Posted on: October 4, 2008 - 3:19 am
Sopaan, New Delhi October 3/4, 2008 2:00 am
I am in New Delhi. In Sopaan. The steps. Named by my father after the steep staircase that runs in the middle of the house, right to the top floor. Sopaan, also the title of one of his books.
Gul Mohar Park. A land in the wilderness in the early 60’s. Tall wild grass grew here. No access, no roads, no electricity. An area allocated to writers and journalists by the Government then. I remember coming here to see the plot alloted to my father. It was night and the head lights of the car we travelled in were the only illumination that vaguely gave us an idea of the location and the surroundings. Jackals screamed in the eerie silence. The area was just a few hundred yards ahead of the famous AIIMS - the acclaimed Medical Institute.
Sopaan, Gul Mohar Park today the virtual center of this part of Delhi. Houses, hospitals, Schools, the famous Siri Fort Auditorium and colonies upon colonies of habitation, highways, flyovers, markets.
I built this house for my parents on this wild expanse, some years after a few successes came my way. My father had ended his term with the Rajya Sabha in Parliament and he now required a place to stay. I had got them over to Mumbai to live with me; a prevalent Indian tradition. They came over and spent time with us, but somewhere I felt they wanted a dwelling which gave them a sense of it being theirs. A permanency; something they would call their own.
A woman and wife is never comfortable unless she has built her own little nest. It is her greatest possession after she leaves her father’s home to get married, to start a new life. It has been to me, one of the supreme sacrifices that a woman makes in her life. After having spent 20-25 years of her life from birth in her home, to leave all that and settle again in another. To start calling her new environment her home now. To begin again. Tough. My admiration therefore has always been with them. It is most painful then for me to learn of separation and divorce. Of broken homes and families. Most painful.
The wife no matter how or what the circumstances, will guard and nurture this nest as only she can. She will dress it and conduct it and manage it and run it, like no other. And no other will be allowed to run it either. No matter how old or invalid they may become, they will always still have the final say in all management of her little nest. You dare not question or suggest or pass judgement. Husbands ! you are warned. Stay away from this if you wish for harmony.. or your dinner !!
Sopaan.
My father got his little corner for his writing. He finished the last volume of his autobiography here. His books and his desk still remain in just the way he had left it - his personal artifacts, papers and writing material, all unmoved and still. I rest now in the bedroom where he slept and where he suffered his illness soon after completing his last chapter - a premonition he had announced when he had started his fourth volume. Jaya, now the keeper of this nest and one who spends the maximum time here due to her Parliament activities, has leveled out a few corners and polished in some decorative changes. They are warm and welcoming and elegant. She now busies herself in pulling out the old records and details of the family. Papers, old letters, bits of Allahabad and Delhi and Nainital and Kolkata. Manuscripts and sketches and paintings lying ignored and begging for restoration. All slowly but surely finding their way on walls and rooms, both here and in Mumbai. Some being converted to discs, some being punched in to computers. A most valuable and painstaking task. All for posterity.
Sopaan.
It has been a haven of togetherness. The entire family ten twelve of the immediate, living here together and filling it with the laughter and the noise so associated with joint living. It has been the location for some harshness as well. My hand blew up here one Diwali and the fearful sight of my Mother running up the staircase to our bedroom and breathlessly breaking the news to us of Mrs Indira Gandhi’s assassination, is still so vivid in memory. And the excitement one new year’s eve as we announced Shweta’s engagement to Nikhil.
And today I am here to witness my grandchildren Navya- Naveli and Agastya perform in a concert put together by their mother, the proceeds of which shall go for the care of children afflicted by cancer.
Aishwarya left in the morning from Mumbai to Kolkata to present an event and has come in here late. Abhishek arrives in the morning. Sopaan shall buzz again with new faces in the nest that my Mother built and maintained.
I stand in front of the photographs of us - Ma, Dad, my brother and myself. Taken when the house was just made ready. Jaya has thoughtfully decorated a wall, reminding us of time gone by. They are interspersed with members of family that joined in later. Niky and the Nanda’s, the grandchildren and now Aishwarya. Abhishek two years old. Abhishek now strapping 6′3″. Amitabh young with wierd hairstyle. Amitabh older with Amitabh hairstyle. Amitabh even more with white fungus on chin. Jaya in NCC uniform. Jaya in a crowd of well posed Parliamentarians…
Life will remain in the end, but a photograph on the wall..
My love for you and more -
Amitabh Bachchan
Your simplicity is evident in how you enjoy and cherish the most simple things in your life which are actually also the most important!
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Mr. Bachchan,
It was such a nice memory/ article that you shared with one and all. About the nest that we women build, is totally and absolutely right. Especially when it comes to the kitchen. We keep track of likes and dislikes not only of the members in this nest, but the extended family as well.
Your grandchildren would be so happy performing amongst all of you.They are already involved in giving to a special cause and that speaks volumes of Sweta as a parent. Happy family gathering. Enjoy, eat and have fun with your grandchildren.
Sujata.
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Dear Sir,
The quotes you have been writing on your blog are great. Please keep sharing your wisdom, your experience about life, your philosophy about life, and do’s and dont’s.
Best regards,
vrathi.
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Your discussion about a woman building her own nest, authority of a wife or mother. its kind of concerning or may be i am thinking negetively here.
You fit to be a great writer’s son
Anything about Drona? planning to watch it this weekend.
Have a wonderful weekend.
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Mr. Bachchan,
I cud feel you turning nostalgic. Here, I am cherishing my family back in delhi. I am alone in Bangalore. Thanks to you and your article.
Akash
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Nice once…..enjoy the family get together.
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Awwww!!
I have a picture of you and my mom and a picture of me and Abhishek together! I really want you to see it! you called my mom up on stage in your 1985 concert while singing “jis ki biwi lambi” and I met Abhishek in Miami in April. I dont know how to show it to you i really wanna know if you remember it! please tell me what your email address is!
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Hey my preciuos treasure……….my love Amitji………… thank you for one more post of blog…..:)
You know now why people are mad about you ……………… yesterday i mentioned in one of my comment that i feel like you are talking to me n i am sitting next to you n listening to you………….hummmmm
So true my words are …………… I am sitting in my office, reading this blog n feft like i am standning on Sopan’s staircase…………. watching abhishek playing…… standing with you in front of that wall where Jaya decorated that wall with you all’s pictures n discussing this………….hummmmm … so pure n devine feeling, isn’t it?…..:)
This…. this is wat … your writing with full emotions without any modification of artificial words…….. makes this blog special………… not special…. very special n percious just like you dear one……….
God bless you n give you all the strenght n happiness to live n enjoy this life…:)
Love n respect as always…:)
Yours lil Fan
Deepti
दिपà¥à¤¤à¥€ शà¥à¤°à¥€à¤•à¤¾à¤‚त पोटे (पूना)
Deepti Shrikant Pote (Pune)
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Am i the first one or not?????? hahahaha
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Good day sir! I just read a thought from your previous blogs; i want to quote:
“I wake up when my eyes open and sleep when i cant keep them open”.
I feel the same…
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Dear Amit Ji:
am I first today
with regards
Anshuman
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good one Amitabh ji. Old memories are always wonderful and im sure you must have felt nostalgic looking at those pics. Love you always!
-AG
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How do you manage to survive on so little sleep. If I get any less than 8 hours, I am irritable the entire day!! Hats off to you!!
Jaya
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DEAR SIR,
HELLO SIR HOW ARE YOU?
BEST WISHES AND WARM REGARDS
HIMMAT SINGH GREWAL
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Lets try this again. I am writing this as i do not see any other comments, so maybe i am the first one here. But really well said Mr. Bachchan. Photographs are so important to remind us of what was and what we were, brings a smile on our faces, or maybe a tear in the eye.
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Hi..Aby,
I LOVE YOU…I LOVE YOU….Sooooooooo much.
Please respond to my comment…it will make my LIFE!!!!!!!!
Wonderful potray of Sopaan…excellent usage of words…really a touching post!!!
Photographs are really the fodder for our lonely times….when we can look back at everything ..so own!!
Camera - the best invention ever!!
Love you loooooooootttttttttsssssssss,
Nive..
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Any update on the t-shirt? Really would like to get one.
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30. Amit ji,
I have a small question to ask….I just recently started reading your blog….It is so beautifully written….you make writing seem so effortless….I am in absolute awe of you for doing so…
Since I started reading the blog I have wanted to ask how do you do it? I mean write what goes on in your mind…give life to your thoughts…do you not ever feel as in your thoughts are moving way faster than the speed at which you write….as in either there are too many things to say or there are just none….Where did you get the courage to write your innermost thoughts out for others to read and comment on…..does it not ever make you insecure? Maybe being a public figure for so long and having one of the most articulate people in the nation as your father helped….but still do you feel the jitters before finally letting go and posting what you wrote…I have jitters just asking you this wherein the chances of my comment being read by you are 1 in 100…
P.S.: I am posting this the 3rd time….my apologies if you have already read it earlier and have not chosen to answer…
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BEAUTIFUL… WHAT A THOUGHT SIR,
“LIFE WILL REMAIN IN THE END, BUT A PHOTOGRAPH ON THE WALL.. BUT FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS SIR.. INDIA WILL NEED TO BUILD ITS OWN GREAT INDIA WALL.”
MY PRAYERS FOR YOU & MORE
BHISHAM MANSUKHANI
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I agree with your about the wife comment. Yup, all husbands should know that!! My husband sure does!!
Jaya
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Why is there so much disparity in India. There is disparity in this world like the rich of america and poor of africa but not like it is in India. India we have it all together in one place and its been there for centuries.Some live in grand houses and other in jopadpaties right outside(How??) …………WHY? One of a kind race we are we Indians. I guess its the religion Hinduism - discrimination and disparity and divisions are inherent in it .
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Nice “reflection” of days from the past at Sopaan. Really enjoyed this post. So very true. “Life will remain in the end, but a photograph on the wall..”
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Breathtakingly beautiful post!
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Hello Sir,
Now I have become so eagar to see the photographs. Please share them with us.
Love,
Asmita Shah
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Beautiful words on a beautiful subject! Funny that you should write about this today… I spent the whole day at my grandparent’s house. My grandfather has always been a passionate photographer, pictures of the whole family line the walls.. and keep changing over the time. I remember them all from the time I was a little girl till today, when our family picture has been replaced, because my parents divorced and my cousin is now seen carrying his young son.
He was with me today at my grandparents’ house and it is a weird feeling when you realize that you have grown up.. that your grandparents are someone’s great grandparents now… that a new generation is splashing in the pool and crawling through the living room, when you still remember so vividly how you and your cousin used to do that.
I consider many places to be my home: my flat, my grandparents’s house and of course the house and home in which I’ve grown up. In which me and my two younger brothers used to chase each other, fought, cried, laughed and had the most beautiful childhood any child could imagine. That house is up for sale now and it kills me to know that soon other children will grow up in it… that my room (even though I’ve moved out many years ago) will be someone else’s room.. that my children will never chase each other through the garden like we used to do at my grandparent’s house.. that there will be no grandparents to begin with… there will be granmum and grandpa separately, but never together…
Giving up a home is more than hard, so I appreciate your words on homes, houses and families, especially today. Take care!
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Sir, please take some nice snapshots of you three there nad share with us.
I cann’t wait to see them…
Love,
Asmita Shah
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Awsome post!!!
Glad to see you giving Jayaji due credit…
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Thank you sir for your dedicated talk with us.
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“A woman and wife is never comfortable unless she has built her own little nest.” - SO TRUE SIR.
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Amitji, you have taken me with you to your home. How eloquently you have expressed yourself in this blog. The last line especially expresses the gist of life!
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Dear BigB,
I like to believe that i am the first one to leave a comment!!!!!
Wanted to ask where we can buy the T-shirt SmallB is wearing?
I know you don’t like being addressed as BigB and Abhishek as SmallB but still…
Tonite will watch Drona. Will definitely give feedback
Regards to the everlasting light.
Hrishi
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I am sure it is great to be in the family house..I visit my parents every year in India and its great to be with the people I grew up with and also the things that are so close to the memories and my heart.
Yun hi besabab na phira karo, kuchh shaam ghar bhi raha karo,
wo ghazal ki sachchi kitab hai, use chupke chupke padha karo.
(Bashir Badr)
Nice thought about women and their role as a wife. I hope more people could understand what it amounts to ‘give up and take on’…ceaselessly.
My best wishes to you for good health and long life!
Surabhi
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Hi Amitji,
Wow! What a pleasure to read this. It shows your upbringing and class when you talk of your parents. Jayaji compliments you in every respect. I wish your family nothing but the best. Incidentally i have met Aishwarya in one of her concerts. She is the perfect choice for the Bachchan family and I am sure she will protect the honor of your family. Good Choice. I have also met Jayaji when she came with handicapped kids for a truly memorable show. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
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well, what can I say, these are the ones I long to read, these are the ones no one else can write like the way you do, the language and ofcourse the content as well, so rich about your life and family, you say it so well!!!! Please Please Please write keep writing, for we love you so much!!!!!
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Dear Sir
You write well and such a magnate that I realised the value of parents. I no longer have my, however, I make the best quality time with my mom.
Thank you sir,for your inspiration.
Bye from London
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I don’t think you’ve ever mentioned your brother (in these blogs) before!
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Hey look the server has put my comment at # 1 and waiting moderation…
I wish BigB looks at the comment and say ‘Hi’…that will be awesome….
Wow sapna lagta hai but succhh bhi tho ho sakta hai!!!
Yeh duniya usi ki hai jo sapne dekh tha hai aur sakaar karta hai!!!
Regards and Thanks,
-Hrishi
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Sir
the above message, I meant I no longer have my father.
Sorry for the mistake, I am nursing a severe cold at the moment.
Rani
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Hi Amit Ji,
The sense of togetherness, integrity and brotherhood are foundation stones of a strong bonded family and these are the unique characterstics of any Indian family.
Desperate to watch DRONA… Till then take care and good wishes as always.
Thanks,
Vivek
Toronto
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I’m sorry but that whole portion about the wife and her nest seems so old fashioned and antiquated to me being a modern single woman here in NY. I know it is tradition over there but at least here there are many other choices for a woman besides marriage.
That is great what is being done to restore your father’s things for posterity. It sounds like a lot of work.
Enjoy the concert in which your grandchildren are performing for that great cause. How old are they and are there any acting aspirations ?
I would like to see that wall of photographs. So it sounds like you grew a beard
to hide a white fungus!!
I have to go now because I’m about to see Drona and take home a Drona and Rock On poster afterwards.
Love,
Rochelle
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Amit ji
Since Day 158, I have been translating your posts in Hindi and posting at http://amitabhkablog-hindi.blogspot.com.
I am doing this for the benefit of those who would like to read your thoughts but are not able to due to language barrier.
If you have any objection, please do let me know and I will stop transalting and posting.
Other alternative could be to post my translation on your blog as well. This way, all the content will be on your blog.
Or you could find a better translator and do the same.
It goes without saying that I am one of your millions of fans. The first good movie of my life was ‘Anand’ which I watched when I was in 5th grade. Since then I have watched almost all of your movies and have seen you at one of your “Jumma Chumma” show in Chicago in 1990 where you also recited “kabhi kabhii mere dil me.n” impromptu.
I would have loved to write more about your influence on my life and me as a person but I am most comfortable in Hindi and since I have not been able to post my comment in Hindi earlier today, I am resorting to English and keeping it short.
Best regards
Rahul
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Dear Amitji,
I have just started reading your blogs. It is interesting to read your thoughts, philosophy on life and feelings.
Keep writing.
Shamita
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Hello Amitabhji,
You writing today about your home Sopaan brings back lots of memories of. I used to live in Hauz Khas and in early 80’s found out that you have a house so close by. I used to spend a lot of time standing out side your house just to get a glimps of you, but, the only time I saw you was the day of that Diwali when you hurt your hand. I had the good fortune to meet your father twice at Hauz Khas market.
I am thankful to you, that thru your blog entry today, you took me down the memory lane with you.
My best wishies to you and your family.
Ajay Aggarwal
CA USA
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Dear Amitji,
As sual, it was fun to read your blog. Pls keep up the good work. I would love hear about Shweta & Abhishek’s upbringing and your contribution to it… if any.
Cheers and God Bless…
Rajesh Kavathekar
Harrow, UK
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Thanks for sharing this. This is very touching,, each word written by you brings a vivid picture of what you are trying potrait. I hope you and your family always live happy and together! Lots of love.
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Hello Sir,
I like reading to your posts. It has become my everyday habbit now. And each day, I respect you more and more. I stay away from my home and when I see mom and dad in pics with me, sometimes I burst into tears. When I see those pics, suddenly all the time that I had spent with them comes in front of my eyes. These photographs I can live those moments again and again. You said right that, `Life will remain in the end, but a photograph on the wall…. I think it will never fade and it will keep reminding you of that time, that you had spent with your mother and father and you can live those moments again.
Take care
Lots of Love
God Bless you and all….
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Dear Amitabh uncle,
It was great to read your blog once again. It brought me back to the old days of ur blog where once you described the process of how the women(Jayaji) get dressed up for a event ,h instructions to the servant in the car,dont change position in the car etc.. . I stil can recollect the details of the blog of that day and it always gets a chuckle out of me. So lets hope to hear more from you about your personal life.
I allways wonder are your grand kids named by your father? Navya-naveli ,Agasthya they seem religious and traditonal names. How did they get named so? Would you please oblige by giving the details.
One other request -As couple of bloggers have asked Can you have a title for each of your writings so that its easy to look them up when we feel like reading them over and over again. Like the tribute to your mother i keep going to the photos section to track writing .
We love you and keep doing what you do best.. Best wishes and love allways.
–Shetty
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Respected Sir,
God Bless You. Your nostalgic collection of memories immediately connect your readers with their own past. You just mesmerised all of us not only by your screen presence but by your writing craftmenship as well.
You are simly great and each day my respect for you increase to another level and these days started some 32 years ago when I watched your movie Majboor.
My best wishes and regards
Bak Ikram
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wow sir! thats all i can say. as i was reading it , it felt as if i was standing there and watching it with my eyes
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white fungus on chin.. very funny amitabh uncle.. next to last line, a bit sad, “life will remain in the end, but a photograph on the wall.
i really love your family togetherness.. really it’s vicarious family and joy for me.
would love to see photos of the grandkids, but not if it’s not safe for them to be publicized…… so maybe when they are older?
take care…
have lots of work to do…..
tell more about acting, your technique, how you do it please..
happy navratri!
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You made me home sick. That nest is the best place in this whole world for all of us….
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9811506300
Dear Mr Bachchan,
Impeccable is the word when you described Sopaan.Whenever i commuted by that street i always wished to get a glimpse of you but ……
its 0345 AM in the morning and i just came back from Office and after reading your post, and you so near to my house is simply Thrilling.
Love
Jatin Bhatt
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Sir,
As always beautifull writing. I too come from a joint family and have beautiful memories of it. Thanks again for taking us into your home once again.
chandra
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Delhi rocks all the way! ..nice post sir!
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Hello Sir,
Thanks for sharing …I just feel like reading on & on & on ..
Reading your blog kindaa gives a inner peace .. something within get calm… advises to stay calm at all times….
fee like my Dad or grandfather is saying something and I should listen on & on & on…
I never had a Dad or grandfather so just wonder if they would have been, they would have been like you….
Need some elderly advice,, some nice saying.. “badon ki suno” so I come to listen here….
Thank YOU … such a small word for what you are giving us
want to experience more the peace & calmness within….
no words coming out
may be later
Pratish
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Amit ji
YOU HAVE WRITTEN A GREAT PIECE ABOUT HOW A MOTHER/WIFE GUARDS HER NEST. I TOO AM A WIFE/MOTHER & NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT TO ME THAN MY HOME. IF I AM AWAY FOR A FEW DAYS EVERYTHING FALLS APART. I ALSO RUN A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS. I THINK IF A WOMAN CAN RUN & MANAGE A HOME EFFICIENTLY THEN SHE CAN EASILY RUN A BUSINESS!!
I WAS TRYING TO PICTURE YOUR LATE PARENTS HOME “SOPAAN” YOUR WRITING IS VERY DESCRIPTIVE & TAKES THE READER TO THE PLACE YOU ARE WRITING ABOUT, PLEASE POST SOME PHOTOS OF “SOPAAN” WE WOULD LOVE TO VISUALISE A HOME WHICH WAS SUCH A BIG PART OF YOUR LIFE.
OUR MEMORIES ARE SO PRECIOUS, WE CAN GO TO ANY PART OF OUR PAST & REMEMBER SOMETHING WHICH CAN BRING A SMILE OR A TEAR TO OUR FACE. WHEN I WRITE ON YOUR BLOG MY MIND IS FILLED UP WITH MEMORIES OF GROWING UP & WATCHING YOUR FILMS. I SOMETIMES HAVE TO PINCH MYSELF & THINK MY GOD! “THIS IS AMITABH BACHCHAN” WHO I AM WRITING TO.
ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THIS OPPORTUNITY OF COMMUNICATING WITH YOU.
LOTS OF LOVE (as always)
YOUR NO.1 FAN FROM UK
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I wonder how one can get an entry to Rajaya Shabha. Would like to know the detail. If you give us detail about your father and Jaya ji their endeavor and their success their of.
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amitji,as you are a wonderful photographer,we would all love to see the photographs of your house.you are a part of our family and we would love u to share it with us.please post them if u can.
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Please don’t call your little white Goatee a ” fungus”. It has become part of you and we are so used to seeing you in this French beard that if you razor it we might wont recognize you.
We know about your whole family member-you and jayaji,Ajitabh & Ramona, their son and daughter, Abhishek & Aishwarya,Sweta & Nikhil Nanda ,your grandchildren- Navya-Naveli , Agastya. I don’t know about Niky?
I am so agree with you on ”A woman and wife is never comfortable unless she has built her own little nest. It is her greatest possession after she leaves her father’s home to get married, to start a new life”. You described women’s emotion so well its commendable.
As I mentioned you long time back that i had privilege of receiving a trophy by you father when i was a child at my annual school day function in mumbai where he was invited as a chief guest. I still treasured that photo with me. we know that you have great admiration for your father. And you miss him everyday. My father had great admiration for your father Harvinshrai Bachchan. He was a poet and educationist. He was the one who arranged for your father to attend our annual school day function as a chief guest.
I miss my father who passed away in 2006 unexpectedly. I still have not got over his death. So much so that i don’t want to be reminded that he is no more .Its so painful for me if someone talks about him in past tense. Most of the time I just dont accept or forget to accept the fact that he is no more. I was not with him in his last moment .He died unexpectedly at the age of 75 years old .He could have lived longer. All of his friends are still alive. If someone tells me that he was aged i reject that notion. For children… passing of parent is always a great blow and sadness whether they died of young or old age. He wanted to live longer and always into Yoga and Ayurveda. He has never been hospitalized in his life. But One fine day he suddenly got ill and admitted to hospital ,a day after he recovered and next day he died .It all happened so fast that all my family member could not believed it. My father even didn’t knew in his last moment that he was leaving this world. Only this gives me solace that he didn’t knew that he was leaving this world in his last moment cause he wanted to live so much, If he knew about his dying then he would have left this world with great sadness.
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Loved the last line, “life will remain but a photograph on the wall”, a thought that made me ponder and realize thats its very true.
Have a gr8 time in Delhi.
Regards,
Sonal.
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impeccable writing as usual.
I loved how you looked at Drona premiere. Silver/grey tie was very very nice and the glasses were funky too. You always do great. Abhishek’s bow-tie was a bit much but he did OK. The big wallet needs to go! Now both the Bachchan ladies could have done much better.
Why doesn’t Jaya Aunty do traditional sarees - nothing can beat that. She looks so elegant in sarees. Aishwarya looked great in vivid color - for a change wore something in rich color. Not a fan of fish tail - but she looked good.
Sorry, hope I did not annoy you with my commentary.
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Dear Bachchanji
You are one of the greatest human being born on this earth. But out of humility, you never consider yourself as such. You are not only one the greatest actor from India, but a good writer. You have inherited some of the qualities from your father as far as writing and human values are concerned and got the acting genes from your dear mother. May God bless Bachchan parivar for generations to come.
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Oh what an amazingly well written piece. Beautiful. I must now look out for the house the next time I am in Delhi. Perhaps one day you might consider making it into a museum with all your father’s work.
Regards,
Reshma
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TALKING ABT DRONA
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sir wen u r coming to ukfor chelsea match
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Dear mr. Bacchan,
I still remember Shweta performing on stage in modern school vasant vihar,New Delhi(in the short time she was there) and now her kids…..
Enjoy your grand kids - the kids will be thrilled and feel so special with nana-nani and mama-mami turning up for their performance.
I hope people relearn all these family values from your blog….otherwise nowadays on the pretext of being busy-people have stopped making time for family-the most important thing in life.
regards,
anamika
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Sir,
Every article of yours brings forth a different emotional experience in me. Thank you for sharing another beautiful skill of yours - writing from the heart. Although I am not surprised cos’ I think everything you do is from the heart.
Regards
Asha
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A trivia for Sopaan:
So, there exists another building with the same name (Sopaan). You know, the famous opera house “La Scala†ιn Milan, Italy, took its name by the adjacent church Santa Maria della Scala (Holy Mary of the Staircase, there are some other churches throughout Italy by the same name). Italian tradition says that it was on the landing of a staircase where an icon of Holy Mary was found and this is thn reasion gor this name…
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Hi
what a emotional journey….you have made me travel with you your entire house…step by step and moment by moment…its so true and so real Indian tradition…
Immediately one thing comes to my mind is to suggest you why dont you make few of the rooms of your house in Sopaan memorial for your father and mother and throw the same open to public for few days in a week…..this will help plenty of us for whom you have been an inspiration in the true sense of word an opportunity to have a look at your house ..your childhood and plenty of others…..I hope some day you will give it a serious thought to my suggestion….
You also touched subject of divorce and pain associated with that….although briefly…..you know…its so difficult for two people from different back ground and circumstances come together and try and built their “nest” as you call it and make it their home for the remaining part of their lives….but when it doesnt go the way it was planned…it falls through in between …..one feels as if one is left alone in middle of a sea…with huge waves coming on you every now and then…you want to protect your children from those…you want to protect yourself………..one has to really undergo the pain to feel it…i have done that……
lots of love
Naresh
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Dear Sir,
as every day, I feel blessed by the thoughts you share with us.
But I humbly disagree with “Life will remain in the end, but a photograph on the wall…”
…it will remain the words of your books, letters and blog, the memory of your friends and family, the works you left and the deeds you did. Every moment of your life is present in what you are today, you’ll see it mirrored in your children and grandchildren, and in everyone you knew - everyone whose life touched yours.
One day, all of us will fade away in history. But perhaps our souls will still live on and find another life to shape - if you believe in reincarnation.
Memories are important and precious. Looking backwards - towards the path we have travelled - shapes our lives. But looking forward to what we still can and will do, is what defines us.
I wish you a good night and a very pleasant weekend!
With all my respect and love,
yours
Amber
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Hello…
It is great to hear from u every day…
small small things that r taken in matter…. the way u put light on them….
life become more easy…. the positvity came out from the words lights up me also.
tons of thanks to u
i have never meet or seen any of u in realty but seen always in reel….
but u blog gets to me like anything as this is not electronic this is the real.
God bless u.
thanks
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Very nice !!! I am sure someone is going to collect all these blog postings by you and make a book out of it
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Dear Mr. Bacchan,
I would like to add one more thing-thanks a lot for acknowledging the ‘nest builders” and understanding them. You sound like my dad….
I miss my dad’s words…wish he will get better soon and start talking to us again…
start spending time with my kids again…my kids miss their nanu around…
it hurts to see him lying on the bed…helpless…cant move…cant speak…
its been two years now…may this navratri change everything and make him better…and my kids get their grandfather back….
anamika
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Dear Mr. Bachchan,
loved this post about Soopan. of course it carries a lot of feelings and memories for you. i also loved your reference to the wife whose main interest is to ‘guard’ and ‘nurture’ her ‘nest’. one looks at it with admiration and reverence. these days this figure is lost because of many reasons. you can say it is one of the valuable traditions that are lost because of modern life.
enjoy your stay in Soopan with your lovely family, and among your wonderful memories of the place.
and enjoy the concert of your grandchildren.
With love,
Rasha Zayed,
BigB yahoo group,
Cairo, Egypt.
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Dear Amitji
The enduring symbol of knowledge and inspiration you give us daily is unfaltering. You delight us so much with your nostalgic recollections of memories past and the present in Sopaan. You must draw great comfort in remembering your happy days spent with your parents there. And this will still continue to flourish with happiness with your own children and grandchildren too.
Enjoy your nice family get together and I’m sure you’ll be so proud of your grandchildren’s performance at the concert, they will definitely shine!
With love & God bless
Brenda
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Aishwariya is a woman of substance and she and Abhi will defintely carry forward your family legacy. Love their strength of charachter. I’ve followed both of their careers and admire their ability to get up and fight the lows they have faced. Both of them have alot of courage and will lean on and support each other when necessary. Love you so much.
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Dear Amitji,
what beautiful memories you have shared with us sir - really liked reading this post - Your days spent in Sopaan reminded me of this quote ‘Home is the place where we grumble the most but are loved the best’
How was the concert?. It must have been emotional and fun to see your grandchildren perform. Hope you and your family are enjoying your time spent together.
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आपके बà¥à¤²à¤¾à¤— का को आज हिनà¥à¤¦à¥€ में पढ़ा. इसके लिये राहà¥à¤² उपाधà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤¯ जी को धनà¥à¤¯à¤µà¤¾à¤¦
आप इसे आधिकारिक तौर पर हिनà¥à¤¦à¥€ में à¤à¥€ पà¥à¤°à¤¸à¥à¤¤à¥à¤¤ कà¥à¤¯à¥‹à¤‚ नहीं करते?
वाकई अंत में जीवन सिरà¥à¥ž à¤à¤• फोटो बन के रह जाता है दीवार पर
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Dear Mr. Bachchan,
What a wonderful writer you are!! You should really publish a book. An autobiography would be nice to read. The words you put in your sentences. The sentences you use in your paragraphs. The paragraphs we read in you blog. Magnificant. Speechless. Amazing. Breathless. Over the edge. So many words to describe this great feeling when you read this blog.
The way you describe your father, marvelous. I just wish I could write everything I want to say but it will be the longest thing you have ever read in your entire life.
May God bless you forever and on into eternity.
Lots of love,
Araliya
P.S. Would love it if you would kindly please reply.
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RESPECTED AMITJI.
NAMASTE.
HEARTWARMING POST. BEST WISHES FOR NAVYA AND AGASTYA. LOTS OF LOVE TO ALL OF YOU.
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nice blog
take care
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dear bhaiya ji,
ur thoughts r as good as always…
i have a request to u… nowits enough days for this wonderful pic..
now please change it, b’coz me and many of ur other fans are waiting for ur latest picture in blog with the lines of ur great father… coz lines u use with ur picture tells us ur mindset in just two lie.. but in more beautiful & heart touching way…
defenetly yours
ashish sharma
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Dearest AB ji,
Your love and pride for each and every member of the family is very evident. Your family values and all these feelings will be a inspiration to many. Your wife, JB ji is the personification of best wife, bhahu ma, ma-in-law with all the glory of Indian tradition that she represents. No wonder so many adours her. You are such a great human beings and thank you for bringing all this to us and also making us a better human being. You must be a very proud to watch your grandchildren perfom and they are so blessed.
loads of love & respect as always,
Susheela - TN USA
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Boss, I have no words to write today after going through todays journey of Sopan with you, I salute you.
You have done a lot for all fo them, still doing even for us, how many such families exsist today, more so in film fratanity, I try to do the same.
Its been 22 years since Iam working overseas for the very same reason, just to keep things intact.
Love you more & regards,
Pratap
05:18 am Al Khor (Qatar)
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What more can I say….
A TRUE ‘BAGHBAN’
I shall pray to Shirdi Sai Baba that Abhi and Ash shall carryon with the same spirit and upbringing without any changes.
They have really wonderful parents in you and Jaya Ji.
Boss, We have here almost finished our Eid Holidays and our working week starts from today, few more days and I will coming back to India, my nest @ Visakhapatnam to be with family for Karva Chauth on 18th and then Diwali on 27th October.
Best Regards,
PRATAP
05:25am AL KHOR - QATAR
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Respected Amitjee,
Regards and heartiest greetings..it was great pleasure to go through your blog. You are a wonderful writer.The part of blog, describing a mother’s feelins is so much touching……
Thanks .
Regards
deepti
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Beautifully written.
Claps !!!
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AMIT JI …..
thanx 4 sharing all this with us …i know u consider and call us ur “extended family”
we r proud of that ………
best of luck 4 abhishek’s DRONA…
JUST DONT FORGET WE R ALWAYS WITH U ……..
khush rahein ………ALLAH hafiz …….bye
TANVEER ……PAKISTAN
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Hello Sir,
This is the first time i am writing to u..all this while i have been only trying to know more about u…. rather than only watching ur movies…i have seen few of ur previous films and heard from my parents about u a lot….when i was in 10th standard i had ur fathers poem..it was great but never now how he look like…
From past few years u played some really great characters…which i really admire..especially “Black” & “Sarkar”…
i loved what u have written today it would be great if u can put up ur parents and your whole family pics…it would be surely a treat….
take care!
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SIR
THE WAY YOU PROJECT YOUR THOUGHTS ON YOUR PARENTS, IS SO PURE AND SINCERE, HATS OFF TO YOU TO BE SO HUMBLE AND NOBLE IN YOUR THOUGHTS
HAVE A NICE DAY OUT WITH YOUR FAMILY & NANDA’s AND THE CHARITY SHOW BY YOUR GRAND CHILDREN & GROUP
SOPAN = UNFORGETABLE MEMORIES OF YOUR DAD & MOM
LOVE YOU
B R MANOJ GROVER
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