-obsessed star to brag and abuse, rave and rant, crib and curse… As of now, Bachchan’s blog attracts maximum traffic among the stars, followed by Aamir’s.

These are well thought-out strategies for sustaining star power, far more effective and long lasting than short-term publicity stunts like rumour mongering and planting salacious stories in the media. At times, things do turn ugly ~ as in the case of Shah Rukh almost getting into blows with Salman at Katrina’s birthday bash. But from a long-term perspective, nobody can do without these measures for building their brand equity. After all, Bachchan has taught them that there is no age for retirement in films. And with all major stars having crossed 40, it is imperative they devise ways to extend their shelf life. This, essentially, is the Big Picture.

Letting their work speak for themselves, obviously, does not fit into this scheme of things.

http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=19&theme=&usrsess=1&id=220229

London, UK       August 29, 2008           11:10 pm

 

I am spent !

Spent an entire day giving my responses to all the 300 odd readers who came to the blog for DAY 128. My eyes hurt. They are red and numerous doses of eye drops have not helped. What will help is some rest and sleep.

The children have pulled me out eventually and taken me for dinner. Italian. San Lorenzo. A place that used to bubble with energy and activity. All the greats would always be there. From the celebrity world of tennis and film and on the odd occasion, royalty.

Tonight it was not that same place. Quieter. Fewer people. Not the same energy. Sad.

I have noticed this phenomenon often. Particularly in the west. Loyalties to a particular place change. People start patronizing a fresh new location. Want to be seen there, whether the food is enjoyable or not. It is a trend. Like fashion. One year black, the next white and then red.

The only energy tonight at the restaurant seemed to come when an unstable man ran in and started abusing the staff. A lot of unsavory language was spilled at high decibels. The place became even quieter. And then he left. Management said he keeps doing this often. Scary.

Everyone in the group is lamenting the fact they have to return home. Its been a pleasant trip and long. Time to get back. All good things come to an end.

 

Ha..ha.. my blog created a bit of humor. An important guest at the Concert, one of those that had written a most flattering and emotional text message, which I put on the post after the London Concert came across to visit me.

He did not agree with my ‘rusty trumpet’ reference in an earlier blog and so, gave me a gift. Ya ! you guessed it.

A brand new trumpet !!

 

Those in my vicinity are warned. I am trying out my new acquisition and have no idea how it works !! I believe these objects of great musical content, when played by novices are capable of causing serious brain damage !!

The danger is not for tonight. I sleep now. But could be for later days, or nights ! More, night.

Good night !!

 

Amitabh Bachchan, with love and understanding and recommended ear plugs !!

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