Posted on: February 28, 2009 - 12:51 am
Prateeksha, Mumbai February 27, 2009 11:57 pm
Biding farewell to Hyderabad and to the novel Novotel Hotel within the precincts of the spanking new Hyderabad airport was achieved with a minimum of fuss and protocol. Visitors book, pleasantries with the staff, keepsake photographs, the odd autograph and the cheerful Kadar Bhai my chauffeur, who wishes the scene of NamakHalal of me calling Om Prakash ji my Daddoo be soon enacted in real terms by Abhishek’s progeny addressing me thus, driving me off to the aircraft.
Sania Mirza is on flight. I wish her for her recent triumph in Australia. She is travelling for a shoot for Cadbury, a label I endorsed once, before setting off to the States for her next tournament. I feel a sense of oneness on knowing that we are common ambassadors to the brand.
At home Abhishek welcomes me and the rest of the day is just spent in exchanging notes thoughts and ideas. It has been a while since he and I have spent, what most corporates often mention as ‘quality time’. I enjoy the conversation. He does most of the talking. And I listen.
From films to business to domestic decisions, it is a rewarding moment. We as parents sometimes forget the importance of interaction with our children, particularly so in today’s times. It is immensely valuable to know their minds and what they think. Allowing them their moment of speech gives them not only the confidence of expression, but also their trend of thought - a most important ingredient as they grow into responsible positions.
Our culture has always taught us the importance of the care that is due to those who brought us into this world. If ever I were to express my regrets in life, they would most certainly be the loss of opportunity in spending more time with my Father and Mother. I hope with sufficient resolve that Abhishek never has to entertain such regret. I needed to be with my Father to be able to ascertain the genius of his mind, for now in moments of solitude or moments of reflection, it would be so valuable to know what went on in him before he composed a thought into verse or reminisced in prose. For long I have resisted imposing my presence on Abhishek. The reason being Jaya’s and my desire that he must learn to fight his own battles and be able to stand on his own. That he is fulfilling this deed is commendable, but simultaneously and along with it is the strong desire to advise, to impart, to educate him with the ways of the world. Sometimes in doing so there is hesitation. Often I wonder if his reckoning be not better than mine and if this be true, would I not be perhaps misguiding him by imposing my own lopsided theory. These and other such complications crowd my mind and I keep away. But I think that is incorrect. It never harmed anyone in speaking out. You will either be corrected or followed. Both of which are beneficial.
The latter half of the evening has been spent in front of the mirror and with prosthetics. As the shooting draws near an excitement begins to pulsate. Abhishek and Vidya Balan , my co stars in ‘PA’ also come in for make up and dress trials. The office where all this is being conducted looks full and busy with all walks of personnel connected with the production moving about in busy fashion. There is muted appreciation of what the others see and observe. It is refreshing when that happens. Pulls you further into performing well.
But by all counts, the feeling of excitement is more the fact that I am home in familiar surroundings than any other. By tomorrow all the others will troupe in to Mumbai. The house shall be functional to optimal again. I love a full house. Lots of people busying around. Children, grand children running about the place, various activities taking place in different sections of the house. The ladies in the kitchen, the men desperately trying to lend a helping hand, mostly for effect. The TV running a current cricket match or an important football game. The sound of support and exhilaration on a victory or the desolation of a defeat. The dog barking his participation. Staff moving about carrying errands and odd jobs. Sound levels at a high.
Just such a warm and affectionate moment this …
I have not been able to respond adequately to the many comments that have been so diligently put up. But I shall. The Reid and Taylor presentation will be sorted out and that took up some time in discussion. Perhaps a small aesthetic presence may not be harmful. Lets see…
Get to bed now.. it is late for all
My love to you in abundance …
Amitabh Bachchan
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