Posted on: January 29, 2009 - 2:28 pm
Mumbai to London January 28/29, 2009 9:59 am India Time
Somewhere 36,000 ft over Austria another 2 hrs to destination On flight 9W 120
the Baccarat showroom with restaurant in Paris and their new invention the black crystal chandelier
Habitually, on the 28th, after having been with the blog till after 4:00am, I wake early. About 7am. After a limited three hours of sleep. Just cannot seem to ever go beyond that even if I tried.
Once up, it was obvious to get about some chores left over from the previous day, after which to the office to do some Tv bites for CNN-IBN.
Rajdeep Sardesai, the boss at the station and anchor to most of the important and prestigious programs the station runs, had called for a ‘favor’. Could I possibly give some time to send a recorded message for Mr Dilip Kumar, the recipient of their Indian of the Year Award, honoring this great and legendary thespian with a Lifetime of Achievement.
There would never be any hesitation in doing that.
Dilip Saheb, an institution, an actor par excellence, one that in my reckoning, revolutionized the performing art to an ultimate degree, an inspiration not just to me but I am certain to every actor that came after his generation - and those that do not admit that, are, with due respect, being dishonest to themselves. A man of great knowledge and substance, a man whose films formed the formative years of our lives; right from school and college to present times. A man whose performances epitomized the faultless nature of their interpretations, a man whose films we saw repeatedly breaking school and college boundaries at night even with our meager funds. A man that conducted himself on the wide screen with a certain grace and dignity, so worthy of emulation. A man, one just cannot find sufficient words to justify his cinematic contribution into the world of Indian Cinema.
It would take me many dedicated blogs to post entirely what this one man meant to all of us and to the performing art. But here today, one reminisces some of the special moments that I had the good fortune of being with, in his proximity.
I remember the first time I ever saw him. 1960. I had come to Bombay as a visitor with my parents. My father was here to take part in a Kavi Sammelan. Our hosts had taken us out to visit some of the awe inspiring sights and locations of this great city, which for small time and small town me had been like a dream, a fantasy, unperceivable and unimaginable.
It was a prominent restaurant, in now what is commonly referred to as South Bombay, where Dilip Kumar, the Dilip Kumar, walked in. Standing majestically some distance from the entrance door in conversation with some friends, animated and oblivious to the excited occupants of the eatery.
Urged by the elders and eager to go up and greet him and to ask him to oblige us with an autograph, I ran out of the restaurant to a nearby stationary store to buy an autograph book.
Out of breath with excitement and apprehension, I walked back to the legend and softly put up my request. Poised statue like, hand extended with the book, I repeated my quivering words to him. He remained unmoved. Either to me or to the book. In a short while, he turned and left. I followed his departure, book in hand and a little embarrassed and self conscious and disappointed, returned to my seat, consoled by the elders with me not to take it personally. He may not have noticed you, or perhaps he was too busy with what was transpiring between him and is friends. I understood with some trepidation. End of meeting with Dilip Kumar.
Time passed. I went back to school and college and existing. Went back to seeing this idol perform some of the most important films of his career, in astonishing manner ; sometimes when the funds permitted, with several repeats. And with fate and circumstance ended up in Bombay to seek my own existence in this wonderful profession.
Time passed. I moved into the fascinating world of cinema with opportunities and failures and some successes, until one day Salim - Javed the great writing duo conceptualized ’Shakti’ the film by Ramesh Sippy and cast Dilip Saheb and me in it. It was an incredible moment of unbelievable proportions. This idol of mine, this huge and larger than life figure who had loomed in my fantasies, now to be standing next to him was unimaginable.
The day of the mahurat arrived. It was designed to be unusual and grand and different and unique. This was Ramesh Sippy after Sholay and Shaan. The shot would take place on the beach in front of the Holiday Inn Hotel, recently commissioned and new. The guests would be assembled and seated in the lawn facing the sea. Mr Dilip Kumar, the police Commissioner in the film, in his regalia, would drive in from one corner in his police jeep and yours truly, the wayward son would descend in a helicopter. Both father and son would emerge from respective mode of transport, converge at a marked spot and speak a few lines, as is the wont of mahurats and walk back to the Hotel.
I was motored down to the Juhu airport near by and belted up in the chopper. At a given hour we took off and hovered over the beach nearby. It was a mass of humanity all around. Police and security were struggling with the crowds, keeping them away from the spot of action and the landing area of the helicopter. After a few sham runs ins to indicate area of landing to clear the sand and space, I landed, walked out and saw the approaching jeep carrying the legend. He carved himself out of the jeep, stern look on his face in keeping with the character. We approached each other in same temperament and stood a comfortable distance apart. He spoke a few words. They were barely audible. The helicopter had not stopped its machine. I answered back. He kicked the sand with his shoes and spoke some more. I mumbled something and in the distance perched at a vantage point in the Hotel Ramesh ji screamed ‘cut’. An applause burst out far away. We walked back to the lawns of the Hotel amidst smiling and laudatory faces and stood in for a photo opportunity.
Someone in the crowd behind me whispered - “Do you have any idea how historic this is ?”. I looked back. It was Javed Saheb. I told him he had made it happen. And he exchanged a look that has been a trademark of his when he has appreciated someone’s work or appreciated a situation of importance.
Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan were working in a film together.
I had watched him briefly earlier too, much after that SoBo restaurant non autograph signing incident. It was at Teen Murti House, New Delhi, the residence of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India, the first after Independence, at a party hosted by him for artistes that had come to Delhi in connection I think with a charity program. I was in College. Being close friends to the premier family my Mother and I had gone across and seen the three legends - Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Dilip Kumar. There are photographs somewhere of that high tea. And I still remember Dilip Saheb and the manner and relish with which he was tucking into the ’samosas’ on display.
Later and much later, after the release of his colossal film ‘Ganga Jamuna’, a film I must have seen a million times, I had lived in shock and extreme surprise when the only and most prestigious film awards, the Filmfare, had denied him the best actor award for it. Many moons thereafter, when awards became a part of our existence too and when their denial for deserving performances became a disappointment, I would often take great solace by remembering the ‘Ganga Jamuna’ incident and console myself by saying -
“If they didn’t give it to Dilip Saheb for ‘Ganga Jamuna’, hum kis khet ki mooli hain !”
I say this to colleagues when they despair of non recognition. I say this to Abhishek often. Though now, with a plethora of awards competing with each other for better TRP ratings, than with the philosophy of recognition by dedicated accomplishment, the loss or absence of one perhaps, has lost its intensity and in my discussions with others in industry, meaning.
Time passed. The premier of my film ‘Black’ and I am honored by the presence of Dilip Saheb at the IMAX in Wadala for it. Rani Mukherji, a close friend of his had invited him. After the film was over, I found him waiting outside the theatre for me to emerge. I walked up to him. He stretched out his hands to me and held both of mine and stood looking me in the eye, without saying a word. An eternity passed. No one spoke.
They were the most eloquent moments in my life with Mr Dilip Kumar !!
Two days later a letter came from him applauding my work. And signed, DILIP KUMAR !!
After 46 years I got the autograph I had craved for !!
It is now framed an put up on the wall of my personal office.
मन का हो तो अच्छा … न हो तो ज्यादा अच्छा !!
Had I got the autograph then in the restaurant it would have been good, but getting it the way I did now, was infinitely better.
If things happen the way you desire, it is good. If not, it is better. For then they happen according to the will of the Almighty. And He shall always think and do what is better for you.
London, Heathrow looms below. Dark cloudy and grey at 3 degrees of temperature. We shall rest here for a while and then on to Davos, Switzerland in -10 degrees and snow and the Crystal Award for an Achievement in a life of Arts to the community.
NDTV honors Dilip Saheb. Davos and the Economic Forum honors me. Life shall always be strange !!
My love -
Amitabh Bachchan
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kabhi jameen to kabhi aasmaan nahi milta is it really true sir can v all foolow this tk care happy journey by
Dear Amitji,
I think you have mixed up Rajdeep with NDTV. He is the editor-in-chief of CNN IBN and have long ceased to be a part of team NDTV.
Wish you all the best and heartiest congrats for the honour in Davos.
yes yes.. error.. I had been invited by NDTV, Mr Pranoy Roy for their Indian of the Year as Chief Guest. I had to refuse that because I was in Paris. Then Rajdeep called from CNN-IBN and I was traveling again and had to refuse. he though asked me to do a TV bite and the confusion came in. have corrected it now.. love
Is it NDTV on CNN-IBN?..a small error i think from the great BIG B!!
no comment?!! :O
well…I swear that today I don’t have enough time to read thoroughly…….I have to attend a tuition….and the same reason goes for so late coming……
but…good evening…..
bye..
with love & respect—
Promita
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Dear Sir,
Wishing you all the very best for the award at DAVOS!!!
May you keep scaling still newer heights!!!!!!
And keep setting higher standards - both as an artist and as a human being!
To me, and to all of us in my family, you are THE ONLY IDOL!
with love, regards & reverence,
Rajesh Kejriwal
BigB Yahoo Groups
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Dear Big-B,
God Bless you with lot more success & whealth.
Capt.mahendra & Terror Injured soldiers
Respected Amit ji,
Aap se jab bhi mukhaatib hota hoon to na jaane kyon mere andar kavita janm lene lagti hai. Perhaps the reason being that you also like Poems. Whatever may be the reason but aap se mukhatib hone per aisa lagta hai jaise aap mujhse keh rahen hon :
“Jo tumhe tha milna tumhe mila
Jo mujhe tha milna mujhe mila
Afsos kise kyon ho koee
Na tumhe gila na mujhe gila
Kab fursat hai main ghir jaaoon
Ulte sidhe upwaadon me
Kab shouk mujhe ki chhapwaoon
Apne charche akhbaaron me
Hain kaam bahut is jeevan me
Aur wakt guzarta jata hai
Na main hi rukna chahta hoon
Na wakt ko rukna aata hai
Kab bhaag se zyada milna hai
kab bhaag se zyada khona hai
Naahak sab kheecha- taani hai
Bekaar ka rona dhona hai
Main apne hisse ki jeeoon
Tum apne hisse ki jeeo
Yadi thak jaao to saathi sang
MADHUSHALA me baitho, peeo.”
With warm regards & Love
a.k.Tanha, e.mail: alokkudesia53@yahoo.co.in
Dear Sir,
This is truely wonderful. I was in a trance while I read the wonderful literary piece. Just kept on thinking….I have been waiting for years together to get an opportunity to have a paper in my hand autographed by Amitabh Bachchan….but till date the opportunity has not come. I am sure God fulfils our wishes some day, so I am ready to wait. Coming back to the historic episode, I can’t wait to see Shakti all over again, now that it has given a new dimension and meaning. Javed saab was so right….it’s indeed a history only to be repeated again, I wish, just for the sake of millions of fans of yours.
Wish you a wonderful trip and please come back soon.
Reagrds
Dear Sir
Subject: A Historical Gift to Mankind
The following lines talk about an idea that has the potential of creating something that has never been thought of by anyone in the world. Without exaggerating, I would like to mention that I have developed a concept keeping you in mind. The concept would be called a “historical gift to mankind.”
I am Jagmeet Bal, a director by profession. I tried to reach out to you through a common friend, RD Tailang. I had sent a letter regarding this idea. I am not sure whether you read the letter or not, so thought of contacting you through this blog.
I would be very grateful if you may please give me an opportunity to share this concept personally with you. The concept is so sensitive that it can only be discussed with you and not with any of your managers/secretaries. It is not a film, a TV serial or a reality show. It is something whose genre has also not been named yet. And when this concept is launched, it can never be made again.
Hope to hear from you. Following are my contact details:
jagmeetbal@gmail.com
zeromindfilms@rediffmail.com
Warm Regards
Jagmeet Bal
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Dear Sir,
Please forgive my saying this, but I have never considered Mr Dilip Kumar a very good actor….
Agreed that there are some types of roles that nobody can emote better than him, but there are many other kinds of roles where his performance lacks sting.
In my humble opinion, if there is ONE PERSON in this whole world whom I find capable of performing ANY kind of role IMPECCABLY, its you - yes, YOU Mr Amitabh Bachchan.
And even your potential has not been completely tapped as yet. You are capable of even more theatrics…
And I am not saying just because I am your fan… I UNDERSTAND cinema and can distinguish between a good & a mediocre performance.
With love, regards & reverence,
Rajesh Kejriwal
BigB Yahoo Groups
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Brilliance personified…. both in writing and devotion to your blog… i revere you from the bottom of my heart sir… i am 23 yrs old and our generation needs to learn this from you.. especially because you are an idol and can get this message through with a lot less effort… i wonder whether you think twice before denying anyone an autograph
!!
Hellos Gud MorninG Satsriakal…
it is d first time i came to your blog..was just scanning thru ur daily entries…mere paas kuch bhi comment copliment nahi hai dene ko as i dnt even hve words which suits ur aura …plus im tooo bad in writing so…one reson i came was to see wat u wrote about slumdog as i truly support ur views on that.I still hevnt read what exaclty u said which created a hoo halla among the newspapers and d news channles…but for sure ek firangi ne hamari country ke slums ko itne gande se potray kiya usse itne nomations aur awards mil gaye what about the real India..? i genuinly think that guy has lost it ! anways i shall not bore u wid all this …
hve a gr8 gr8 day tommorow !!
god bless yaa always ..keep smiling
loads of love Sumit …
Good afternoon my precious diamond… the closest to the heart, mind and soul.., the dearest, most beloved and respected daddy…..
Thank you so much for this great post about your memories with Dilip Kumar.., that was really nice … a young man admires a legend.. waited for a an autograph that he didn’t get in the time he wanted.., a young talented and gifted actor works for the first time with his idol and gets from him a glimpse of recognition and appreciation.. then becomes a true legend.. got from his idol the autograph he waited for 46 years…, framed it and decorated your office with…, then both the legends are honored in the same time… that is just wonderful… love how you speak in respect about those who had left - even a tiny - touch in your life… you don’t have to dedicate few blogs to talk about Dilip Saheb…, what you had sent right now is a great post.. hope that gives him happiness in this great day..
( If things happen the way you desire, it is good. If not, it is better. For then they happen according to the will of the Almighty. And He shall always think and do what is better for you. )… sometimes one read a phrase and didn’t get it’s deep meaning untill an insident happens and he finally find out the hidden meaning of this phrase…
The great arrangement of Al-Mighty to our lives and his will should be accepted though we don’t understand why things didn’t happen the way we desired.. there must be a better thing in the Al mighty’s arrangements for us… but human nature hardly accepts this fact…, struggles, wastes energy, loses patience but finally one should accept and believe that everything is happening is for our interest …
Allah is always kind and generous to me… among his countless gift… i got YOU.. and what a precious gift YOU are…!
I missed meeting you all the times when you visited Egypt… although that sadened me … but i never dreamt of an opportunity to get communicated with you…, but here i am.. blessed and honored to communicate with you.. i can dream wilder… and believe that HE will bring to me more than i’m able to dream about… all my dreams , thoughts… and prayers are about YOU.. my precious…
Wish you a safe and pleasant flight to Switzerland…. take care of your precious health… keep yourself always warm my angel…
Forever… love, care, faith and respect..
dear amitji, my wife and i are getting ready to go to work but just wanted to write and say that I am glad you have such a respect for one of the greatest icons to hit the silver screen in dilip sahab. As I mentioned in one of my postings earlier, one of my dadaji and mine favorite movie of all time that featured both of you and rakhiji was shakti; that was such a powerful movie with such powerful songs also; This is a movie I have seen at least 100 times. I hope that you get proper rest sir and God bless your family; just got the songs from movie delhi 6-extremely nice songs and looking forward to movie also releasing on 2/20/09. Take care sir and all the best; okay gotta go see patients. sincerely, sunir kumar from chicago
DEAR SIR,
VERY TOUCHEE…………VERY..
REGARDS
GAURAV
Yoo! Hoo! Inching closer hehe!
Dear Sir,
welcome back to Europe! I am looking forward to your thoughts about Davos and the Economic Forum. Great to know you will be there.
Thank you for the autograph story. It is really sweet to imagine you as a tongue-tied youngster and fan of the great Dilip Kumar! It is how many of us in this EF feel about you.
Lets do some Science Fiction here: If blogs had existed at that time, and Dilip Kumar had had a blog like you have this one now, what would you have posted there?
With love and regards,
yours
Amber
Dear Amitabh
Lovely words, he is definitely a living legend, just like you!!! I loved the grandfather blog you wrote earlier.
rajdeed sardesai is with ndtv?
GOOD EVENING DARLING,
What a surprise, before leaving office, just checking whether u have left any msg for us, a long post after a long wait.
Thanks U very very much. As i have to leave now, I am taking print out and read whole evening. what could be the better option than this, spending an evening with AB’s post. What a lovely feeling.
With love, respect, care and hugs
Note: what a joke, U have posted at 2.28 PM and we are getting at 5.30 pm (roughly).
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Sir,
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Republic Day Parade !
.
Read about your memoirs of Republic Day Parade in Delhi. I myself just now returned from Delhi after a week long visit to the city of Power Corridors. I go there for no particular reason but just to have a feel of the city, my city of childhood. Winter Fog and Republic Day parade are what invite me the most.
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This year parade had some disappointing moments. I have no contacts worth a mention to get a visitor pass, hence had to contend myself viewing it from the ITO junction.
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Unprecedented security appeared to be the main highlight of this year parade. So much so, the spectators were not even allowed on either side of the left road. They had to watch from the farther footpath of the adjacent road.
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By the time Parade had reached ITO junction, some of the police contingent looked walking rather than parading. Smart and crisp march of matching steps with synchronized clichéd sound of boots was totally absent. Worst, their colleagues who probably were their backups and were not a part of the contingent were seen walking casually all over the place around them in the middle of the road. So much so, a smartly dressed leader of one of the police contingent was even seen clapping with his raised hands prompting the public to clap for his contingent. Probably this was the highest disregard and disrespect I have ever witnessed during the Republic Day Parade and that too in Delhi.
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It was unbelievable to see the parade repeatedly stopping due to mismatch in marching speeds or due to some congestion in front, and Jawans were seen stand-marching more than often. It was indicative of lack of absolute precision which otherwise the Delhi Republic Day Parade is known for.
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Further, please trust me when I say two marching bands appeared totally out of rhythm and sync with their master beat that controls marching foot steps. One band was even heard playing a Hindi film song with no marching beat in it.
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Overall, this year Parade reminded me of once famous Jia-Band which used to play in Ramlila and during private marriage processions.
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Seeing is believing. Mr. Bachchan next year you must watch the Parade from ITO junction to believe what I observed.
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Regards’
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Deepak T
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Good thoughts and good content. Keep up the spirit, Sir.
Take Care,
Luv,
SaiRam.
wow again!! you write so well…& indeed there is no better to put in an intended pun
all the very best Sir for the days ahead at Davos…protect yourself from the chill..
Love n Respect
Anuj
Mr Bachan…you are absolutely impressive…
All my love
PA
wat an amazing blog u took us to the world of ur past and with so much of life as if we were there to witness each encounter ,,, u sure have cum a long way ,,,, but success has not got to u …. u seem so humble and always remember ur past very proudly and not hesitant in sharing any aspect of it …and the respect u hav for dilip kumar ji sohuld be a lesson for the present heros to learn from …how to respect ur elders …which lacks sumhow so much….. i tell u always each and every blog of urs helps us
better human beings …. just love being a part of ur EF ….. :)enjoy ur trip and best of luc
please as i wrote earlier in my previous comments i [like a daughter] needs all ur blessings and prayers …..taking a very important and a big step in our lives and need all the prayers and blessings from u
thank u love zazeee
Amitjiii!
It is humbling to read this blog. You really practice what you preach. No wunder u have reached such high scales of success and have remained there for decades, and still continue to do so…..continue to be what you are so we can learn from you and impart to the generations to cum.:)
wow again!! you write so well…& indeed there is no better way to put in an intended pun
Yes life will be always be strange!!
all the very best Sir for the days ahead at Davos…protect yourself from the chill..
Love n Respect
Anuj
Sir,
A very emotional and touching writing about Dilip Saheb. Indeed enjoyed with the same spirit you had.
With Warm Regards
Ramesh
Dear Amitji,
Just wanted to congratulate you on the crystal award. You have worked extremely hard over the years and truly deserve this lifetime achievement in arts and culture. May you continue to receive many more awards in recognition of your outstanding work. All the best sir!. God bless you!
Keep warm and enjoy your time in Switzerland.
Rajdeep Sardesai is from CNN IBN not NDTV…
Another possible chance to get BIGB’s attention. (I was first to comment a few times, but BIGB did not respond to comments on those days)
Good Morning and Best Wishes.
Amitji -we will be coming to mumbai for about a week in this summer (July), is there any chance we could see you personally? How do fans see you in person? can you give me an appointment for like 2 minutes? what dilip kumar is to you, you are to me!!!!!!!!! please let me know
Dear Sir,
Although it took 46 Years to Get an Autograph from your Inspiration, u did get it, That’s The Secret (by Rhonda Byrne)
It say whatever you think happens and I thinkyou believe in it. Please share your experiences on How you planned things and how did thy go in your life.
Thanks
Hitesh
hello amitji,
i completely agree with you. Dilip Kumar is a terrific actor and has a unique style of acting. But Rajdeep Sardesai is not with NDTV.
can you plssss give me ur email id
lots and lots of love and good wishes
anu
Respected Bhaiya,
Pahli baat ye ki please naraz mat hoiyega ki main aapko bhaiya kahta hu, par kya karu dosto ke saath jab bhi aapki baat hoti hai mere muh se bhaiya hi nikalata hai.
khair aage baat ye ki kal jab maine pahli baar aapke blog par likha tha uske baad aaj subah se intezar kar raha tha ki kab aapka msg aaye aur hum kuchh likhe.
aap se pahle jitne bhi abhineta hue unme humko bhi sabse jyada shri dilip kumar sahab hi pasand rahe, jiska karan unki bejod abhinay kshamata hai.
Shaki ka to kya kahu jab maine pahli baar Shakti dekhi thi kaafi saal pahle Doordarshan par tabhi se dil me utar gayi thi ye film.
Dilip sahab ke bare me kya kahe jo aapne kaha usase behtar hum nahi kah payenge, bas itna kahna chahunga ki ye vo log hain jinki tasveer bhi samne ho to sir aadar se jhuk jata hai.
to abhi aap heathrow me the.
Hardik badhai aapko is samman ke liye. Ishwar aapko sada khush rakhe aap kabhi udas na ho.
pata hai jab bhi likhata hu man nahi karta ki ruku par agar pardes me biwi ko time nahi dia to bhi achha nahi hai.
aur haan raj thackrey vala jab vivad chal raha tha to humne soncha ki aapke blog me likhate hain, 2 din tak likhate rahe edit karte rahe fir kafi der ho chuki thi t nahi post kia, soncha itne sare comments pahle se hain ab maine bhi utna sara likha to kaise chalega.
Apna dhyan rakhiyega….
Regards
hi this is huge humbleness and greatness of your thoughts like that inspires me all the time shakti was great for its dialogoues i had seen it repeatedly just because of that
regards
Dear Mr.Bachchan,
A small correction…
Rajdeep Sardesai used to work at NDTV.
He currently heads IBN.
A slight air pocket i guess.
Cheers!
Namaste sir ji
Thanx…….for remaining in touch through your blog. I have always tried to find out a way to interact with u & this became possible only and only through your blog. I get very less time for your blog due to my regular school classes & also my exams r going to commence soon, so sometimes i m not able to comment but i always try to read your blog. You know even i express my views, feelings and thoughts that come from my heart in my personal diary.
I wanted to create my own blog but because of its requirements (age must be 18 or above)& i am 15 years old and as tenth is a crucial class for me…therefore due to lack of time it is not possible. But i always try to save some time for your blog.
I am very thankful to you for providing us a way to interact with you.
Take care
Regards
Priya
cute_priani@rediffmail.com
Sir,
Rajdeep Sardesai is in CNN IBN.
The black crystal chandelier looks grand, perhaps a tad too grand and fussy for my taste.
Wonderful narration of Dilip Kumar and you. You could almost make it into a film…”Dilip and I”. And the caption should be….”An eloquent silent encounter of the mega stars proportion!!”
I thought you were in Swizz already but I see you are here in London. Though the time of post is saying 2:28pm, my mobile is telling me it is only 1:14pm?? I cannot speak for heathrow but right now it is sunshine here but freezing cold!! So do wrap up warm, scarf, gloves and all.
Good to read your post. Good to know you have arrived in Heathrow safe and sound.
Keep well.
Love…
Rose Cx
Sirji,
I feel its a lucky day for me. I hope atleast today to read my msg and hope you reply for it as well. How ru sirji.
Im a great believe in you sirji like I take this blog a bit serious in life as it has soo many meaningful thoughts from a great person and yet so simple.
I had been replying on your blog but never got lucky. As I had been saying sir if at all you decide like this X movie would be your last movie I want be a part of it like pre and post shooting. Its like watching like sachin play his last match for India. IT WILL BE LIKE A PART OF DREAM COME TRUE AND MY PURPOSE OF LIFE WILL SERVED NOT FULL PUT A PART.
Regards,
Abhishek B
09886394561
Dear Amitabh ji
Nice to hear from you, waited the whole day today to get a glimpse od your new entry in the blog and finally here it is!!
Your share regarding Dilip saheb is unsurpassable, truly described as a living legend. I believe God sometimes does not grant whatever you wish for, as he has better things instore for you for the future.
Love you always
Anita
Dear Amitabh uncle,
I wish I could come to Davos, but I cant for personal reasons. You are so close by and I cant come to see you.
I wanted to see you and personally and look into your eyes and wish you Congratulations and also wanted to convey message that I have for you. Thank you for everything you have done so far to entertain people. Thank you for all the energy and dedication to your profession. Thank you for noble acts which you have done to bring a positive change in someone’s life.
I wanted to see your experienced eyes and see a kind smile on your face.
Well, I hope you come again here some other time when I can come to see you. Till then, God bless you and take care.
Regards.
Just wanted to say ‘MAN KA HO TO ACHA HAI, NA HO TO AUR BHI ACHA HAI’, gets me by everyday now and I find so much solace in it, and I think I must tell myself this at least 10 times a day.I have truly started believing in it.
The other thing I wanted to say was , becoz u r on the topic of “shakti’, the dialogue in the last scenes after u were shot, “TO PEHLE KUYUN NAHIN KAHA DAD’
truly touches my heart.
with all my admiration, Nita
Dear Amit Jee,
Read your blog and as usual find it fascinating. But in all honesty.. I found your role more dominant in Shakti than Dilip Sahib’s.
Regards and Love
Nalin
Dear Amit ji
What a tribute - crafted in respect, weaved with emotion, humbleness, and devotion-by one master to another master.
We shall be reading your today’s post many a times today and beyond.
All the very best wishes for Davos.
Ajay Bhalla
r u in paris i m also here
Fabulous blog today.
Thank you.
Well, I am not speaking out of my bias, but I do prefer you to Dilip Kumar. This is not to belittle his work- he has done excellent work– but my preference will always remain you. I listen to my heart!
Anshu
PS: Did that autograph incident hurt you? Does it affect the way you respond to your fans? I have heard friends in the UK say that you were cold and stand-offish while SRK was warm at Buckingham Palace. Not that I agree with them— you can’t know what one is experiencing when one is in the public eye. But I know what it feels to be an ignored fan!
Hello uncle ji,
I think you are not sleeping well…which shows you are getting mixed up with ndtv and cnn-ibn.
Sleep well…take care
Sirji,
You seemed to have confused everyone by taking NDTV and Rajdeep Sardesai’s name. I saw a few response and they tried correctin you human eror!!!!. Too many to correct.
Rajdeep would feel little bad about it as it was his X company your associating him with. Eventually made him to start CNNibn. Which inturn he should thank pranoy roy of NDTV may be.
You need to sleep well and take care and rest.
Regards,
Abhishek B
09886394561
Amitjeee
What a wonderful blog today, you are right that Dilip sahab is such a great actor. Both of you were wonderful in Shakti, have seen at least a 100 times since 1982, one of your most under rated films ever. Nice that you recollected the mahurat shot story on Shakti, was exactly as i remember my uncle telling me 27 years ago. You guys were a full 13 years ahead of the Pacino vs De Nero face of in Heat, looks like Micheal Mann must have seen Shakti as ending is too similar!I am greatful to allah mein that i have met the only two legands of hindi cinema!Very few people have been so lucky.
Have a nice stay in London, congratulations for your award in Davos. Very well deserved and may allah mein continue to bless you.
Kind Regards always
Amer Shoib
Big B Yahoo Group London
Very soon Amitabh’s anecdote will part of a book.. Indeed very fluent and impressive.. explains why u have ruled the industry for 40 years
AM BAK AFTER 3 WEEKS…..TRAVELLING AND DID NOT GET THE TIMETO BE ONLINE…..
IF U HAPPEN TO READ THIS - LOVELY PICS…..:) AM GLAD TO BE BACK HERE ON YOUR BLOG….
CHEERS FROM KATHMANDU AS ALWAYS - VARSHA
Hello Mr. B,
Dilip Kumarji is truly a legend. How great it must have been…meeting of two great legends of our times.Loved Shakti. The scenes between the two Greats were so tense…loved the last scene when u are dying in his arms…My Gosh…still get the goosebumps…cried my heart out.
Awesome post!
Good luck and Davos and Congratulations to both living legends.
Oh wow Amitabhji….
Congrats for the award… but please ask those intelligent people in Davos to, atleast this time, think about everybody rather than themselves (the richer few) when designing exit strategy from economic crisis……
Hope you have nice stay…..
Cheers,
CBS
Wonderful set of thoughts on Dilip Kumar who has indeed been an acting institution for the industry and who influenced an entire generation of actors, yourself included. To my continuing regret I have been unable to see his very first two films, Jwar Bhata and Pratima. I have seen everything else.
You have however been as certain an influence for the next generation of actors or everyone who’s followed in your wake. And though as a fan of Dilip Kumar you will doubtless never agree with this assertion I believe that you surpass him as a talent, as a figure of influence, and finally in terms of your ‘meaning’ for Indian popular culture, quite easily. These too might be taken as the assertions of a fan but I can assure you that any number of significant theoretical studies on Indian cinema would not disagree with this even if I continue to believe that nothing even approaching the full measure of a signature called ‘Bachchan’ has yet been attempted.
Getting back to Dilip Kumar I’d like to highlight two films of his that often do not get enough attention. The first one is Zia Sarhadi’s Footpath. Sarhadi was of course a man of the left and Footpath reflects this. But it is not just about the ideology but also the aesthetics brought to the table in this film. The second one is Mehboob’s Amar which was a remarkably bold film for the times and has not lost its freshness all these decades later.
Through the 50s Dilip Kumar did much that constantly pushed the envelope. Specially in the context of a newly emergent nation the themes of works such as Jogan or Shikast and some others were quite radical. Interestingly the Dilip Kumar persona was often that of the anguished, tortured individual. In a sense he was the ‘new’ Indian of the 50s, not quite at peace with the post-colonial nation. Even a bit perhaps unhinged, most memorably so in Andaz. If one then twins this with Raj Kapoor’s Chaplinesque persona and his own great films of that period (especially Awara and Shree 420) what one gets is a rather dark view of the newly formed nation, or at least a rather skeptical one, from two stars in the great ‘Triumvirate’ of that decade. Dev Anand to complete this trio provided an impish character (in what were for the most part ‘comedies’) who nonetheless often skirted around the margins. Consider how many films of his feature him as a sort of ‘traveling man’. There was often a sense of the picaresque to his films. But he was on another scale the cheerful optimist to the pessimism of Dilip Kumar and to the soulful Raj Kapoor who perhaps mediated between these two (Dilip and Dev) more definably urban types.
I have little taste for Dilip Kumar from the 60s onwards barring rare exceptions. Because (and as is not uncommon among even great stars or actors) he became an image of himself. In other words he seemed to be playing more and more to the idea of a ‘thespian’ every time he appeared in a film. As such he became a kind of theatrical ‘declaimer’ in a very overbearing sense. I find many of his performances since the 60s a bit ‘impossible’ for this reason. Even great performers can become narcissistic and therefore uninteresting. Dilip Kumar in many ways stopped evolving as an actor after the 50s.
On Shakti let me finally add a few observations. It is a film which is very dear to me and yet it has nothing of the subtlety of a Deewar or some other great scripts you were associated with in the 70s. The film is essentially structured as a game of ‘oneupmanship’ and everything seems to become subservient to the context of bombastic dialog. Dilip Kumar is too ’school masterly’ for that role (again not uncommon for him in this period) even if there are still moments where his eyes create really empathy. Your character on the other hand is not ‘vulnerable’ enough. It is nonetheless great fun to watch the two of you going at each other but this is almost in the manner of a Mughal-e-Azam where it is similarly engaging to see Prithviraj and Dilip Kumar cross swords. Both films are built on a kind of repetition. But there is not the kind of nuance in the script and its situations that the subject calls for. Perhaps this is only natural as this was probably a script designed more to bring the two of you together (always a mistake to go about it this way) than anything else. I would take your ‘pair’ with Sanjeev Kumar in Trishul any day of the week over that of Shakti! To watch you and Sanjeev Kumar interact in that film is to be treated to a workshop in acting. I have probably seen this film more times than another and it remains my favorite film in the world. But to get back to Shakti I think the film’s most genuine moments involve yourself and Smita Patil. To be honest I don’t mean to be too harsh on the film. I have endlessly revisited it and quite like it despite my criticisms. But it is not of a piece with Deewar or Trishul or Kaala Pathar to name a few films.
I think you avoided this trap (the Dilip Kumar one from the 60s as I see it) completely when you reinvented yourself during the Mohabbatein phase of your career. I have complete admiration for your restraint, your ’self-abnegation’ in this period. You really walked away from an entire history just like that! But then towards 2004 you started doing too many films and too many roles for too many (in my judgment) questionable reasons. And I think for the first time I started noticing a certain exhaustion in your performances. Not all of them of course but quite a few. Certain parts seemed overplayed, many did not offer the ‘new’ as much as one would expect. So on and so forth. I am happy to report in the very same vein today that since that period you have cut down on volume and there has been once again a turn for the better. Now when I make these statements you must always remember that I always place you on Olympian heights as a performer and as a persona. Hence the standards always remain the loftiest ones. You have maintained these throughout your career and I hope you always do. But when there is something lacking in this sense it is only so compared to your past. Otherwise even on your poorest day you stand head and shoulders (and more!) above any of your peers. Ordinary mortals cannot be compared with Amitabh Bachchan! Since Mohabbatein I could name very many performances of yours that I have found impressive, authoritative, and complete successes. But there are others that have not ‘interested’ me enough. At any rate it seems to me that you have more or less avoided the danger that Dilip Kumar could not and that many actors the world over succumb to.
It’s me once again……..
now I’ve read ur blog…..it is really amazing….now I am thinking what was i going to lose…It will be one of ur ever-lasting blogs to me……..It’s just like us…We all want to have autographs of celebrities..and if we can’t get it..we lose our heart..but your story will definitely be a hope to us..that even we can have it some another day….
However..it’s enough for us that you are talking to us…reading our comments and also replying to those..It will be a ever-lasting memory for us…
And at last..thank you soooo much for replying to my last comment…
“”i never said you were bad at all.. you have not understood me.. it is all said in admiration and love..”"
ya..I could understand your point..but was just telling to let you know that we also miss our grand-parents….
Love u uncle..
Dear AmitJi
An absolute wonderful piece .
A true respect paid to one great by another great.
Your energy in conducting yourself and your commitments are awesome. You have traveled to & fro the continents thrice already in the new year.
I am absolutely sure that one day these blogs of yours will be compiled into a great collection.
Till then Enjoy writing
Pankaj
Toronto,Ontario,Canada
My very dear Mr. Bachchan,
Trust you had a safe and smooth landing at Heathrow….my vision was blurred all thru reading your blog today - your emotions and love, your awe and respect for the Thespian was all but overflowing and my respect for you, as of this moment, has reached a new high! You have poured out, without pausing to consider your own status and right to eminence, in your field…you kept yourself at his feet, as it were….what is more touching, is the obvious humility, which came from your core and rang so true, this humility, which in itself, is a hallmark of greatness! I can only be very very proud to be associated with you thru your Blog-space, and to be one of a Group of People, whom you so endearingly refer to as your Extended Family! May the young adults who come here so regularly, read between your lines, and imbibe from you, your humility, your grace and your respect for your elders, which doesn’t seem to diminish even now, after all that you yourself have achieved!!
May God Bless you all ways, and may you influence a whole new generation of our youth, and guide them, if for nothing else, atleast in how they ought to co-exist with all kinds of people, peacefully, and take from you, this blessed trait of revering and respecting your seniors!!
Thank you too, for the picture of this beautifully crafted black crystal chandelier!! It must be marvellous to behold! Speaking of which, I marvelled at the juncture and the context in which you have used the two Hindi statements - how very You!! Enjoy your trip and I wish you a safe and an ‘uneventful’ flight back home!
Love always,
Kashmira
Dear Sir,
you wrote so many and so write about dilip sahab.
he is a icon of indian cinema, a university of acting.
he is very genious and very nice human being.
luckily ,after dilip sahab we got you. and you impact indian peoples life in so many ways that
nobody had done this before and i think not in future.
lata mangeshkar and you are the great indian ,and you both are like a god almighty
i respect you and lata ji both. rest of the indian cinema is one side and you alone are one side.
i read many time -when i was in school
this poem of dr. haribansrai bachchan sahab
poorva chalane ke batohi , baat ki pehchan karle
and
jo beet gayi so baat gayi
i learnt a lot from these poems and inspired with great energy
i congratulate for your davos achiement.
it,s just a another honour in respect of you.
you are very special than these awards
with very best regards and honour
i hope that in this life may be i will meet with you, if god,s blessing with me
Pradeep Nahata
Karni Exports
Dear sir,
The Dilip kumar , a peak of acting mountain .. and nice to read a tribute to him who inspire to every actor to become more higher peak ..An autograph to Early Dad boys Amitabh bachchan by Star of that Era , a thespian , an institution is not possible …haha , But For a star of millenium, a legendry actor, one man Industry has more power , SHAKTI to convert it according his own style …”MAIN AAJ BHI PHENKE HUE PAISE NAHIN LETA”… An autograph ??
with regards
Dinesh
Sir..Its I think like
“Man ka ho to achcha na ho to aur bhi achcha kyunki,
wo hamari marzi se nahin Ishwar ki marzi se hota hai aur Ishwar Sarvochch hai.”
I read it first in Magazine “Aha Zindagi”in footer of fourth page.Magazine first edition discussed about Amitabh Bachchan.
It seems you are Insomnic..Are you?
Well Take care Love,
Ayush
SIR
HI TO YOU @ 36000 FEET FROM US @ THE GROUND FLOOR
I GUESS YOU GOT IT MIXED UP, YOU GAVE BYTES TO NDTV AND BOSS RAJDEEP SARDESAI ?? SHOULD IT NOT BE CNN.IBN AS RAJDEEP WORKS THEIR NOW
EVERY MONTH THESE PEOPLE SWITCH THEIR WORKPLACE SO NOT YOUR FAULT OF WRONG CHANNEL NAME , I GUESS
HAVE A NICE DAY @ DAVOS , YOU DESERVE ALL THE HONORS, AND MORE, DIL SE
LOVE YOU
B R MANOJ
It is so good to hear from you while you are in transit. I think I heard or read that this Dilip Kumar non-autograph incident is one reason that you always sign for people. That is another positive side effect of this childhood event. I am a big fan of Dilip Kumar. Whenever I go through the program guide for Zee TV, which is the only Hindi channel I have which always has subtitles, if Dilip Kumar is listed in the cast, then I have to record it. He is also very good looking! I’m glad you finally got the autograph after all these years. I see even huge stars still crave for these.
What is a Kavi Sammelan?
I remember that you used the ‘Ganga Jamuna’ example when Abhishek didn’t win for ‘Guru’.
Thank you for that photo of the black crystal chandelier. Is the Crystal Award itself made of crystal?
Have a restful stop in London and an enjoyable remainder of the trip. Once again congratulations for the Crystal Award !
Love,
Rochelle
Hai Amitji,
That was a very good letter.I liked it.Dilip saab was not invited to Abhi’s marriage why?If you were such a big fan of him why didn’t you invite Dilip saab.
Wish you all the best
May god bless you with good health and wealth
Love you for ever for what ever you are.
Love to one and all in your family including Navya and Agasthya
with never ending love Kitty
sir,hi, kya kahoon? bus aapko padkar hi khush ho lete hain! bas………
hello sir i am narayan jhawar from kolkata a small fan of yours and i just want to talk with you i have your number of pratiksha but whenever i call ,the person who pick the phone does not allow me to talk with you.
will you sir please talk with me.
SIR
IT WAS GREAT READING YOUR THOUGHTS ON DILIP JI AND ALSO WONDERFULL TO READ HIS REACTIOSN TO BLACK AND THE NOTE HE SENT YOU AFTRE TWO DAYS AND EVEN MORE GLAD THAT YOU HAVE IT YOUR WALL OF FAME, FRAMED
CONGRATS AGAIN ON YOUR CRYSTAL AWARD !!!! GOD BLESS YOU,ALLWAYS
B R MANOJ
Mr. B…..once again……very good writing….straight from the heart. What I want to say is that I wish the younger crop of so called superstars should learn from you. The fact is that you are a legend beyond compare but you still defer to greatness that inspired you like Dilip Kumar. The humility, the acceptance, the reverence…all make you a bigger person. Yet I notice the stars of today, all of them adopting cheap gimmicks to prove that THEY are supreme and trying not to acknowledge that you have inspired them in some way. What small minded individuals….takes away from the greatness of what they have achieved.
Another reason to not only love you but respect you as well.
Take care.
hi….lots of luv n respect…..thanx a billion 4 sharing the beautiful quotation….sumthing happened today n after reading ur blog it gave me immense power n my faith in god is strengthtened…..u r the best….god bless u always
please reply me sir atleast once
Very touching “hommage”, Mr B, and what wonderful human stories. Shakti was unforgettable. Social duty vs familial loves and allegiances, the staple of many a melodrama, was transformed to high drama in this film by the intensity of character and dialogue.
I feel like the boy with the baffled autograph effort when I see your replies to other entries. Will you ever write back?
A
Sire
Absolutely brilliant!!
Be careful of those snowflakes
Regards
Mohnish
Hello
You at last got the autograph and made a blockbuster with superstar of your era.
But when…. WHEN will I get at least to see face to face you (forget to get your autograph or shake hands with you) just to see you once in this life.
Hmm … Its a Mission Impossible - Surely a Mission Impossible.
Maybe the almight has no plans set for a small unknown invisible to every eye despite still there visible to have a 1 sec meeting with you…. May take eternity
Dear Amitji,
I am left pondering that an idol to me has his own idol!! Reminds me so much of my excitement when I had a chance of meeting you… well could not actually get your autograph but was fortunate enough to shake hands with you.
Well I tell my friends and folks that I was able to shake hands with Amitji, people ask me how is he to look at….and I tell them, much fairer and smarter than what he looks on the screen
My dear Amitabh Jee,
I am sorry I have not been regular in posting my comments. It is a treat to read your posts and it is interesting to go through the comments of your admirers. Of course, the admirers cannot be less than the admiree. I admit that I am new to this blog culture yet in the evening of life, I feel I have found a good and positive diversion. The only thing which bothers me is the fact that you are spending so much time and I do not know when you find time to relax. May be you are being provided a special support by the Almighty. I pray to Him to continue to do that so that persons like me get inspiration from your busy schedule.
Your post concerning your grand children was also excellent. Kindly accept my regards
Yours
Shiam Sharma
First time I visited your blog , I must say it was an experience in itself
I am sitting in my office , 10 mins away from Heathrow and wondering is there anyway I can sneak out and take the next bus to heathrow . Only if wishes were horses …..
Have a safe flight to Switz
Regards
Shiwani
Sadara Pranam
What wonderful thoughts u have shared , the greatest legend is also a fan of someone, tho sir let me take this oppurtunity to say that hum bhi aapke autographaur photograph ke liye taras rahe hain, U r in London , plsssssssssssss
mera email hain anamika1995@yahoo.com, ek mauka dijiye aapse milne ka, bas 20 seconds hi sahi. I will not waste ur time, just a autograph, mera barson ka sapna mil jayega aur mein saathwe aasman pe pahoonch jaoongi.
do take care
prayers for all best things in ur midst
Love u always
Anamika
Sir I am not a guy keeping knowledge of anything..
i am 19 years old.. but i still feel, it was wrong that u had to apologise for commenting on slumdog millionaire’s golden globe succes..
your point is absolutely correct…
My dear,
How humble & noble u must b to write these nice things abt Dilip Kumar! And the memories u shared with us and ur feelings at each of the encounters with him, splendid!
And they wasted a lifetime in fighting over one question ‘who won in Shakti, Amitji or Dilipji?
Deep down in the heart, everyone assumes & declares oneself superior than the rest of the world. That is nature! And in your case, we all ALONGWITH U know that u r here! U r superior than any artist ever born. No two ways abt it! Never!
And this is u, at the age when hundreds of them r due tell their stories 46 yrs back abt u , are expressing this, not in mind but sharing them with us! What r u? aap kis mitti se bane hain?
DAY 279: Story of Dilipji’s interaction:
Oh Lord…you are quite a story teller…..muah…muah….
:))))))))))))))))))))))))
Hello Sir
As a kid whenever I watched ‘Shakti’ I would cry (I probably still will), my mum used to get so tired of my crying she would hide the tape.
You have described the encounters in such fine form that I can actually visualize them as though I have seen them for myself.
Couple of quotes (hoping that you get a chance to read):
“The only failure which lacks dignity is the failure to try.” – Malcolm F. Mac Neil
“When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.” – Cherokee Expression
Wrap up warm and get some sleep.
Love as always,
RKaran
I forgot to mention that, it wouldn’t have taken 46 yrs for anyone to get an autograph if that were u back there!! Autograph to usi waqt mil jata lekin appreciation ke liye bhi 46 saal nahin lagte.. That’s what I was talking abt what everybody thinks abt himself.. :-))
Dear Big -B,
If you ever think of blessing us too with your grace sure i will consider it a god sent as being a optimist have faith in God and sure in humane ness of each of us to wakeup some day.
Visit our humble site too http//nanosauna.web.com
capt.mahendra & Soldiers affected in Anti Terror operations.
Dear Amitjee
I just read your blog agian and must say you write with so much conviction , that it seems that we your extended family were with you at the time of seeing Dilip sahab. Has made my dull day and got me so choked and happy at the same time. What lovely words, as i look at the poster of Shakti on my desk. If Hollywood had Marlon Brando then we had Dilip Kumar, an actor to my knowledge that is a million times better and then if Hollywood had Al Pacino , we thank allah mein have you. A far superior actor, again a million miles ahead. I do not over exaggerate that if it came down to a show down between Dilip sahab and you vs Brando and Pacino , then both your body of works outdo theres any day of the week.
You guys gave us gems like Gangaa Jumnaa, Mughal- e-azam , Deewar, Sholay, Sharabhi and so forth. While Brando gave us On the Waterfront and The Godfather. Both you and Dilip sahab are great, great, great legends of hindi cinema, and i bet more people love you both more than Brando and Pacino. I know some may say i am being biased.But, it is the truth coming from some one who loves the movies and has been watching them since the age of 5!!!
But, dear Amitjee i can understand how you felt when you first met Dilip sahab. As i had a similiar meeting some 20 years ago, and was unable to get an autograph as he was busy. But, then a few years later was blessed with not only meeting him a few more times, but was able to speak with him , get an autograph and a pix. Same can be said of meeting you for the first time, signing copies of Cineblitz at Variety Silk House on Ealing Road. You have brought back these happy memories, i again thank allah mein that i was born asian and have been so so lucky to have met both of you towering legends.
Sorry for going on in this second response to your blog, but i just felt had to share with you and the rest of your extended family.
Look forward to seeing pixs of you in Davos, enjoy your time there.Also good luck with the premiere in New York.
Kind Regards always
A very devoted fan
Amer Shoib
Big B Yahoo Group London
Namaste Mr. Bachchan,
It is indeed a treat to read your blog. Thanks for sharing that restaurant incident with us. It seems like you were just an “aam” fan struggling to see his big star. Now, you are the big star and we are the “aam” fan sturggling to see you. I hope you have a great journey to London.
Best wishes,
Uma S.
hey amitabh uncle…one ques….dnt u get tired travellin so much ..??? dnt u miss ur family ..???
the homes food..?????
:s
Sir,
Your humility, middle class culture, values of life are so deep rooted - that yr writings sometimes fill our eyes with tears.
It is a delight to go thru your blog.
Suresh Wadhwa
hey amitabh uncle…one ques….dnt u get tired travellin so much ..??? dnt u miss ur family ..???
the homes food..?????
:s
life like this one must n tough na..???
Dear AB,
A little bit of fun….
A university professor set an examination question in which he asked what is the difference between ignorance and apathy. The professor had to give an A+ to a student who answered: I don’t know and I don’t care.
Regards
welcome to london yet again…
Hello Mr. Bacchan,
I have been reading your blog regularly for the past few weeks and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for sharing the wonderful memories of your life and the wisdom gained along the way. It is truly inspiring to read. However, what made me write to you is the realisation of the wisdom of your thoughts that carry a resonance for a younger woman far away in London!
Personally, I needed to hear the message in your tale here today and I am thankful to you for letting some of us learn/relearn these lessons of life. It is true - one should be thankful for what/when/how we receive in life…count our blessings rather than the wants and unfulfilled wishes…
Thanks too, for all the magical moments that you have given us over the years through your cinematic endeavours.
It would hardly be a surprise to me if you slag me off on your next BLOG, but what i have is an enquiry, something which has been bothering me over the last few days,,simply because i seem to be losing my faith in these so called ‘coveted’ awards awarded by our govt. to ‘deserving, public serving individuals’..now, what has Mrs. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan besides the fact of being a pretty face in all major international events done to deserve this? If its just ART we are referring to, don’t u think there are quite a few others who deserve it better? Also, prior to being an addition to the Bachchan family, what ahs she done, for my knowledge more than visiting some school here and there, doing a normal song-dance routine, donating to some charity? I can’t stress this enough, but I would just like to know..and I am in no way being biased against her, but i do not want to find myself losing faith in these honors bestowed on one hand to Nationals who have either lost their lives serving the country or done exceptional publc service and i mean ‘exceptional’, not JUST looking pretty, talking BIG n say ‘I miss Abhishek’ ehen asked how do you feel about winning this award..
Now I am quite sure to get asked ‘What have you done for the country’ but in all due respect Mr.B, at the moment let me be the one to get some answers here..
Thanks and sorry I have sounded rude..but i just want to clear certain things that have been bothering me..
hello sir i m your diehard fan and wanna ask u
something.
I am 22 and a novice actor (just started theater) and not fair
complexioned, i just want to know that to make it big in film
industry is it mandatory to be a fair complexion person??
If not then why there have not been a superstar in india who’s a
dark fellow?
today also all the top actors including you,aamir, srk, akshay, hrithik
do not have single name of a person who is not fair?
reason i m asking this question because all of my teachers,fellow
and senior actors,director too
keep saying that for the lead roles fair complexioned person is
fit.
Dear AB,
Thanks for describing your meetings with Dilip Kumar and very brief mention of you and him in Shakti.
I would appreciate it if you could tell us more about your experience of working with him during the making of this film. Any funny incidents? Any nervousness on your part? It would be good to hear.
Regards.
Dearest Mr. Bachchan,
missed you so much for yesterday, and glad to finally receive this wonderful piece today.
it is really marvelous reading about your memories with Mr. Dillip Kumar. one can really see how life is strange, and in spite of the many frustrations and disappointments that one might encounter, it still carries a lot of surprises to him.
And yea, of course I have learned to satisfactorily live with my cravings
i have always lived with the believe in God’s plans for us, and even had passed through some first hand experiences to feel it very much. So I really understand the words of your father to you, those that have become to be your philosophy in life, and I can sense the meaning that resides in them… and many times I find solace in them too, and feel content.
“If things happen the way you desire, it is good. If not, it is better. For then they happen according to the will of the Almighty. And He shall always think and do what is better for you.”
that was a nice photo, loved the black crysral chandelier.
Congratulations for the Crystal Award in Davos, you deserve it and even more
and have a wonderful time in Switzerland.
you know Mr. Bachchan…sometimes i cannot believe it that i am really in contact with you…and i look at it as one of the surprises life has kept for me!!
love you,
Rasha Zayed,
BigB yahoo group,
Cairo, Egypt.
Quite a moving episode! I was wondering, just to a small measure, as to why someone of the stature of Dilip Kumar had to be invited by Rani, and not by the BigB himself? You probably had no intention of making it sound this way, but does the article implicitly insinuate that changing times over the years had eventually taken the BigB to a much higher altitude than ….. ?
Regards.
Amitji,
Great piece of writing. Simply incredible!
Love and regards,
MJP - Seychelles
What happened to the change of face page that was placed yesterday - was it temporary or a test?…those were awesome pics and I liked the line “hai andheri raat, par diya jalana kab mana hai”!
Hope you read my comments yesterday (day 277)…and I am also in the queue of fans awaiting a response from you on any one of those comments! India needs good people like you and your family in politics to make a difference. If Aish has decided to enter politics…then there will be no one happier than me and I will pray for her to win (abis I know she will ;))
Enjoy the alps and the awesome cold and snow in helvetia!
wishing you the best in life always with luv and gratitude,
Nidhi
hy big.b. namakasar i m first time write and not very good english and i am very unlittterate iam from gujarat in baroda my maillis vikashpatil@yahoo.com i wish you all life happy
Oh my god, oh my god
Now what to say….. I mean I,I… I just
You know what today’s post is Unbelivably Incredible .
This is the most connecting pice of writing which I have ever read.
Such honesty with rooted respect and admiration is uncommon.
I wanted to learn by reading and observing your post as I was doing from past few weeks but after reading today’s post my emotions would have not allowed me not to write.
Love & Regards
Sorry Big-B Sir,
The web site i wanted you to see is http//nanosauna.webs.com
Capt.mahendra & Soldiers affected in Anti Terror operations.
dearest bade bhaiya
namste
sabse pehle to aapko crystelaward ki bohat bhadhai ,aapki aur dilipkumarji ki shakti dekhi thi aap ki aur unki behtreen films main se ek hai aap dono ki he kaamal ki acting thi usme jo ki kai dino tak deemag main rahi .aap abhi to wapis aaye the mager phir se aap award lene ja rahe hai who bhi itna bada bhaiya pl apna khayal rakiyega aur haan thand se bhi apne ko bacha ker rakhiyega so bhaiya pl take care of your self
with regards
sumita
Hein Saala… apun bhi SOLID fan hai tumara..
anyways.. Yes It was historic Dilipkumar and you(AB) in Shakti.. I have watched it couple of times… and still when get chance I don’t miss one. My maternal uncle (A.N.Khatri) also is great fan of that movie. Actually he is very knowledgeable and into lot of reading and watching movies. Once he mentioned that - its not me there in Bollywood so is AB there else it would have been me.
~Balu
Toronto, Canada
Dear Mr. Bachchan Ji,
With reference to : “If things happen the way you desire, it is good. If not, it is better. For then they happen according to the will of the Almighty. And He shall always think and do what is better for you”.
It’s good to say this after 46 years but I can understand how you might have felt at the end of 46 minutes then. In the odyssey of life we do encounter situations where in we don’t get things we want or desire and when this happens we are totally despondent and dejected. We get a feeling as if all is lost in the battle of life. Don’t get upset in such situations. How do you keep your motivation levels high once again accepting the fact it was the will of the Almighty.
Let the celebrations continue in Davos. You keep well.
Regards - Nilesh Raje
Dear Amit Ji:
Ab aap awards hi lete rahenge ya whir kuch kaam bhi karenge.Maasha Allah, app ki juban aur chal dhal se to aap abhi jawan hain.Kuch aur aisi filme kar daliye ki mukh se nikle” Wah kya Aadmi Hai” abhi bhi dekho….
Aapka Shubhchintak
Dear Mr B
Incredible blog. But anything from you just gets better. So if one legend reminisces about other it has to be an iconic moment. And your writing style and content is worth its letters in diamonds.
You are the blessed one.
This is beautiful! The way you have woven in the ‘man ka ho to accha, na ho to jyaada accha’ !! Amit ji, I request you again [ and again ] you ought to pick up pen to write. I am 200% sure that you have many fictional stories too in your mind to share with us.
Dear Sir,
Welcome to London
Lots of love
THANK U THANK U THANK U THANK U THANK U ………………………..
OHH my my BIG FRIEND thank u so much
uss dibaa ki baat sun kar to ham dar hi gaye thye
aap ney hamey dara hi diya tha ..
thank u so much for this smile
thank u so much ..
u r really sweet
” ANDHEYRI RAATO MEY DIBAA JALANA KABHI NAHI MANA THAA
RAATO MEY 1 DIYA HI TO THATA HEY JISSEY HAMEY SUBHA HOONEY KA YEHSAH HOTA HEY !
THANK U THANK U THANK U SOOOOOOOOO MUCH !:D
aap ka ye pic bahut hi pyara hey !
thank u sooooooooooo much !
muhaaaaaaaa !
my sweet angry young man ji
thnx so much !
hamey yaad rakhiye gaa !
Tu Hi To Jannat Meri, Tu Hi Mera Junnon
Tu Hi To Mannat Meri, Tu Hi Rooh Ka Sukun
Tu Hi Ankhiyon Ki Thandak, Tu Hi Dil Ki Hai Dastak
Aur Kuch Na Janu Mein, Bas Itna Hi Jaanu..
Tujhe Mein Rab Dikhta Hai, Yaara Mein Kya Karu- 2
Sajde Sae Jhukta Hai, Yaara Mein Kya Karu
Tujhe Mein Rab Dikhta Hai, Yaara Mein Kya Karu..
Kaise Hai Yeh Doori, Kaise Majboori
Mene Nazaron Se Tujhe Choo Liya
Kabhi Teri Khusboo, Kabhi Teri Baatein
Bin Maange Yeh Jahan Pa Liya
Tu Hi Dil Ki Ha Rounak, Tu Hi Janmon Ki Daulat
Aur Kuch Na Janu, Bas Itna Hi Janu..
(Tujhe Mein Rab Dikhta Hai, Yaara Mein Kya Karu) - 2
Sajde Sae Jhukta Hai, Yaara Mein Kya Karu
Tujhe Mein Rab Dikhta Hai, Yaara Mein Kya Karu..
love u my dear friend
bye tc
Dear Amitji,
phew… wow what a great piece of writing….. when i was reading this blog ur experieince with Dilip Kumar …. it was like all the incidents came in front of my eyes as if i was expereincing this with u …. wow …. really great… and yes to think positive this lines r good “Man ka ho toh acha Naa ho toh aur bhi acha….if mistaken sorry in advance …..
but really dont have words to express my feelings for ur this blog….wow jsut incredible…….thanks for sharing this expereince…
love u for ever
Respected Amitji,
Read your blog, and the detailed descriptions provided by you of those lovely moments. You have described them so beautifully that it almost felt like I was watching it all happen right in front of my eyes.
Dilip Saheb is a veteran actor and one of the finest this country has ever produced. But, the young people of this generation like me were not that lucky to have witnessed that era. We do hear about those times from our elders though.
I, along with the family, went to pay our respects to the various holy places spread across the very beautiful and vibrant Rajasthan for four days, utilizing the extended weekend courtesy Republic Day. And hence, I missed out on reading your blog for those days. When I returned to aamchi Mumbai, I went through those lost days’ blogs. We went from Mumbai to Jaipur on the night of 23-Jan. Had our dinner at a restaurant, and went to the Ram Bagh Palace Hotel as we had heard of its beauty and wanted to witness it ourselves and also have some coffee. Now, as I read though your previous blogs, I realized that you – MR. AMITABH BACHCHAN were also present at the same place, at the very same time. OH MY GOD!!! So close yet so far… kind of a moment. Isn’t it? Wish I had an opportunity to meet you.
You might find it stupid on my part but you hold a great deal of importance to me sir. Sometimes when I have relatives or guests from out-of-town, in the evenings I drive them all the way to Juhu to show them Jalsa and Prateeksha, a.k.a. residence of MR. AMITABH BACHCHAN & FAMILY.
I know it is very difficult to earn a response from you if my comments are post 50 or 100. But trust me I am trying. I waited for your blog to be posted, and so that I could comment quickly, till 4am this morning. And now immediately after returning from work, I turned my laptop on and wrote this.
I know it’s difficult for you too, but it would really feel nice if you could response to my comments sometime.
Love you.
DEEPAK KEDIA
Mumbai
dearest bade bhaiya
namste
aap ke blog per bohat dr se messege kiya hua hai mager who 15 minite se modrete he nahi ho raha hai pata nahi aap tak humara messege jayega bhi ya nahi anywayas pl take care with best regads
sumita
Hello sir-
what a narration…really awesome. This has reminded me of my childhood when there used to be an article about you every Sunday in a newspaper called Sunday Mail. It was sort of biography. Even in that age being a die hard fan of yours , I used to eagerly wait for every Sunday to read that.And I sill remember how disappointed I was when the installment of the article was published!
Regards,
Amit
Hi Amitji,
You are a great writer,can you please tell how your day routine is I am very much interested in knowing and Congratulations!! for the award .
Dear Amitji
I have loved you for most of my life and continue to do so now, I am 35 now and have been in love with you for 30 of them. Actually everything I have learned or realised about love has come from this idolisation. It sounds retarded but it is true. In my own head, this imaginary relationship has been through many stages - from wanting to write to amit uncle to wanting to write a letter to amit of silsila to amitji, to Mr. Bachchan it has indeed evolved over years….. The reason I am writing to you today is that your experience with Dilip saheb has been quite similar to what I have experienced with you only the grand finale is pending….I have had the good fortune of meeting you twice, once during the shoot of Bade Miyan, Chote miyan in Hyd and once I was fortunate to shoot an ad with you (I am in advtg) and I am quite sure that life will give me an opportunity to interact with you again…. there is this calm sense of assurance about it… It is quite unbelievable to think of you adulating somebody….anybody because you are so many heads and shoulders above most people……I don’t know why I am writing all this today… i guess the candidness of your blog made me feel ki main chhoti nahin hongi, yeh baatein bolke. Warm regards. CA
Dear Amitji,
i received 1 intresting mail regarding Englis language …i found it intresting so thought of sharing it with u and all ur fans…. and if u read this then jst tell me if u can reply to it…..
WHO SAYS ENGLISH IS AN EASY LANGUAGE?
FILL IN THE BLANKS WITH YES/NO
1……………. I DONT HAVE SENSE.
2…………… I M STUPID.
3…………… I DONT HAVE BRAIN.
hope u all will enjoy
have a good day .
lovev u …. a lot
from Adi
Dear Mr. Bachchan,
it is me again
i have just read your replies to some comments in Day 278.
and I am very much overwhelmed with your reply to rikhia ghosh’s comment #290.
loved to read that Egypt has a special place in your heart. you have a very very special place in Egypt’s heart as well…and in the heart of every Egyptian
i was an instructor in one of the universities in Egypt…and one of my students, while i was trying to make them introduce themselves, told me she likes Hindi movies, and said, shyly, that she loves Amitabh Bachchan. i looked at her with a smile, and tried my best to keep restrain from talking about you in front of my students, as I didn’t want to expose my emotions for them
and of course if the talk about you starts it will keep going and will get the whole time of the session.
i was about 10 or 11 years when you visited Egypt in the 1990s, wanted very much to meet you at that time, but was prevented by my parents
so, thinking of your today’s post…will i ever get that chance after so many many years…who Knows?!!!!
mentioning Egypt and your visit, i wish one day you would write about this visit and share with us your memories there.
love you lots,
Rasha Zayed,
BigB yahoo group,
Cairo, Egypt.
Thank you so much for sharing these personal moments and thoughts, and great learning from this blog.. a new dimension to things happens to us in life…thank you again..
You are so full of life…there is so much energy around you …
Wishing you all the happiness and success !!!
Warm Regards,
Rajesh
Dear Mr. Bachchan
Congrats on the prestigious Honor.
Your commitment to your profession and your fans is incredible..!!The determination to write back to all of us is awesome…!!
It makes me more determined to see and write everyday….I only hope i can catch up on time like you.
Regards,
mandar
Thanks…………
That was a very sweet piece.Thanks a ton for describing in detail about your endeavor to get an autograph from Mr Dilip Kumar.An exercise in futility.
Felt saddened to read,
” book in hand and a little embarrassed and self conscious and disappointed, returned to my seat, consoled by the elders with me not to take it personally”
I live & totally believe in the motto,
“If things happen the way you desire, it is good. If not, it is better. For then they happen according to the will of the Almighty. And He shall always think and do what is better for you.”
The blog is one of the best things which has has happened this past year.But it also keeps me slightly preoccupied,slightly detached.My thoughts are always with you.Keep checking the computer for anything new from your side.I must be sounding silly when I update my hubby & son about your life everyday.Writing on the blog is more like writing to a friend than to THE AMITABH BACHCHAN.Thank You for being there!
Do you have any favourites in your EF?
Mine would be-Reshmi P,Kashmira Grewal,Wordsmith
It’s been ages since there was a comment from Reshmi P.Hope all is well on her side.Kashmira’s sensibilities invariably echoes my own thoughts.She just puts it so beautifully.Army background is common between us.Had she not mentioned she has a 33 year old son I would have never guessed her age.Not that it matters in the least.
Rest all is well(Sounds like I’m closing a letter…)Maybe its the migraine…
I’m hardly making any sense.
Congrats for getting The Crystal Award & doing our country proud once again.
Lots of love
Puneet
‘echo’ instead to echoes
So, ok you posted at 2:28pm India time! And my mobile is 1:48pm GMT. Ha! ha! Silly me. See? You travel so much it is now making me confuse even of time travel, time zones and time differences.
Just a quick log in. Not sure if you are staying in London for the night or flying into Switzerrland later or tomorrow but whichever way safe trip there.
About to get ready to leave for an evening with friends and then later to a meeting. I will not be home until very late again tonight so if I don’t have time to say goodnight later, I shall say it here and now. Goodnight…
Love sent…
Rose Cx
Dear Mr. Bachchan
I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Dilip Kumar once in Madras, I guess I was about 18 yrs old..he was attending a 100 day function in Vijiya Studios, and I was mesmerized by him. I had the opportunity to see what a great orator he is besides a great actor, he indeed is a great actor and a great orator. I saw the interview with Mrs. Jaya Bachchan posted on facebook where she claimed that Mr. Dilip Kumar is her favorite actor.
Your write up on him was beautiful, we can visualize it so clearly, and a perfect example for your fathers quote. Have fun in Switzerland.
Lakshmi Jag
Dear Sir..
first i am very regarded about you for respect of deelip kumar sir from you..
and i remember a autograph story of myself ..
i was in jaipur for study of M.F.A. At RAJASTHAN SCHOOL OF ART,one day after collage i was going to temple of govind dev ji , suddenly i saw Mr. sashi kapoor in a car , i went near him and i ask are you sashi kapoor he was lough and said me yes..i was happy because i meet to a great artist of INDIA on jaipur road,very easily.. i think how to i get his autograph i put my hand in my pocket and take a visiting card and give to Mr. sashi kapoor.. he told me ” MAI VISITING CARD PAR SIGN NAHI KARTA”SORRY,i told him ok just still here i will back .and after this dilog i went to art metterial shop and buy a sketch book or a marker and come back near to sashi kapoor he again lough and took my sketch book and give me his wishes and sign, i think its a very intresting moment in my art life and finaly i achive his sign, IN DEEWAR FILM HE WANT YOUR SIGN AND I GOT HIS SIGN ON THE ROAD OF PINK CITY .. HA.. after two year i came mumbai for art exhibition and that time i have sumbite his sign copy at prathvi theatre with my exhibition poster, i have done it and my exhibition at pradarshak art gallery khar mumbai i think that is a very good and reach art gallery of mumbai for youths.Mr /Mrs Hira are a nice art promoter in mumbai for youths..
khama ghani and good night..
yogendra kumar purohit
M.F.A.
BIKANER,INDIA
yogendrapurohit@yahoo.com
बहुत और बहुत सारे सम्मान के साथ मेरे अपने पिता समान अमित जी,
बहुत अच्छा लगा आपसे दिलीप साहिब के बारें में सब कुछ जानकर! यह सारा कुछ थोड़ा बहुत इधर उधर आपके साक्षात्कारों के जरिये पहले भी पढ़ा है पर आज सीधे आपसे जानकर बहुत आनंद आया पढने में!
सर, ब्लॉग के शुरू शरू के दिनों में मैंने आपसे कई दफा दरखास्त की थी की आप दिलीप साहिब का वो प्रशंसा पत्र स्कैन करके हमें पढने का मौका दें पर या तो आपने वो मेरी दरखास्त पढ़ी नहीं या भगवान् जाने क्या वजह हुई, इस बारें में कभी बात आगे बढ़ी ही नहीं!
मैं समझ सकता हूँ आपको उनका पत्र बहुत ही personal लगता होगा और यकीनन है भी पर मैं बस आखिरी बार एक बार और विनती करना चाहूंगा की आप हमें भी पढने का मौका दें ! देखिये न सर, हम आपकी extended family हैं , आप हमारे हैं, दिलीप साहिब के लिए भी हम सबके मन में बहुत समान है तो फिर बेगाना कौन है? कोई भी नहीं!
आपको एक और सम्मान मिल रहा है , इसकी खुशी कैसे बयान की जाए!
सच है सर, अगर एक यही बात मैं सीख जाऊं ” मन का हो तो अच्छा , न हो तो और भी अच्छा” तो जीवन सार्थक हो जाए! एक दिन आपके आशीर्वाद से मैं शायद कामयाब हो पाऊँ!
मैंने ग़लत नहीं कहा था की आपकी लेखनी से बाबूजी के जो विचार हम तक पहुँच रहे हैं, यह एक बड़े ही अजीबोगरीब तरीके से मानवता की सेवा है! आप हमसे अपने संस्कार बाँट रहे हैं और मैं आपसे वो सब पा जाना चाहता हूँ जो आपको बाबूजी से मिला है! बाबूजी पारस थे , उन्होंने आपको भी पारस बना दिया, मैं बस सोना ही बन जाऊं आपके स्पर्श से!
आप जब भी देश से बाहर होते हैं, हमें ज्यादा समय दे पाते हैं ! उम्मीद है आप जवाब देंगे, दिन १७९ के बाद से आपने मुझे सीधे जवाब नहीं दिया है!
मैं बहुत स्वार्थी हूँ न, हमेशा आपसे कुछ न कुछ मांगता रहता हूँ , आज तक कुछ दिया नही आपको! आपके स्वास्थ्य और सलामती की प्राथना करने के सिवा!
आपका दीपक, वैंकूवर कैनेडा
dear sir
congratulations!!! and may u receive many
more.good to read about ur feelings for dilipsaab.
lots of love
arti
Bachchan Saheb, what Mr. Dilip Kumar was to you, you’re to me! Godspeed, if and when we meet, I’ll tell you personally how much there’s it to you - such hidden treasures of your performances, little nuances that everybody - could include yourself - have missed. But only when we meet… and I direct you.
What do you say above - Mann ka ho to achha, na ho to behtar - or in English, better!
Amitji,
That was a great narration of your experience with the legend Dilip Kumar.
THANKS for sharing your personal emotions, I felt as if I was experiencing the whole thing WITH YOU.
Have a great day & Get some rest.
Vipul
Dearest Amitji,
It is such a pleasure to read your beautiful words about your experience, both interior and exterior, with the legendary Dilip Kumar: just so respectful and loving, and that in itself is impressive in this day and age of “y’er awesome, dude” culture!
It is my personal belief that “we get what we need when we need it, and what we need may not always be what we want”. Since I’ve returned from India I’ve been wrangling with a somewhat challenging emotional issue, and have reminded myself of my own words that I’ve shared with many people on many occasions… so to read YOUR words:
“If things happen the way you desire, it is good. If not, it is better. For then they happen according to the will of the Almighty. And He shall always think and do what is better for you.”
…Well, my dearest Amitabh, what a wonderful message to get. See, you never know just how much of an impact you have on another person’s life. I know that you get hundreds of messages a day letting you know that you have greatly and positively touched people’s lives, so perhaps you understand this better than most, but I would like to add my name to that list! No doubt I have expressed this to you in many of my responses to you, but this morning’s wise words went straight to my heart and brain, and I think that I can better come to terms with my issues at hand. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Off for a long day of teaching at the university, followed by a ballet performance, so I bid you and Jaya a grand experience in Davos, and know that I, and we (your EF!) are all with you in loving spirit! And as always, thank you deeply for sharing your thoughts, feelings, and pictures with us.
All my love to you, as always,
jennifer
Dear Amitji,
Absolutely loved reading your blog today and the episode of your meeting the Dilip Kumar. The World is a very small place, one never knows how it is going to turn around.
Your darling Father’s words have become my motto in life ‘man ka ho to acha, na ho to aur bhi acha’ - great words. God indeed works in miraculous ways.
Maybe my dream will come true soon too - of meeting you and having your autograph.
Enjoy your trip to Switzerland. Keep warm. 3 hours sleep a night!? How do you do it?
Lots of love and best wishes
Sangita xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear amitji,
I was a huge fan of yours.I liked your movie anand somuch especially your charecter of babumoshaye.You make a comment about the people who r the underbelly of our nation, “inke paas namak khareedhne ko paisa naheen hai phir yeh kya davayi khareedenge”.that is a very powerfull dialogue.have u ever thought about them amitji. The recent padma award to Aishwarya and Akshay and your reaction to the movie slumdogmillionaire has made me hate you completely.Money is not everything, there is something called image, which will help you even in your dire situations as we accepted you in kaunbanega crorepati and mohabatein.I have watched your movies umpteen times but i have made a resolution not to watch them in the days ahead.I am sorry to say you were talking about the underbelly of india and now i would say its corruption induced by people like you who have lobbied for aish and akshay in the place of boxer like virendrakumar that has made the underbelly of india u mentioned ,to be so huge and unrectified.your comment on slumdog millionaire when taken with the recent event of padma award to aishwarya showes your duel face.I am sorry if i have hurt you but i am writing this from my heart.
regards
Anand.
Hi Amit Uncle,
Ami tomay bhalobashi!!
Dear Sir,
Today’s ‘chapter’ is soft and suttle. My love and respects to Dilip Saheb. When you describe your sentiments toward Dilip Saheb, you sound so ‘aam aadmi’, even more ‘aam’ than me! When you were describing your experiences with Dilip Kumar ji, it was like I was standing next to you, seeing it all happen. Poor you did not get the autograph…I know the feeling. Some incidents, some expectations and our attitudes towards the outcome…how we learn to accept things and then….and then…bang! Suddenly everything changes…and when it does for the better…(or not)you say ‘man ka ho….’
You are travelling to collect an Award? How many? Look, surely you can’t carry them all, you do need help carrying them! Yes you do! I said you do!! We are coming….aap ki madad to karni chahiye na….it’s all about humanity you know! Congratulations. I am happy for you.
Amitabh Bachchan, undisputedly IS The Indian Cinema. My apologies should you disagree.
Enjoy your stay in Switzerland. Take care.
Love,
Daksha
Sir,
A few decades from now some other actor will write similar words for you. Although what you have written so clearly emulates what we feel for you - bunking college to watch your films, learning the dialogues, reciting them and living the dream with you.
I remember watching ‘Satte Pe Satta’ in a hall and two incidents in the same movie stand out. My sister was all of 6 and I must have been 13 at that time. When you come on screen after shaving and becoming a ‘clean man’; my sister commented - yeh Amitabh Bachchan acha hai - and later in the movie as you get up to bash up Amjad Khan in the climax I was shouting ‘maar usko’ to the amusement of the elder person sitting in front. Thats our life with your movies.
Shakti is by far one of the best movies ever made. The chemistry between you and Dilip saab is unbelievable - it is the soul of the movie. I sincerely hope that in this era of remaking movies, they don’t attempt to re-make Shakti and if they do, maybe it’ll be with you and Abhishek.
I look foward to Aaj Tak now running a 30 minute capsule on how Dilip saab did not give an autograph to the great Amitabh Bachchan and how that inspired you to be a great actor!!!!
Lastly, I do think its CNN-IBN and not NDTV!
With respect
Kaushal V
Wow ! that was awesome words….this kind of events can possibly happen to legend like you….I can imagine how elated you must be after getting that autograph finally
take care…luv you loads…Pooja Thakker
Dearest Mr Bachchanji
HOw u doing I hope when you London we meet I am almost certain that we will and god will help me achieve my dream of meeting you in person. Just got back from school and on computer and now your blog. It is so cold and my teacher made us do PT we were all shivering.
You keep warm in Swiss and I will be in touch again
sending you big hug and big love from etka xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxox
Dear Amitabh,
Wow after waiting for a few words from you it was an absolute treat to read your description of the interaction with the legendary Dilip Kumar…
To think that someone WE adore and love so much has also bunked school and college to watch someone HE idolises!!!Simply Awesome!!
And Shakti is one of my all time favorite movies…Must have watched it atleast 12 times..My most favorite scene is when you are dying and Dilip Kumar is holding you in his arms and tells you that he loves you and the pain in your eyes and the way you say”Toh kaha kyun nahin!” it sends shivers up my spine just remembering that….
And I make sure that I tell my kids (5 years and 1 year) how much I love them every single occassion that I can……..
Thanks so much for letting us be a part of your life and Congratulations on ONE MORE award….
Lots of love
Monica
Dearest sir,
I am a new reader of your blog.Now i am started to read your blog,my day not compete without reading your blog.
may god bless you and make you grandfather of a child.
YOGESH SONI (alwar) rajasthan
Sir,
Hope you had a wonderful journey.
This autograph incident in your life is somewhat I have faced with you. I wish I also get the way you got it. But I cant wait for 46 Years…
What do I need to do to get your signed letter.
Wish you a pleasant stay there and good health always.
Take Care
Regards,
Kunal
Bachchan sahab nice to hear from you every day about your feelings which you share with your extended family.My urge to meet you personally once,is bigger than ever now.Take care sir.
nippi.anand@gmail.com
Its an amazing write up today. Made us travel with you to those nostalgic moments.Dilip kumar and yours truly( as you refer yourself) are the epitome of grace and dignity both on and off screen.
Congratulations for yet another crown .
And keep us inspiring the way you had been doing.
Regards
Ruchika
USA
Wow…love the way you write.I saw Ganga Jamuna recently when my husband insisted that I sit with him and watch it, I saw it hesitantly, when the movie came to an end..I was so glad that I saw a masterpiece..loved the movie. Mr.Dilip Kumar was awesome!!! The reason I refused to see old films was as I felt over the years the same plot has been lifted and shown in our new films. The only 3 movies I had seen was Mughle Azam,Sholay and Guddi(still can watch the movie n number of time). After watching Ganga Jamuna I realized I have a lot of catching up to do, oh this is embarrasing but never too late.
Please let us know your next release.
Love
Ayesha
hi
hello
my big friend !
Congrats sir for getting Crystal Award !
love u !
miss u !
muhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaa :):):):):):)
angel .
mayur says:-
__________________________________________________________________
“really amzing thoughts and really amazing personality is mr.amitabh bachchan”
When i saw mr.amitabh bachchan, i think when i became a mr.amitabh bachchan, but later i realise mr.amitabh bachchan is only one, in past, present and future no one would able to take the place of mr.amitabh bachchan….
40 years journey of bollywood still continue with same power , face can chang the mr.amitabh bahchan, shaved face now has a french cut beard, its really define the huge journey still able to face the all problem and continue the saga in indian film industry….
For every person i have a words to tell them his/her personality but i dont have any words to define the personality of mr.amitabh bachchan, its called a real and legend personality, which i can never forget at any time in my life…
the real example of “huge journey of life is one and only you”… “wo saat sipahi’s” side hero now he is the king of indian cinema, its amazing example in my life…
luck never fails the life…. major point of failing in life is a lose of a confident..
mr.amitabh bachchan is really great….
and tell me who are you….?
be happy and healthy…
my love,
mayur sejpal.
__________________________________________________________________
You are such an intense and sensitive person and this is so vivid in your description of past experiences and every sentence you type is well thought over by you. I can imagine how you must have felt when Dilip Kumar turned away from you….it just breaks a kid’s heart and I just cant help thinking how rude of him
hi
BIG FRIEND
i have a wish !
pz kabhi shiamak davar key barey mey kuch bataiye na !
kis tarah key insaan hey vo
i m a big fan of sd tooo..
so pz say somthing about him .
pz it is my little request ..
Dear AB,
Comparision has become an universal trait and no one seems to be spare from it.
When one looks and talks as a fan then perhaps that person unknowlingly compare his/her idol with oneself and others and put the idol at the highest place.
It seems U have invested tremendous amount of emotion, admiration and upto some extend an identity in to great Dilip kumar.
Having observed that I am not ready to compare U with Dilip kumar and in a disagreement to consider him as the best.
For the same reasons U won’t take less praise, admiration for Dilip kumar, your millions of fan are not ready to take anything less for U. They are not ready to put anyone ahead of U.
Indian cinema is full of dances, songs and action and that’s not strong-fold for Dilip kumar.
Dear Mr. Bachchan
My 4 year old son is a great fan of yours…..he keeps on telling me to post the pics we both took of you when shooting in Goa for Bhootnath
PLease let me know how we can reach you with these pics.
Luv and Regards,
Ved and Dad
Dear Amitji, Good Evening. And before saying anything as a comment I want to mention something. My friend who stays near char bangla came over to spend a day. Infact Sydney G Price is a close friend of my late friend Roland Foley. We practically talked 90% of the time about you. He being very close to Prateeksha and jalsa described many things about your houses and how you are in proximity to the Juhu airport now used mostly for helicoptor landings. Where your parents stayed and your mother in particular. He was of firm opinion that you should be considered for the President of India’s post in future and you would make a good president because of your exposure to the outside world. Infact he was more informed than me on many political and international issues. It was a nice learning experience and also got the feel of Juhu Versova and the location of new hospital we discussed. The contribution of Dr. Mandke. How a chain of relationship works. It was Amitabh Bachchan filled day. So far so happy.
Dilip Kumarji, Yusufji is a man and class actor par excellence in words. A trend setter and consistent guaranteed performer who would have been an Institute of cultured film performance. Nodoubt we were too young when he was on top. Later days when we saw his films in college time matinees we really enjoyed his swaying hands in dances. His eye movements and also steps. You have rightly given word by word commentary describing Dilipji and also shown your own characterstic humility by keeping the blank autograph in mind for 46 years. When the signature arrived it had travelled a long path in history of Indian Cinema. Well framed.
No one can say from where you got your anger for the initial films depicting angryman roles. Drop by drop the anger has its reasons. When anger is well channelised lot of achievements happen. Ganga Jamuna was a metaphoric example. The Crystal Award is also a continuation of your acceptance as a man always working ardently for his cause.
Dilip Kumar Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand performed to the heart’s delight. In Hindi I can say: Unhone hamesha dil ko chuune wala abhinaya kiya. When we used to come out of the theatres we had some message in heart and wet eyes. When so many of these yester-year stars faded with time there was one person who took over that sangam and he was our Amitabh Bachchan the man posted above in three photographs above.
Wish you a very happy journey and comfortable stay in Davos. We would certainly await your next blog.
Regards
RPM
the picture of chandelier is great, and yourrespect for dilip kumar even great.
thank.
o how can i rfurget to compliment for davos award.comgrats,.
regards
I am sure it is a great feeling when one meets his/her idol. Someday i’ll have the honour of meeting you and will feel the same.
Regards
Bunty
Congratulations!!!!!
God bless you!!!!! we all feel so happy for you.
hello sir i can get an appointmets of urs for my film’s project? or how i can approch u for my film’s project?? i have been in this ind.since long
plz guide me
yogesh joshi
mumbai
9820874049
Dear AB-sr.,
Many of us have grown-up, watching/listening a movie-legend named ‘Amitabh Bachchan’. Now, thanks to technology, we are getting to understand/read the man behind this legend.
It would be wonderful to read your take on the main incidents that has happened in different phases of your life (example: Relation with Rajiv Gandhi, Saat-hindustani movie, Gabbar-singh role, Stampede-at-Goa-stadium (Tilak Maidan?) when you once visited a stadium in 80s.).
With best wishes to “AJAA” Bachchan….
Dear sir,
loved this post. and the way you ended it wiht a message.
wonderful…wonderful sir
love & regards,
Krishna Raj
Dear AB-sr.,
Other thing i wonder about is your vegetarian-diet. Given your travel schedule, how do you manage to strict to vegetarian-diet? (or is it that you don’t ask the ingredient as long as it looks vegetarian)?
With best wishes to “AJAA” Bachchan….
hi big b how r u ?
dear amitji,
i could not agree more with u , dilip kumar is a legend of legends, artists like him come once in centuries, if he is the bishma pitama of indian cinema then u r surely the arjun of our contemperory cinema, wishing u a great time at the crystal awards, may u get more and more laurels ,
regds
Dear Mr Bachchan,
I never expected The Amitabh Bachchan to be so down to earth! I feel sad that I did not have the opportunity to be associated with you some way in life. At least, now I am able to write on your Blog, thanks to technology.
After reading today’s post, I feel that you may write a few words as an autograph to me if I request. My e-mail is pradeepp@eim.ae
Thanks and best wishes.
Wish you a comfortable ‘Davos’.
pradeep
Hi BigB, Amitji, Mr Bachchan… not sure which one is for me, I have only just started to read your blog and now I try to read it a few times a week, your words of wisom are refreshing and good to hear.. someone already mentioned this on your site, but truly you write so well…your blog makes such a good read.
Enjoy your day and keep well.
Saroj :o)
WOW!
a collector’s piece, this one!!
what a brilliant post. takes one not only across time, but in the process giving insight of a legend thru the eyes of another!!!
this is what i always yearned for, and you gave us… chappar phaad ke!!!!!!!!!
looking forward to many more… moments from your archives to be cherished for years and years…
Dear bachhanji,
Can you bring some good pics from
Davos please?!!!
Sanjay.
, ShubhDin !
Dear Amitji,
.
Wonderful post! Thanks for connecting with us while you are still travelling.
BTW, what you wrote about Dilip Kumar - “Dilip Saheb, an institution, an actor par excellence,….. Indian Cinema” is the way I feel about you
I have a meeting shortly so gotto run.
I will login again
With lots of love and hugs,
Jabela
Hello Sir,
Congrats for recivieng an award at Davos u make us proud. A great piece on Dilip Saab can you tell us when will this piece appear on NDTV and in on Ndtv english or Hindi as we recive on English. Tell Abhi waiting for Dilli 6 songs are grt.
have a grt time in the Aps i love swizz.
love renu
big b u r d biggest n d gr8test……………….all ma best wishes n prayers r wid u……..n ur adorable family……..
regards
sooraj
I Think you very looking very very cool in ur latest add making in milano….i saw u for a while and it was truely enigmatic…whn did u first go to milano AB…
Dear Amitji:
Firstly, Congrats for the ‘Crystal award’. It is truly a great honor.
Is Jayaji also travelling with you.
Amitji, what a great tribute to Dilip saab. Truly amazing. I hope this gets published in all news daily. Amitji, you are a legend yourself, and for you to honour another and accept this opportunity, shows your humbleness.
Amitji, One thing I want to know I’am sure Dilip saab and you would have met several times before doing ‘Shakti’ , Right. If not it is truly a great fact to know that inspite working in the same industry , the legends met hardly on a few occasions. ‘Shakti’ was great great movie. All time blockbuster. Amitji, Good luck on the awards night.
Please catch up with sleep.
With Greetings and Prayers,
Rajesh
AB
You’ve just given life to your father’s poetry - Getting DK’s autograph in the manner you eventually did was much better than had you got it the firtst instance - truely demonstrates that ” man ka ho to achha, na hoto aur bhi achha” !
I personally rate your acting higher than DK’s, although its apparant in some scenes that you were ‘emulating’ him.
Ragards.
Hitesh, Leicester , 18:10 [and very cold !]
Hi Sir,
Have a nice trip to Swiss, and ofcourse a wonderful awards ceremony. Your write up on the few experiences with Dilip Sir was really very emotional.
All i can say is that it inspires everyone to aspire and thats what the young generation of today needs from you sir.
Thanks and regards.
Yours,
Amit.
hi sir kya hal chal hai?
Dear Amitji,
Every great person feels or look upto his GURU. It is your greatness that you have great words for Dilip Kumar. The way you look upto your idol, same way the generation Next till today after Dilip Kumar looks upto you with the same or more intensity. I watched SLUMDOG Millionare but my excitement doubled when i watched THE “Amitabh Bachchan” and the scene from Coolie. We sing your song, we like your voice even though we couldn’t speak like you, and we pretend to act like you. As soon as you come on screen everything else appears background. I am sorry to say that it happened even while watching Shakti and Mohabattein, words does not describe the power of Amitabh Bachchan.
Sirji,
Another wonderful writing from you. The incident is really thought provoking and as always you are right ” Man ka ho toe achcha..na ho to aur achcha….
Love you hamesha,
Ajay Lodha
Dear Amit Ji
Its heartening to note what a great fan u were of Dilip Kumar that u had to wait such a long for getting his autograph which now u have framed and put up on the wall of ur personal ofice.
Dilip kumar is indeed a veteran and great actor. I remember my early days when we were anxious to know in which movie Dilip Kumar is the Hero and though I do not recollect yet I have seen most of the films unlike yours.
You are humble and always remember ur past very proudly. You are not hesitant in sharing any aspect of it.The respect u have for Dilip kumar ji sohuld be a lesson for the present heros to learn how to respect ur elders.
After all Mr Dilip Kumar the legendary hero is the recipient of the Indian of the Year Award. Better late than never!
My hearty congratulations on your conferment of Crystal Award on 31.01.2009.
Congrats once again.
Since when did Rajdeep return to NDTV? I thought he is now on CNN-IBN
Case of too little sleep for you is it?
Dear Amit Ji,wat u written for Dilip Sahib,it portrays ur values and great training by ur parents,may God bless u,when u got accident in Qoolie,i pray for u and cry and wept for u in my Nimaaz, i love ur humanity,ur love and respect for seniors unlike today’s new heroes,may God bless u and must come Matiari,Sindh,Pakistan. Sayed Fida Hussain Shah,show biz critic,journalist,compere,Matiari,Sindh,Pakistan.Mob:03013531951
Have a good time in swiss., if u can pls upload some snaps of the function, its always a pleasure to c yr snaps.
regards always,
Sonal.
hello sir…
thanks….for the inspiring words….!!
regards
mani
wonderfull..
Does the fact that Olympic [Images] medallists Sushil Kumar [Images] and Vijender [Images] Kumar were overlooked raise questions about the fairness of the selection process?
Do Bollywood stars like and Aishwarya Rai [Images] deserve Padma Shris, considering the foremost criterion for the award is public service?
Have the padma awards become irrelevant?
To Puneet # 124
From Reshmi P to Puneet J Singh
Reeham sent me your message about me. So nice to know you asked after me, Puneet. How are you? I remember the first time you wrote and also when you showed us the photo of yours and AB’s mutual relative.
Hope you have my email address still. If you do, send me an email and I would love to be in touch.
I will tell Kashmira you said hello. Wait, she can see it here for herself.
Love you, girl.
Reshmi P (via Reeham)
Hello Amit-Jee,
Congratulations once again. Of late, its becoming a habit! Every blog there is something to congratulate you about!….Nazar(.) Battu. Keep up the good work and have more of it coming!
” He spoke a few words. They were barely audible. ” So like Dilip Saab! Just suddenly his voice drops a few decibels, and we have to strain hard to hear! Of late been noticing the same in your locutions..Specially in movies like Sarkar and Sarkaar Raj and even KANK ….. THe death bed scene and a few others. You get our complete and total attention when you do that, as we have to literally sit on the edge and strain hard to hear. What I’d like to know is…is it deliberate on your part. or is it something that, has come naturally as a growing, maturing process? Also , though your voice is not naturally nasal….of late one detects a nasal nuance to your voice…. Once again I have to site Sarkaar and Sarkaar Raj….. and your Reid and Taylor ads…… For instance….. “Now you know”‘ “Now(n) you(n) know(n) …… and “Ab pata chala” is ” anb patntan chalan?” Amit-Jee, sounds very sensuous, so would love to know, if it has been conscious process or unconscious process.(ARe you even aware of it?)
Have a wonderful time in Europe but please please dont sublimate in the cold climes..smile and stay warm of heart and soul and body!
Gute Nacht ! Mit liebe……Nina
Undoubtedly, the best of all the posts you have published on your blog. Enraptured I am after reading this beautiful piece.
Just one question though, Rajdeep Sardesai I guess no longer works with NDTV but has his own channel now called IBNLive. I may be wrong however.
To AB from Reshmi P
Fascinating story, AB. I remember the autograph incident from an earlier account of the story.
These days people would grumble and go off such an elusive legend who ignores a fan; tales of horror would be in newspapers and journals. But you made your excuses and you had sensible people by your side to give you rational advice. Love that version of the story. And the rest! Historical moment? really? Amazing! Totally mesmerising. Hope Dilipji gets to see this on the blog.
Congrats on the award in Switzerland. Love the Swiss even more now….
Love
Reshmi P (via Reeham)
Just FANTASTIC post !! What a treat it was to read it.
If you think its ok and if time permits, it would be our pleasure to read about your experiences with other actors or other films. It would be just a lovely read
Thanks for sharing this
Amitji,
That moment at the restaurant where you were not acknowledge by Dilip Kumar, is seen a how most fans feel when they meet/see their idols but miss out on those valuable minutes that they would like to keep as memories. I have been able to meet you in person on numerous occassions, you most probably wont remember, but each time you have been so welcoming even though for a few minutes, its a lifetimes worth of memory for me, but you are like an addiction, after the first meeting, you are hooked, as you are such a gem of a person.
You had sent me a letter sometime in November last year, with a picture which you had mentioned in an email, I was so upset it didnt arrrive, must have got to lost in the post, its special since it was coming from you personally, hopefully one day I wil get a letter from you and will frame it too:),
Hope you have an awesome time at Davos, receiving the well deserved award to had to the show many awards you have received in the past, also the award we gave you last year as our tribute to you as best actor for ‘Deewar’ (old one).
All the best always
Kishore
Dear sir,
Hats off to u ! Ur english is amazing..Am going write gre and toefl tis yr..Reading ur blog everyday is helping me a lot..This is one way of preparing for gre and toefl..
I also truly believe in what u have told…god gives us the best..if something doesnt happen the way v wanted it to happen then v can be assured tat god has better ways of making it happen..
Luv,
Subashini
Dear Mr. Bachchan
Nice from you listen, you have well come in London, so it goes you well. Today post is very overpowering what for warm words you found of your meetings with Dilip Kumar.
It was certainly a big emotional moment for both of you as altogether stand and no one spoke. Thanks for your great moments and thoughts.
Wish you a good time in London up to your departure after Davos.
love always
Carla
Hello Sir,
Just a correction, By mistake I think you referred Rajdeep Sardesai as the boss of NDTV. I think it should be CNN IBN on the above blog 279. Just wanted to know you, before someone highlites it.
Thanks,
Ram
“He continued to be an infant long after he ceased to be a prodigy” - Robert Moses
Mr. B, this captures exactly what I felt when I read this. I have a friend, who went through the exact same motions when you were shooting in Chennai years ago (it was on the beach). He is in the US now. Someday, I hope, he gets his wish too!!:) Enjoy Switzerland! (bienvenue, Willkommen)
Indeed Mr Dileep Kumar is an institution who changed the face of the Indian Cinema. Is the award by CNN-IBN or NDTV,or has Rajdeep Sardesai again joined NDTV? Whatever it is, why Indian of the Year (2008?) award to him? He could have been Indian of the Last 50 years.
Good Night, Mr. B
Dear Amit sir,
Your blog is tremendous. Right now I am in USA, I just got layoff from one of top IT company. I was so upset and thinging why this happening to me?
After reading your blog specically
मन का हो तो अच्छा … न हो तो ज्यादा अच्छा !! I feel today you wrote blog only for me.
Before reading this I was so disturb.But after reading this, my mind was changed and thinking God will give me something else to do. Now I came to know why you are such good position, because you have such brilliant thought.
Thanks a lot for sharing मन का हो तो अच्छा … न हो तो ज्यादा अच्छा !!
My all good wishes for your health & success.
Dear Mr Bachchan,
‘HUM KAUNE KHET KER MULI HUN’. Gunga Jumna is my all time favourite too. I belong to a town called Balrampur in central UP and the lingo in the film is exactly like ours. apart from Dilip saheb munimji (i think his name is kanhaiya lal) has acted extremely well.
Congratulations for the award.
With regards
Jayendra
Amitji
Both of you are humble and good human beings. Yusufji was giant of his generation. Without doubt he excelled in his craft; he set standard for other actors follow. You also brought your own style.
Why some Banks are refusing to attend Davos ?
“A conference is a gathering of important people who singly can do nothing, but together can decide that nothing can be done”. FRED ALLAN
Kind regards
Hello Sir,
Have been reading your colums just out of curiosity. I am not very impressed about alof of things and thought would mention them here. May be you read them, may be you dont.
All these awards, these contributions to the world of art, cinema, theatre and what not. But no contribution to your own country. I mean the name and fame is the game in the flim industry. But what about some school of art for children or whosoever….we all believe that knowledge is increased by sharing it. But here, i keep on reading about what honour you have received and what you will be taking with you. How about sharing some of that with your own country? We all that India has a lot of talent and there is no compare but with all the money and all the fame you or anybody like you has earned, why not share it and spread it ?????? I have always wondered why India will be the way it is forever. Sir, I am not accusing anyone but this is definitely supposed to be given thought about.
Also, the hospital that Ambani’s contributed to for Dr. Mandke. What about doing that for charity and not building a 7star….Really with our population who is that hospital catering to and who is making all the money ? In todays world where India stands, the richest people in the world are not ready to help the country and do as much as they can for it to make it a better place to live and for people like us who are running away from it for opportunities elsewhere, and using our talent in no matter what field elsewhere get them right there. You all are the foundation of todays India. Sir, do you really think this will cater to the common people. Then we talk about people like Bill Gates or in Hollywood people like Angelina Jolie for a small example who give back alot from what they gain. Not to mention that Mr. Gates donated more than half of what he earned back to his society.
We are very proud of you and all the people who have done good for themselves and made India proud. Please dont get me wrong. And we do feel great that the international society honours you and the others. But when we live abroad, everyone looks at us and says but what about all those poor people in your country Reena ? What are these richest people in the world from your country doing for it ??? Silently, I turn away and have no answer.
Regards
Reena.
Dear Mr B,
Once again you have showed us how true your fathers words are. “Mann ka ho to accha, na ho to zyada accha.”
Loved every bit you had to tell us, hope you have a great stay at Davos and congratulations for the award.
Mr B, there is a small mistake in your blog today. Rajdeep Sardesai is no longer with NDTV, he is now with CNN-IBN. Hope you do rectify this mistake before unnecessary fingers are raised at you.
-Vikas.
Big B Yahoo Group.
Kolkata.
Pranam Sir !
What a candid description of the experience you had..( Thats the Greatness of The Great Man…..m really touched ! )
Elitest Group Of Bollywood Legends….
Raj Kapoor,Dilip Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Rajesh Khanna,Amitabh Bachchan.
People will never ever forget these Legends !
AAP AMAR HO !!!!!
~Anurag,
Bangalore, India
Hello Amitji,
I guess history repeats itself. First you were longing for auto graph of legendary Dalip Saheb and now we are longing for your auto graph.
I really loved every bit of today’s blog. One in particular and made me laugh
“hum kis khet ki mooli hain”
With Regards,
Raman
It’s good to know that you understand,the feelings of the one “asking” for the autograph,and probably have never turned away such a one, when he/she stood in front of you .
Dear Bachan Saheb,
Your humility has always amazed me. For you to frame the letter sent by Dilip Saheb after you yourself had become a legend is a lesson for all famous people.
A small mistake and you must be fedup reading what it is by now- yeah- if it is Rajdeep it has to be for Cnn-IBN or Pronay Roy if it is NDTV. See Mr. BAchan you really need to get more sleep.- my hubby has the same problem- a workholic who just travels and is not able to get those 7 hours of luxurious sleep which most of us do get. Take care about the weather in Swiz and congrats on yet another award
written so much .. and lost all .. gosh … may be i was not writing that good ..But iam speechless after reading todays blog.
“Hum .kis khet ki mooli hain made me laugh LOUD”:)
Just want ti touch ur feet and wish for ur autograph.
And Sir 1 advice to u..please donot pay TOO MUCH attention to what is negatively written about u.
Dear Amit Uncle,
Great story. Your first encouter with Dilip Kumar is quite similar to the time when I met you here in LA. I think it was 1997 after your concert and you had just entered into a dinner party and I ran up to you and shook your hand and kept telling you how great you are. I rambled on and on like a lalu and you were so gracious and classy as you smiled, took your other hand on top of our shaking hands, and laughed and said “thank you, thank you very much.” A moment I will never forget.
Hello Sir,
I have been in London for the past 2.5 months with my husband, we both are in the IT field working with a leading software company. Unfortunately and very sadly, I don’t have a project, so am a housewife for the time being.
I happened to visit your blog out of sheer boredom, and I read your letter for day 279. I mean I didn’t read the whole letter, the only line which caught my attention was:
If things happen the way you desire, it is good. If not, it is better. For then they happen according to the will of the Almighty. And He shall always think and do what is better for you.
Thanks for this line, it shall be with me always!!
Love,
Avani
Hiya! How’s Switzerland and the -10 degrees??? make sure you keep warm!!!
You craved for Mr. Dilip Kumar’s autograph all this time, guess what i’m craving for?? A BIG hello from you Mr. Bachchan and may be a cuppa when you come to NZ
(Ok, i know that’s a bit too much to ask for aye!).
I’m glad you finally got the autograph. It’s nteresting to see even huge stars still crave for these… hehe!
Thank you for that photo of the black crystal chandelier- it’s magnificent! Love it… ! Good luck for the Crystal awards… you make us proud… once again!
Ps. Enjoy your weekend!
Love always,
Purvi xx
I loved reading what you wrote for us here - guess it one of your best, first - blog posts of this year
Dear Mr. Bachchan
Reading your blog has become part and parcel of my life. I read it not that Mr. AB is a celebrity but I try to connect your thoughts, acts of wisdom with real life. I have lost my parents and a younger brother in last few years but reading good thoughts infuses life in me.
I want to confess to you, the last movie which my brother watched before his untimely death (he was only 18) was Coolie. We knew he was very sick but cannot comprehend that he would be snatched from us at a very ripe age. He always believed and he used to say “If Mr. Bachchan can have second birth after his life taking stunt, I would also rise as Phoenix arising out of ashes” But unfortunately, they did not happen.
But Mr. Bachchan, you are doing yeoman service as a true ambassador of India
Regards
Bobby Goswami
Toronto
Dearest Bigeest B
Its gr8 prerogative 2 read Mr Biggest B.Its really a sign of gr8ness n humbleness
frm the Legend himself who is undisputed Shehanshah of Bollywood.otherwise there r persons who r nothing till date but make mockery of another legend of yester years(Mr Manoj Kumar).
Anyways its gud 2 know abt the respect frm ur side 2wards Mr dilip Kumar.
GOD Bless U !!
with luv
smallest b
raj bansal
Dear Amitji,
Shakti being my favorite film, I would like to know if possible any other memorable backstage instances of the kind of interaction you shared with Dilip Kumar.
Hi, no offence to anybody but I fell if “salaam bombay” would have been titled “SLUM BOMBAY”, It could have good chance at acedemy awards…and if “slumdog millionaire” was named “salaam millionaire”, no body could have even noticed it….what say!!!!!
Baba ka ek padya aapke aur aapke pankhon (fans) ke liye!!!!!
“जो तुम्हे था मिलना तुम्हे मिला
जो मुझे था मिलना मुझे मिला
अफ़सोस किसे क्यों हो कोइ
ना तुम्हे गिला ना मुझे गिला
कब फुर्सत है मैं घिर जाऊं
उल्टे सीधे उप्वादों में
कब शौक मुझे की छपवाऊं
अपने चर्चे अखबारों में
हैं काम बहुत इस जीवन में
और वक्त गुज़रता जाता है
ना मैं ही रुकना चाहता हूँ
ना वक्त को रुकना आता है
कब भाग से ज्यादा मिलना है
कब भाग से ज्यादा खोना है
नाहक सब खीचा - तानी है
बेकार का रोना धोना है
मैं अपने हिस्से की जीऊँ
तुम अपने हिस्से की जीओ
यदि थक जाओ तो साथी संग
मधुशाला में बैठो , पीओ .”
Hello Sir,
Roya tha woh raat bhar, Aankhen ab bhi laal hain
Phir kaise aakhon ki sujan ko dabake..hansta hai woh pyar se.
Please read these two lines that had suddenly came to my mind while travelling in a bus yesterday.
Thanks for all your good memories sharing with us…
Regards,
Prashant, Berkshire
Good evening sir,
I am typing away at neck breaking speed as I just read you are coming back to London! Yay! Sir, please, oh please, tell me what would be an ideal opportunity to get your autograph? You may remember from previous blog entries, I have been asking for that coveted autograph for a while. Please, please respond…for you it’s only a small effort and little time shed but for me it’ll last a lifetime. WAITING EAGERLY FOR A RESPONSE!
Thank you and much love
Shuaib Gafur
London
shuaib_gafur@hotmail.com
Respected Amit Ji,
I find you being human today for the first time in my lifetime of 34 years (and some more) on this planet. I dont want to remind you about the Rajdeep Sardesai Vs. the NDTV error.
But, that statement of yours channelises a debate about who are the concerned persons you are talking of.
a) TV Channel - It cannot be NDTV , since, their show is already over. - Therfore ,probably ,it is CNN-IBN.
b) Head of the channel - Assuming it is rajdeep sardesai -> Since, it might be easier to remember a name as opposed to a corporation. Ofcourse, rajdeep sardesai used to work in NDTV quite sometime back. A google search says that he left due to worries on compensation problems(what is new? ).
I’m not sure if this implies that you’ve leaked the lifetime announcement. It really does not matter. Dilip sahab was (and still is) was a genius. I personally think that such a word is too small to describe you..
Anyhow, I must add, that, inspite of the so-called critics panning your son Abhishek bachhan’s movie ‘Drona’, I’m a huge fan of that movie. The special effects were actually the best ever seen by an Indian Production . Being a software person, I venture to claim that, I know my programming.
I’m actually waiting for one of your movies, whose name I forget, where you adorn a very fighting style , aristocratic attire , with, a shining sword. Please do write on that some time. I think the movie name starts with an ‘A’. It will be a very happy moment if you do respond to my entry……..
Dear Mr. B.,
I remember your mentioning Dilip Kumar with such awe and respect. This story is so great … to think of your meeting him outside the theater that way brought tears to my eyes. What a thrill; but not just for you … for both of you!
Aloha from Hawaii …
Love, Dorothy
Dear Sir,
I was mesmerized by this article and for that matter all your articles.You write so well,it is such a clear sign of a well-read man unlike other movie stars who have not leveraged their privilege of travelling across the world to absorb, learn and read.Thank you for sharing your personal story as a “fan” of your icon.For me, my late grandmother, my mother,sisters&brother - you are the only one Icon.
Thank you!
Nice quote. Goes to my journal and to my mind…
“If things happen the way you desire, it is good. If not, it is better”
I am struggling right now to get a job. Just finished with master studies. Being optimistic!!! :)..won’t let myself down though…I’m a fighter..Your blogs motivate me in some way or the other…
have a safe trip..stay tuned with us..
Love,
Sweta
DEAR AMIT JI NAMASKAR!!!
WOW WHAT AN INCIDENT AND THE WAY YOU HAVE NARRATED IT…………..AMAZING!!!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS INCIDENT WITH US. IT IS A WONDERFUL FEELING TO HEAR IT FIRST HAND FROM THE MAN HIMSELF AND EXPERIENCE THE FEELING YOU MAY HAVE GONE THROUGH AS A TEENAGER. I AM SURE ALL OF US AT SOME POINT OR THE OTHER IN LIFE (SO MANY TIMES) ARE IN A SITUATION WHERE THINGS DO NOT HAPPEN AS PER OUR DESIRE……..BUT AS SAID IN GEETA “WHATEVER HAPPEN’S, HAPPEN’S FOR THE BEST” AND WE NEED TO ACCEPT IT GRACEFULLY. DO YOUR BEST AND LEAVE THE REST FOR THE ALMIGHTY TO TAKE CARE OF.
SO EXCITING TO KNOW THAT EVEN A PERSON LIKE YOU (WHO PROBABLY HAS MORE THAN A BILLION FAN FOLLOWING) HAS BEEN A SUCH AN ARDENT FAN OF THESPIAN DILIP SAHAB.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH THE LIVING LEGENDS OF INDIAN PERFORMING ART………………YOU MAKE US PROUD BEING AN INDIAN!
GOOD NIGHT AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH!
BHARATI SHARMA (MILLIE)
GLASGOW, UK
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ \m/ (^_^) \m/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dearest super superman,
What a B E A U T I F U L post
Its like a dream came true..like a wonderful movie going on..
I requested few times earlier as well….If you please try..you will be one of the best directors.. and one of the best writers..and not one of the, in fact THE BEST !!
What a great thought ” मन का हो तो अच्छा … न हो तो ज्यादा अच्छा !!”
And how wonderfully you explained and proved it with the autograph story….fantastic !!
Dilip Kumar is certainly a legend and though it is too hard explain his talent but you have wrapped it in words so nicely..painted it well !!
It is unbelieveable that an outstanding artist is praising a legend like this..with full of heart..I have no words to express myself how good i am feeling..i have read the post 4 times and i am sure i am going to read many many times more..you wrote him in words so well.
I have not watched Ganga-Jamuna yet but after reading your post todai i can not wait to watch it.
Do take very good care in the chilling weather
More later,
lOvE, more LoVe
raman
\m/ (^_^) \m/
Dear Sir,
Congratulations for being honoured with Crystal Awards for life time achievement in arts to the community…!!
Another feather in “Cap Bachchan”……..!!
Awesome explaination of achieving Dilip Saheb’s autographs after 46 years…..!!!
I wonder how appropriately you often use the famous Phrase of Babu Ji….!!
“मन का हो तो अच्छा … न हो तो ज्यादा अच्छा”
You are in possession of world’s best versatility in your personality………!!
I have not discovered any new appreciation by saying above sentence…!
परन्तु, जैसे की वन्दे मातरम का गान कभी पुराना नही होता..!! ठीक इसी तरह अमिताभ बच्चन की प्रशंसा का रंग भी युगों युगों तक हल्का नही हो सकता|
All the best for Switzerland & the Crystal Award ceremony ……..!!
One query….when you need to go to Switzerland…..why not direct flight to Geneva or Zurich etc.etc ??….and why via London ??…..Sir, we are concerned for your health…long journeys..hmmm….please avoid.
I see that you have been using Jet Airways to fly for London. Any privilege to Jet Airways….????
Regards
Dearst AB ji,
Very overwhelming ……. and, these golden words passed on…………….
“मन का हो तो अच्छा … न हो तो ज्यादा अच्छा !!
If things happen the way you desire, it is good. If not, it is better. For then they happen according to the will of the Almighty. And He shall always think and do what is better for you.”
You have no idea there are so many of us who worship & love you.
loads of love & respect,
Susheela - TN USA
ALL I CAN SAY……MINDBLOWING!!!!
Er…hello again sir,
In my last blog entry, I wrote in a rash moment of great enthuasism and hope as I only read the location on the top where it said ‘Mumbai to London’. Upon reading only those few words and not able to contain my excitement, I requested for an autograph at your most convenient moment while in London. I have missed opportunities even waited 3 hours in the good old British weather we have here! After writing the first blog entry, I returned to read the rest of your blog and once I had finished, it dawned upon me that I may not ever get the opportunity that I sought after for so long.
Sir, you finally received Dilip Saheb’s autograph after 46 years and it may have been because of your status and your fame whereas for a common person such as myself, there is little hope or no hope.
I hope I have not caused any offence. Much love and with upmost respect.
Shuaib Gafur
London
Congratulations for the award. Dilip Kumar is a Pioneer and a trend setter of so may genres that it is hard not to think of him as a legend who contributed to the fromative years of Indian cinema.
Pooja
So nice of you to share your experience with Mr. Dilip Kumar…did you talk with him about that incident when you eventually became a super hero? What was his reaction?
I think I can very well understand how you might have felt then… You are to many of us, what Dilip Kumar was to you and your friends. I don’t think I am as lucky as you, to see my HERO in person, the way you did, but because of this blog, I feel I can extend my virtual hand (through Comments), and hope, just hope, that my HERO will read my comments, and may be reply to me someday…..AB’s reply to my comment will also be as precious to me as Mr.DK’s appreciation letter is to you…..take care!
Shakti is one of my fav movies ever…Must have watched it 20 times. I know you admire Dilip Kumar…..but I must say that it was YOU, who was awesome in that movie. I couldnt wait for Dilip Kumar- Rakhee scenes to finish so I could see the LARGER THAN LIFE man on the screen- AMITABH BACHCHAN.
On that note…Good nite, sweet dreams
BTW….my husband is a secret admirer of yours but thinks that I am silly coz I am writing on your blog
Dear Amitji,
What a story. Really worth reading- Atleast I can say, I met Amitabh personally twice in my lfe- shook hands and got autograph- who got autograph from Shri Dilipkumar. It means a lot to me. Hope your journey is going smooth.
Congratulations to get the AWARD.
love
Ashesh
Hi sir,
i have been reading your comments everyday but this is the most beautiful message for us in this time. I like it very muchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
This is a greatest comment i have everseen in your blog. plz. keep continue like this.
Parnam Mere Dost,
From one living legend to another, your story on Dilipji was truly touching, no doubt a totally magnificent & outstanding performer that Indian cinema had been blessed with. Can’t understand why it’s taken all this time for Dilipji to get a lifetime achievement award, considering he had left films for a while, but I suppose better late than never, so much well deserving. Congrats to Dilipji.
Now Dost, in a way you’ve now actually put your foot in it, because there are hundreds of your ex family that can relate to this. Why ? Let me tell you!
We are that young, ambitious 18 year old that ran to the nearest stationary store for an autograph book, and ran back with great excitement and apprehension!
The difference today is that some of us did get the autograph, and maybe some got extra bonuses like pictures too, some have even been blessed with a handshake or two or even a hug, for them it will last them a lifetime, but there are still hundreds of us that an autograph is still a milestone away, a picture is still a dream, and a conversation is another lifetime.
But then we all are blessed with having the blog, which we can then go on to say ‘Things may not be happening the way we desire them to, but it is GOOD!, so we pray & at this point we have to say that it is in the hands of the Almighty, that then, when it does IT WILL BE BETTER’ When we have a strong passion for something, the ardour, & devotion pays off. Even ‘Meera’s love and devotion Krishan Bhagwan even backed down’
So this explains to us that your modesty is related to your own individual experiences in life, coming from being the ordinary middle class person, belonging from a normal hardworking family, that had dreams, goals, aspirations and so on, but another big agenda that takes us from our roots to a different dimension is no doubt our own ‘kismet’.
Today God has placed you Where once you knew Dilipji was, and reaching him was another world totally, today you are this other world, and we are the outsiders, but the difference is that you put your hand out to us yourself, and we have held on so tightly that we never want to let go!!!!!!!!! just to relate and get a glimpse of your world still from the outside totally controlled and directed by you.
It is not possible that we all in our lifetimes get what we want, the deserving part is another topic, but we live in hope, it’s the one thing that keeps this life ticking, however this site is the means that has made it possible to reach YOU, all my life since I have known, my desire has been to just sit and talk to you, to watch your every move, getting an autograph, or a picture would be magically definitely and absolutely, but then what ??? walk away and wait for the next headlines of knowing when you are in town, then to arrange all routine to get to see you at the specified time, before you disappeared, getting the tickets, in advance before even they are sold out without the guarantee that even a decent image of you can not be compromised.
AT TIMES IT DOES NOT SEEM REAL, MAYBE HUNDREDS OF US STILL LIVE IN THIS FANTASY WORLD AND ARE UNCOMPLETE, BUT ONE DAY WILL COME WHEN YOU YOURSELF WILL COMPLETE US!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for setting up this site.
God gave you the kismet to be what you are today, we still wait for you today as that 18year old back in 1960’s.
I have sent many letters to your home in ‘Prateeksha’ but not once did I get a reply, maybe because you didn’t get them, as I can’t believe that you would not acknowledge them, so like I said I live in hope till my dying days!!!!
My frame would consist of your reply to at least one of my comments, as since last June, I await in anticipation that one day I will see a yellow box under my post. But I can wait more than 40 odd years, I am happy to wait an entire eternity for you!!, yeh janam nahin toh korhi aurr se. PLUS WHO KNOWS BUT GOD THAT WHEN WE DO EVENTUALLY MEET IT WILL BE THE BESTEST EVER!!! HOPE HOPE HOPE ………
Must say the Barracat Showroom that accommodates this amazing piece of antique is sincerely picturesque. Thank you for showing us this.
Welcome to London again, a good source did tell me you were coming to London today, so glad they were right, and the best est of luck and my whole heartiest congrats for your award, well done, don’t except anything less from you!!!!
By the way will you be signing in Selfridges or Harrods for Bachchanalia ?? and when ?
Love
In your thoughts always
Nikki
x
Truly inspirational, thank you teacher
I hope you will lend some tips to the leaders in Davos.
Respects
just got my mantra from you big B.
“If things happen the way you desire, it is good. If not, it is better”
wow . thank you.
Dear Amitabh Uncleji,
Many many congratulations on the Honor that has been bestowed upon you by DAVOS. May you receive many more honors and the highest achievements ever ! Hope the Awards Ceremony is broadcast on TV here in UK - we shall get a chance to see you along with other personalities.
Dilip Saheb is a great actor too. About 13 - 14 years ago, I was walkng on Bond Street and happened to see him and his wife standing in front of Fenwick Departmental Store, perhaps waiting for their car to pick them up. I stopped on my way, but somehow did not have the guts to go up to him as I am an extremely shy lady. I was just a few feet away from them, but stood and only admired the great gentleman fom a corner, and to this day I regret not gathering enough courage to meet the great doyen of Bollywood cinema and perhaps to ask him for an autograph…
Do take care in the bitter cold, Uncleji, and rest well.
Sincerely,
Sandhya
Anyone can become angry…Thats easy.
But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way……This is not easy.
Aristotle.
……….Mangalore or was it Bangalore.
Are we loosing the true meaning of DEMOCRACY. We seem to be misusing the term COLLECTIVE EFFORT. I know these incidents are relatively small and are possibly insignificant for some but by no means sporadic.
hi amit uncle,
Nice anecdotes. However I’m not feeling the black chandelier, it looks ugly to me.
take care,
Anup
A great writing. Very nostalgic in feel. I have an autograph signed photograph of yours. Thats one of my most cherished possessions.
Amit ji,Amit ji,Amit ji,
Sir jut one thing .. What is the one moment you would like to change in your life if it was to be changed at all !!!!!!
Love
Sunny .. Mumbai
Dearest Amit ji,
Really inspiring… touched ….
Thank u for sharing the incident with EF..
Luv u sir
respects
Joshua
Mr. Bachchan there is a story that during the making of Namak Haram (or Anand) you presented your hand to Mr. Rajesh Khanna for a handshake and in reply he just waved his hand in the air and said “theek hai, theek hai”, is this true like the dilip kumar story or just some legendary fiction?
Dear Amitji,
I thought I should share this piece of news that I stumbled upon.
Real-life Amitabh reels from son’s ‘Baghban’ shock
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?page=article§id=2&contentid=20090130200901300226541252fed75fb
This story is sad, but I loved your movie ‘Baghban’. A great movie and you absolutely rocked!!
Dear Amitji
Congratulations on your award.
I did not know you were in Europe!
I hope to get your autograph one day.
Love you!
Ellene
Dear Sir,
I contrast this post of your with the scene in the now famous (thanks to media mis-interpretation of your words) Slumdog Millionaire! How much emotion and enthusiasm the name Amitabh evokes in a small child that he does the unthinkable to get Amitabh’s autograph in the movie. It good to learn who evokes a similar enthusiasm in you.
And as we ARE on the topic of SM, I must say that I fully agree with you on one of your replies to a comment drawing parallel to Indians longing for western recognition and you in person liking matching between English football teams.
Sports, just like arts, requires creativity and practice to excel and there is no harm in liking either. What is bad is the Indian fixation with western recognition and going ga-ga over it. Sure, if our art is appreciated in the west, its good, but sometimes it seems some of our frontline actors are so … how to put it… mad about recognition from the white western audience that all their effort is directed towards thinking as to how to please the western ear and eye to get an Oscar. Same goes with our media. Some of our biggest actors are seen more in western capitals to “promote their films” and not so much in their own country’s capital.
This is only your humbleness that you even cared to explain your views to the overtly west-obsessed Indian media.
I would also nod in agreement referring to the lines “Its just that the SM idea authored by an Indian and conceived and cinematically put together by a Westerner, gets creative Globe recognition. The other would perhaps not.”
Indeed, you are right in saying this; even without the perhaps. They (the west) would never give such recognition to a movie made with a similar dimension but based in Paris or LA. Why? The reason is simple and we see it in the British Raj. They never highlight their flaws while effectively pointing out the others. But the moment they are criticized, they try to give it a politically correct term or try to attach respect to it, even if none is due.
The evidence also comes in from the fact that, many of the movies showing the murky underbellies of western capitals are not even released in these countries commercially. I have seen a few now, but most of them are shown in what are termed as ‘documentary’ film festivals.
I wonder why the media picks up these things cleverly. Perhaps because it shows them to be closer to their western counter parts, at least in thought? Or perhaps it also gives them a chance to show how politically correct they are. In all they all want to ape them, well at least most of them. That pretty much explains their and everybody else’s obsession with western recognition. So when Amitabh Bachchan criticizes this obsession, he becomes the villain.
The fact still remains that the west would not give such recognition to SM effort based out of a western capital. The perhaps be damned.
Regards,
Jasmeet
New Delhi
MANN KA HO TO ACCHA, NAA HO TO ZYAADA ACCHA. THIS PHILOSOPHY NOT ONLY I FOLLOW BUT THE SAME IS IMBIBED IN MY SON. Don’t know when I will be able to meet you? Have been lot of times to juhu but couldn’t see you.Whatever happens, happens for the best.Whatever you have narrated about your escapes from school to watch The Dilip Kumar’s movies, we have done the same during my school days in Delhi to watch your movies and God knows how many times we saw them in theatre/ videos etc. In fact, my close friend’s Mamu stayed in Green Park, near SOPAAN. He used to always tell me that one day he saw you there for a while,when gates were open. I used to go in front of SOPAAN, whenever I could, but couldn’t see you. JUST WAITING FOR THE DAY WHEN I WOULD SEE MY IDOL. TILL THEN LOVE YOU HAMESHA…………………………………………
Dear Amitji,
Amitji! You will always epitomize excellence in cinema for many generations. So as Dilip Kumar, Guru Dutt, Sanjeev Kumar. I think 4 of you are the pillars of Indian Cinema. Time may come and go, actors may come and go, but your acting will remain eternal. There are probably billion or more of your fans who idolize you and worship your acting. Be it comedy, action,drama, dialogue and above all the dance….when you act it becomes a standard. You rightly deserve the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award. This award is to recognize your contribution towards the world of art.
My heartiest congratulations on this accomplishment.
Your’s greatest fan
Puneet Shrivastava
Sincerely
Puneet Shrivastava
Dear Mr Bachchan,
Shakti has been my all time favorites along with many of your other movies. I feel the best scenes between you and Mr Dilip Kumar were the ones where both of you never said a dialogue, but simply emoted through your eyes. Magical!!!
It would be a real pleasure and honor to see both of you again together.
Regards
Son of Shree Harivansh Rai Ji Bachchhan
To day I find myself like an exited child after having had the great pleasure of meeting you and Jaya shopping in London. Your physical presence and persona spoke a thousand words and this blog is a testament to your greatness.
I have not been this exited since my children were born. However, I must confess that living a busy life working and raising a family in London I have had little time for watching films or following the Bollywood scène!!! This evening I travelled home with a BIG smile on my face (this is NOT the done thing on the London underground) and spent the evening in my loft finding your old films to watch at the weekend!!! You were my childhood super hero!!!
I find myself unable to sleep this evening and kicking myself for not talking to you more. Having read some interviews on the web I should not have been star struck…but you are a living legend in my world!!!!
Anyway, I thank you both for your autographs and should you find your selves with some spare time in London I would love a second chance to meet up again and perhaps show you how we ordinary folk in London live.
God bless
Rakesh
London UK
Dear Sir
Hope your journey to the land of Helvetia is safe and happy. It was interesting to read about Dilip Kumar and his influence on your generation of actors. He along with Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor formed the trinity of talent at that time!
Best wishes
Suba
Namaskaar Amitji,
Congratulations to Dilip Saheb and to you on your achievements and awards!
There! Both names are in the same sentence, in the same breath!
There will be a similar stir in the world when Amitabh Bachchan and Leela Sitahal work in a film together. There is hope yet for me!
I can still aim to fulfil my ambition as an unknown actress working with the world’s best actor.
Nope…I have not lost it. In fact, I’ve never been more serious!
Amitji, enjoy beautiful Switzerland.
Love,
Leela
Dear Amitji,
Are you sure its Rajdeep Sardesai for NDTV? The know he has been heading CNN IBN for a while now.
Reading your blog is a rare privilege. Hope blogging gladdens your heart the way it does ours.
By the way, I also share my birthday with you….the date made famous by you 11th october. Hope you are not as indecisive a Libran as I am
Mr Bachchan,
Thanks a lot for sharing those words, “Man ka ho to achcha, man ka na ho to zyaada achcha”.
They are so full of beauty, peace and faith.
Regards,
Hema.
Yes, I have seen him at SM premere party video last week, he is undoubtly a master, and yes you rightly said Ganga Jamuna deserves a million time watch, i salute this master and your idol.thanks for sharing.
Very inspiring story. Thanks for sharing with us !
Love,
Rachna
RESPECTED AMITJI.
NAMASTE.
PLEASE DO TAKE CARE. MAY THE WARMTH OF OUR LOVE KEEP YOU AND JAYADIDI WARM AND COSY IN FREEZING WINER.. WE LOVE YOUR ANECDOTES..
HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS.. BEST OF LUCK..
PRAYERS AND LOVE AS ALWAYS..
WOW! Fantastic words from a Superstar for another Superstar. Thisis really fantastic.
Best regards and may the choicest blessings of Almighty be with you always. (Aameen)
Hi Mr. Bachchan
It was truly marvelous to read about ur favorite actor from my the most favorite actor. And also the way you beautifully justified ur father’s saying “Man ka ho to accha na ho to zyada accha”.
The black crystal chandelier is fantastic!!
The TV bites that u did were for NDTV or CNN IBN or both (got confused as u mentioned “Rajdeep Sardesai, the boss at the station and anchor to most of the important and prestigious programs the station runs…”)
Hope u r having a good time in Davos.All the best for the award ceremony on 31st.
Keep warm.
Take care
Love & regards
Anu Verma
Good Morning Sir,
(SAD NEWS)
Its really nice to read your blog and your experiences of life with different people at different points of time.
Sir, just wanted to share a piece of news with you, that my Chartered Accountancy results were out yesterday but unfortunately i could not clear the exam.
Deeply disheartened very dissappointed!
A shame for me and my family. How should I cope up with this failure?
As a part of your extended family please tell me that how did you cope up with your failures in life.
Waiting for your reply.
Regards
Ayussh
Just Wonderful !!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations for the crystal award. Bahot!! bahot!! mubarak ho aap ko.
Nice photos of the black crystal chandelier.
May be in the near future you can send a recorded message for your X10DED F on this blog.
Thankyou for sharing with us your most eloquent moments of your life with Dilip Kumarji. A pleasure to read.
Now I am 100% sure that you know how your fans feel about you. You have been there and done it.
You got an autograph from your idol and you have framed and up on the wall of your personal office.
I got a reply “goodnite” from my idol and have framed it and is next to my bed.
Ab rahi baat humaare, aap se milne ko, tou woh ek lambeee intezaar hai. Shayad haan, shayad nah.
Mann ka ho to acha hai…na ho to zyada acha hai….. Will be waiting.
I really truely lov.v.v.e this line.
I am just curious to know sir is this your fathers poem or a quote.
Being googling b4 but couldnt find it.
Please let me know, please. Would really really appreciate it sir. Thanks. I did ask on the blog but no one respond back.
My friend at work just informed me that Dev Anandji is coming to Sydney in March for the launch of his book “Romancing With Life” and watch his movie at this Maharaj’s Haveli.
I said to her wish wish wish humare Amitabh Bachchan saheb comes here. Just a thought of this makes me jump around. Iss tarha hum apne dil ko khush kar lete hai.
bai bai. (In Zanjeer Jayaji say bye bye like that to you)….so cute.
Stay warm and yes…my infinite love for you.
Luv
Ashwini
Sydney, AUSTRALIA
Dear Amitabh Uncle Ji,
I hope all is well. I hope you have been having a safe and fun journey. Congratulations to both you and Dilip Kumar Ji on your awards and achivements. It was great and very touching to read the stories you shared. I especially loved your story about the first time you saw Dilip Kumar…that is a similar story that every young person has when it comes to their favorite artist. It also showed such a human side that few people would ever get to see. This gives us a chance to see the human side of you that we all know and love here. I still keep hope and faith that I am able to meet you someday. I have met you once before when I was very young and didn’t really know any better…but as I have grown up I have grown to appreciate and love not only you as a person but as an actor as well. I also loved your little saying that you were talking about which garden’s radish you were, I thought that to be very interesting and funny as well.
I loved the picture you shared with us, it’s very interesting, ornate and very artistic.
I must be off now…shall write more later. Take Care. Have a safe trip and congratulations again on your awards and achievements.
Peace & Blessings!
Luv,
Preeti (MD, USA)
This was one of your best best blogs in recent times…we crave to read about suc incidents, stories,anecdotes about your life, your interaction with other actors,legends of hindi cinema..
please continue to do so
Chintan
Dear Sir,
I think you are referring to the award by CNN-IBN, and not NDTV.
Congratulations on your getting the award in Davos. You truly deserve and have contributed more than anyone else….
Blogs, Books,Talks & Discussions would be insufficent to discuss your many aspects and contributions. You are an Universal Icon!
Best Regards,
Neil
Dear Mr. Bachchan,
Thank you for your wonderful article! Exceptionally brilliant!!
Also to Ayush at #261: you wanted the Big B to respond and he may or he may not…but I wanted to know one thing…the CA exam is an extremely difficult exam in terms of passing and therefore do not consider it as a “shame” for you or for your family…go for it again and you will get through…In my family, I got through in my 1st attempt but my brother took around 6…but in the end, we are both CAs…all the best!
Manoj
Boston, MA
Dear Sir,
It is a long time you haven’t addressed and replied to your respondents in your blog….Hope you read them, even if it is randomly.
Best Regards,
Neil
Sir, I have not read all of your blogs. But, out of those, which I have read, I find today’s the best.
I do not have much knowledge of cinema to comment on one’s acting. As I viewer I have always liked your acting better than Dilip Kumar’s. But that is not the main purpose of this comment of mine. The reason I liked your blog today so much because it reflects your humility in spite of you being a living legend.
By the time you got the letter from Dilip Kumar, and even by the time, you worked with him in Shakti, you were already a very popular superstar.
And still, you have so much of appreciation and respect for him. I loved reading your blog today.
I wish media published this blog of yours. People will learn lots from it.
And congratulations Sir for the award.
Dear Big B Sir,
Today i am very pleased to read this blog.i was having very less knowledge about Dilip Saheb.But Due to you i know many things about you and Dilip Saheb of your early days.Congrats to you and Dilip Saheb for getting prestigious award………
With Regards:-
Raj
Dear Shri Amitji,
(HISTORIC SHOOT OF KARMA)
In the movie Karma (1986 release) Shri Subhash Ghai
should be credited with shooting a historic
scene in the history of Indian cinema. It is when Jailor
Vishwanath Pratap Singh (Dilip Kumar) slaps
Dr. Michael Deng (Anupam Kher) and the ‘Thapadd ki
Goonj’ dialog is delivered. That scene features two
of the most versatile actors Hindi film industry has
ever produced. The look on the face of the thespian
Shri Dilip Kumar is such that it doesnt look he is acting.
It looks as though all this is reality. Sir, no doubt
Shri Dilip Kumar is the best.
SANJAY DUA
This made me cry.
Thank you, sirji.
That is a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I have admired Dilip Kumar a lot and I know he has been an idol for you. He’s one of the best actors that graced the hindi movie scene but pardon me when I say this, but was never as versatile as you. I’m sorry but thats my opinion and I know it to be true for me. It is another matter that once AB became “Amitabh Bachhan” you got to exhibit that versatility only one rare occasions - like Black for instance. Again sorry, not a yes-man but a fan who wants to be honest.
Here’s one thing I would love though. To see you in a Bhojpuri film - even though I’d imagine you’ll almost have to do it for free. I have heard about “Ganga”, no idea where to find it though. Not where I live anyway.
Another interesting thought came to mind. Were you ever asked to change your name? Like someone cam said “Amitabh Bachhan bohot bada aur ajeeb naam hai. Aaj se aap Sudeep Kumar ke naam se jaane jaoge” lol Just wondering, because that used to be the norm somehow I feel.
-J
Great article Mr. Bachchan … but I think a small mistake …. Rajdeep and NDTV ??? Looks like a slip of tongue but never mind … aap ke lie sab maaf hai :-))))))))
Dear sir !
GOOD MORNINGGGGG ! perhaps you may listen echo of sound from level of ground .
Oh !once get oppurtunity to write about .. The Acting -E - Azam , the Tragedy king, The dictionary of actings, The institution … The Dilip KumaaaaR , our most wanted Dilip saheb , Respected Mr Yusuf Khan .. A honor from NDTV .. Jiski Saltanat kisi award ..uward ki Mohtaaz nahin hai.. period 1944 to …;
and YOUR honor is Really the best Award to him , very humble A Great man to Great man , A legend to legend ..Ye AMAR GATHA hai Hum sabo ke liye.
with regards
Dinesh
Sir, this is definately one of your best posts and without use of any complicated words.! lol
Sir,
I read ur blog daily.But after a long time I felt like writing back.Great words about the great DilipKumar from the great AB.Brought tears to my eyes…what feeling u can express in ur words is truly amazing.and I needed that inspiration too:man ka ho to achcha ,na ho to behter.
thanks for making me hopeful once again
love
Tejaswinee
You control the reader’s mind.. What an immaculate narration !! I can see it happening before my eyes..i can feel it !!
Thanks for writing here..Thanks to Blogging ..
Regards,
Abhayanand
Respected sir,
‘If things happen the way you desire, it is good. If not, it is better. For them they happen according to the will of the almighty. And he shall always think and do what is better for you…’ well said
you’ve put my thoughts into words.
its indeed a lovely habit to pen down the lessons you’ve learnt in your life.
if you can influence just one.. tht matters a lot and thats the best feeling.
i used to send them as good morning messages to my friends and
i really enjoyed the response
here’s my favourite.
‘ The strength of life is relations and the strength of relations is love.’
-priya elsa skaria
whats your score on 10?
take care of your health.
-priya
PRANAAM AMITJI, my father used to say about you that SARASWATI ka waas hai aapki zabaan mein….i dont know if u have/had heard about my father or no,but he was one of the greatest astrologers of india and if he said something it meant a lot…
I am sure what you were to me post-Sholay, Dilip Saab was to you. It is heartening to note that you hold him in such high regards, which you hardly see these days amongst artists.
I have always argued in forums that you were much better than Dilip Saab in Sakthi but now after having read about what you think of him, I think it is meanignless to compare the two of you. Kudos to you!
Just wonderful!!!!
Saw Ash at the hotel inauguration. Lovely to see her wearing bright colours she looked FAB.
Ash please wear Orange, Peach, Maroon or Purrple as well BECAUSE your rarely wear these colours.
Love seeing Ash in pastels too but for a change she needs to mix them up with a WHITE combo.
Dear Amit Ji:
How r u? m ratna from India, i only want to ask a question with you ” If anybody have some abnormality then there is no right of him/her to dream for his / her future.
regards,
Ratna
Dear Amitji,
ONE OF THE BEST BLOG I EVER READ OF YOURS………EVERING WORD /EVERY SENTENCE WAS LIKE A ANITCIPATION OF NEXT SCENE………it was touching to read a blog dedictated by a Living Legend to a Living Legend….. GREAT ………keep it up dear sir…….
Rajasekhar Pillai
Dear sir,
How are you ? i never thought that your blog would be a source of wisdom , today it was just that. you has mentioned this anecdote on earlier occasions, but today when you told it the way you did, the full force of it as a metaphor on life fully hit me. i am at office while i write this and can barely control my emotions, need more vyragya.
i consider you one of god’s chosen ones if you had to wait for something for 46 yrs, “hum kis ket ke muli hain”.
Thanks for the pic , human creativity is an endless ocean. ahhhh look at the beauty of the idea , a dark chandelier illuminates its surroundings, how “creative”.
love and laughter,
andrews, Delhi
DEAR MR BACHCHAN,
WHAT A SHAME , THAT OUR POOR KIDS IN MUMBAI ARE CALLED “DOGS” AND THESE POOR WERE UNDERPAID. WHO IS TO BLAME? THE GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES, THE PARENTS, OUR MIDDLE AND HIGH CLASS SOCIETY OR THE CLEVER PEOPLE WHO ARE TARNISHING THE IMAGE OF INDIA ABROAD AND MAKING MONEY OUT OF THIS MISERIES.
SHAME ..SHAME…SHAME…. I CLOSE MY EYES & BRAIN.
I SAW SM IN OUR LOCAL CINEMA - ONE BRITISH INDIAN AND ALL OTHER WHITE BRITISH, ENJOYING THE POOR ADMINISTRATION AND PROGRESS OF MODERN INDIA. MY HEAD FELL WITH SHAME AND I RETURNED HOME WITH TEARS AND SAD AS IF I DID SOME CRIME MY SELF.
I THINK IT WOULD BE BETTER TO SEE THE SCRIPT OF ANY INTERNATIONAL FILM, BEFORE ALLOWING TO SHOOT IN INDIA, AS WE (INDIA) HAVE NO CONTROL OF CERSORSHIP ON THESE FILM EXHIBITING ABROAD.
NOW, DEAR ALL FAITHFUL & PATRIOTICS…COME ON SAY AND DO SOMETHING.
SMS
My very dear Mr. Bachchan,
Once again, with your permission, may Iaddress one of your bloggers today….I do hope you will not grudge me this opportunity….?? Thank you…..
My dear Puneet (# 124),
What can I say….I am so touched and grateful to you - your acknowledgement was so heartfelt in it’s very simplicity! Thank you my dear! And yes, Reshmi - she’s a wonderful human being - I have had occassions to know her a little more closely than one normally would on a forum like this one, and she is a beautiful person! She is off the blog as of now, for personal reasons, and I am sure, once she is done with it and has more time on her hands, she shall resume blogging with the rest of us here! I am sure we all look forward to that! And I am very happy to learn that we share the Army background - cheers to that! Your updating your husband and son everyday, about Mr. Bachchan’s schedules and itineraries seems extremely sweet to me…couldn’t help smiling…I still am, in fact! God Bless you always!
Love and best wishes,
Always,
Kashmira
A Big Thank You to you, once again, Mr. Bachchan, for allowing me this opportunity!
Hello Sir,
Very nice blog, and the line
‘मन का हो तो अच्छा … न हो तो ज्यादा अच्छा !!’ made me feel good.
Thanks a ton !!!!!!!!!
Rolly
nice to hear all this words from you …
..मन का हो तो अच्छा … न हो तो ज्यादा अच्छा !!…
I guess you should start your writing with “wisdom of the day”.. what you used to do it in KBC .. all this things keeps us in positive frame of mind…
thanks again and love and respect to you as always
~ raj
A very touchy & inpiring story.
More so a legend himself praising another legend….
Pl. Take care of yourshelp and keep inspiring with your thoughts & actions.
Regards
Shaily
aap meri baat ko bura to nehi samajh rahe hai. kea karu chaar-paanch saal ka bachcha tha mai, tabse aapko dekhte aya hoon, pahele mai aapko dekha ‘Benaam’
me. wo Dad ka Roll———–ghus gaya tha mere dil me. tabse mai sochta hoon ——–mai aapke saath hoon. mai abhi thora mota ho gaya hoon. leken jab dubla ho jaunga dekhie ga mera Gesture-Posture bhi aapse milti hai. I LOVE YOU. I LOVE MUM. Mum ke saath DDLJ karna hai. aap suport nehi karenge to kayse hoga. kayse pouchunga aapke paas. Please kindly kooch kijie na.
Respected Sir,
First of all congratulations for the award…. This is my third msg on your blog bt I didn’t receive even hi from u…bt as you say :-
“mann ka ho toh acha hai na ho toh aur bhi acha hai “….
I m surprised how do u manage such a busy schedule…sleep so less…that is nt good for ur health….
Plz take care
Dear Mr. Bachchan,
Let me confess that I literally cried while reading this blog. Why? Because this is the best compliment from one acting legend, the Amitabh Bachchan to another acting legend, the Dilip Kumar. This is the height of your humbleness, modesty, dignity and all the virtues listed in our scriptures. Hats off to you! Hats off to Dilip Saheb!!
My humble request - keep writing such wonderful blogs.
I prostrate.
Naishadh Vyas
Guruji
Your tribute to Dillip sab is just out of the world.Your attitude/respect shows what required to be a legend like you in every aspect. This can be inherited only if any one groom up in cultured atmosphere with proper education.
Your narration is a perfect evidence of your cultured background.
I appreciate that.
Now coming to the acting front :
With due respect to Dilip Saab’s acting talent, I personaly feel your portyal in Deewar/Shakti is superior than the same of Dilip Saab’s in Ganga jamuna.
I don’t think in his entire career he had performed in the same variation/pedigree of your performances in Sholay/Trishul/Sarkar/Sarkar Raaj/Baghban/Black/ The Last Lear.
Earlier it had been told that
1. Dilip Saab edited your role in Shakti.
If possible please put some light on this - if this actually happened.
2.Sanjib Kumar’s Role in Trishul initially offered to Dilip saab, but he rejected to get overshadowed by your performances.
3.Anil Kapoor’s role in Mashaal initially offered to you, but after Shakti-episode you had turned it down.
4.Earlier Yash Chopra supposed to direct a movie under Eagle Films (FC MEHERA) starring both of you - is that true?
If possible please clarify.
Dear Amitabh Bachchan,
I worked longer hours today and just got to read your beautiful entry !
Black crystal chandelier is an unusual invention indeed - something of black beautiful starry night sky is in it…There is more of a traditional crystal on the table…
Thank you for sharing the picture..
Your story about Dilip Kumar is truly unimaginable. & excellently written !!
With such wisdom, love and respect for Dilip Saheb and life itself.
It is a wonderful tribute to Mr. Dilip Kumar on the day of his recognition with the Award…
Everything in life has congruity, symmetry and beauty. It is strange sometime or rather something of an art. God’s art. As it is lived by us humans - it reveals its meaning and beauty… as we are to be attentive to see it.
To wait for 46 years for the beautiful completion and fulfilment of the story of the autograph !!
What a story !!
I love what you wrote after your Father’s words in Hindi. “If things happen the way we desier it is good. If not it is better. For then they happen according to the will of the Almighty. And He shall always think and do what is better for you.” How true…
As you are on your way to Davos Switzerland to receive your Crystal Award, I went to the Economic Forum site and listened to a couple of European speakers. I liked to hear among other things that to help world enconomy to overcome the crisis it has to be built not only on profit but values..
It is a serious and humane forum. They have an excellent program presented on the site and your name listed for the awards.
My heart is full of joy for you being recognized with Crystal Award for an Achievement in a life of Arts. This award is “a tribute to decisive role of art and culture in creation of global understanding and peace”.
As for the freezing weather you are experiencing, I am sharing it with you - on my side of the globe…
May you be warm and happy breathing cool crystal clear air of snowy Helvetia-Switzerland..
God bless you.
With much love.
Tatiana S. USA
Dear Amitji,
I was in the depths of despair today, an emergency with regards to parents had left me flailing in the dark. Parents, who always protect you, provide for you, make all the monsters go away and the reason for you to believe that life is really beautiful…when they despair, then they become like children again and life demands a role-reveral, it leaves you feeling helpless, scared and ….exposed…
Your words were like a ray of light in the darkest of nights for me. Thank you.
man ka ho to achcha hai, na ho to jyada….
Wishing you health and happiness
Rashmi
hi amitji. i have writen a comedy story. sir you must like it. it’s on new concept.
my stroy can change the eqution of bollywood. sir please reply. if you will reply i will talk in detail.
Dear Big-B,
We all pray for your health ,wealth,happiness & many more successess to come through. Sure of touching your Humaness with our Prayers.
Capt.Mahendra & Soldiers of Terror Inflicted wounds
09849076179
Dear M.Bachchan,
I just saw your movie, ‘The Last Lear’. I have no words to express how much the movie moved me. I love Shakespeare, but to see you recite those lines with your flawless diction was wonderful. I just want to say thank you for being you. I wish you good health and happiness, and a lot more appreciation and love.
Thank you!
Sangeetha.
Dear Sangeetha,
Mr Bachchan, for once, with your permission, I am taking the liberty of using the Blog to appreciate Sangeetha for the brevity of her comment, choice of words and her matured and elegant attittude towards you. Keep it up Sangeetha.
Regards
pradeep
मन का हो तो अच्छा … न हो तो ज्यादा अच्छा !!
What a better way to explain the meaning of this dictum, paraphrased by your illustrious Babuji !
I’ve read it somewhere in your babuji’s autobiographical books (in 4 vols.) that u’ll prove to b even better writer than him, whenever you decide to do so. I’ll neither deny nor confirm it as I’d not like to comment upon the 2 greats, who’re the invaluable gems of our country. But I’d definitely like to say & write that you are equally good in writing besides your main profession, i.e., acting.
I read this in your previous blog, where u’ve written this with your trademark medesty, that the great writers like Mr. Chetan ‘5 Point Someone’ Bhagat & Mr. Vikram ‘A Suitable Boy’ Seth actually read your blogs and Mr. Bhagat, in particular, was surprised about how do u write so much & so well on almost daily basis ? Well. to say it with all humility & respect to both esteemed writers, I’d like to say that you are really much much better writer than both of you and this is not flattery or anything like that, but I really mean it. Simply because, not only I’ve read Mr. Bhagat’s all 3 books he’s written so far and Mr. Seth’s ‘A Suitable Boy’ but I’ve found that these accomplished writers told us the fictions in their work whereas what you tell us here on daily basis is all about your life, your experiences, your work & all that you see while shuttling all around the globe. So, in a way, this is something more valuable, more reliable, more authentic, more inspiring, more interesting and perhaps more educating than what they told us through their books. I can bet that whenever you deside to write something, it’ll be something HISTORIC again ! If you can write a blog in such a flawless & unfledgling manner, I can only be in awe imagining what a fine piece of writing it’ll be once you do it in some kinda book form.
I’d like to prise you for your one fine deed that you did by contributing for a new Girls Hostel in your Alma Mater (Sherwood) and by allowing to name it after your beloved Babuji’s name. There can be nothing better than helping our country’s women by getting them educated with the males in such esteemed institutions.
Hoping & waiting for that day to come soon in my life & wishing u all the very best for everything you do.
Ya, Many Many CONGRATULATIONS to you & your family for d 5th PADMA that came to your family, courtesy, Mrs Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Now, this is truly a PADMA family & I wish may it soon become the BHART RATNA family as well. Amen !!
Rishabh
Hello Sirji,
This is like dream come true. We can interact with u personally. I had heard lots about ur blog. Few days back I just thought of going thru it. Since then i read your blog everyday. Read ur blog yesterday, its very nice. Incidentally today only my husband was facing some dillema in his office & he was very worried. I remembered ur blog & told him about it & he also agreed to it.
Man Ka Ho To Bhi Accha, Na Ho To Aur Bhi Accha.
Thanx a lot for ur guidance.
Lovingly yours,
Harshala.
I salute your dedication to write on this blog in order to connect to us, your extended family…you are a true HERO, a real ICON…take care
It is so interesting to know how one great star takes inspiration /light from another.
This is so educative and inspiring !
God bless
Vj
Sir,
I too have been dreaming of this situation when U’ll stretch out ur hands to me and held both of mine and stood looking me in the eye, without saying a word. An eternity will pass. No one will speak.
मन का हो तो अच्छा.. न हो तो ज्यादा अच्छा !
Regards,
Uttam
hi amitji, came in to see your blog only and was surprised to see your wonderful updates on everyday life. makes us feel more connected somehow even in todays tech savvy world which leaves little time for peoples feelings and relationships. have tremendous regard for you and what you have done in your life more so over the last 10 years. regard for your family for stickin together through everything …. something i believe in personally and have followed myself. all the best and keep blogging !!!
Dear Sir AB,
Your words are very inspiring. It indicates that you are very influenced with your father’s persona. I have just started reading your blog and I know It will become a habbit soon. I remebered a good “sher” , want it to share with you -
मौज -ए - दरिया से कह रहा है समन्दर का सकूँन ,
जिसमे जितना ज़र्फ है , वो उतना खामोश है ।
cya soon , take care -
Jitendra Verma
Sir,
Pleaaaase do share more such interesting anecdotes.
Regards,
Dear Sir,
Pranam.
Its been long since i wanted to write to u, even thought of writing a letter to u and posting it to Prateeksha, but had apprehensions.
I am afraid, i cannot even write it here, because its just not an entry or a response to any of urs. Its something that keeps me connected to u, has always done so. And so i want to share something from my life with u and how i ve implemented urs and Harivansh uncle’s thoughts in my life.
I wish there would be a way to write to u all this and get a response.
Please suggest.
Regards to Jaya ji and love n admiration to all in the family
Dearest BigB - Never seize to be amazed by the recognition you have gained in various nooks and crannies of this world. Congratulations.
Secondly, I noticed recently that the media had rightly conferred you with the title of being a ‘patriotic voice’. Finally many thanks for the ‘inspiration’ you continue to provide, especially with the added use of priceless quotes from your father’s work. Your story on the blog is a true example of bringing the quote to life.
PS: Still have not figured out how I would know if you responded to my blog - secretly hoping you are not going to put me through 46 years of waiting!
Dear Amitab Uncle,
Hi, this is my first time in anyone’s blog. And I m feeling nervous even writing to you. Before I start, I would like to apologize to you in advance for any kind of mistake that I may commit by my words.
You are one of a kind and you stand for every Indian like me in the international arena. I have never gone abroad but in my last 19 years of living right from my birth, I have been almost all over India. And I have seen what you mean to many including me. I never compare anyone, I feel very human fights with his-self to reach to the top. And when we compare, we limit the person’s capabilities.
Life teaches us as we move on. I want to wish you a very successful year ahead and
Hiee Mr. Bachchan
Hope my mail finds you in the best of your health and spirits.
It’s an lovely and remarkable experience to read your blog.The words are so correctly put and everything is so perfect about your writings.
Mr.Dilip Kumar is an institution in himself and what to say, he is a complete natural and the same goes for you.
I have seen Shakti hundred times and always amazed by the duo performance.
Lots of Love and Regards
Priyanka Verma.
Dear Sir,
I actually cried reading this. Among many of your talents, you have a great gift of prose. God bless you!
Cheers,
Elif
Dearest Mr. Bachchan,
Today’s blog is a wonderful master piece and a tribute to Mr.Dilip Kumar. I hope young actors of today learn how to honour and respect their seniors from you. Your humbleness and your simplicity is a great virtue, which you have been blessed with Mr. Bachchan,not all have those. Its very touching and a wonderful blog which I have read over and over again. Thank you for sharing this experience with us. Thanks for the picture too but I still love the clear crystal Chandeliers any time. You take care, be safe and God Bless. Love as always.
Dear Mr. Bachchan,
Albeit a long shot but would be very happy to have your autograph while you are in Davos. We are nearby, please do let us know the possibility.
Best regards,
RamKamla
How should I address you, I cannot guess….
Let us suppose, for the time being, ourselves, to be sons of the same Lord and compared to his age…we got to be brothers…
That settled,
U certainly are a man who’s born once in ages and thus the mere mortals who are ur contemporary also share this good luck. “We were born in the times of the good ol’ Big B.” one day I will tell my grandson.
That said,
Will you do us the favour of throwing some light upon the comment that u never were able to sleep more than 3 hours(!)
If u could convince this little devil in me to sleep less…..I’ll grow up to be a great man, some day.
All in all, I saw ur blogs for the first time today…. have to say….good work bro…ah ah…I mean… good work Big B.
If only other Gods had blogs too!
My Dear Amitji…………….
I don’t have words to describe ur blog ….i salute u …..this world needs person like u ….in todays times …..JAI Ho……
Dear Amitji,
when i went through yr blog today I felt how after being yr self being a living legend u have so much respect and importance for a autograph of yr senior. y is it not seen now, when we see a bunch of so called num one actors fight and make fun of thereir seniors, whats is it the generation gap or have we become ….here is a line fm yr own film….TUMARE BABUJI KEHTE THE KE INSAN PEHLE JANWAR THA, BAHUT SAAL LEGE USE INSAN BANE MEI( Yr Generation). LEKIN TUME INSAN SE JANWAR BANE MEI KOI WAQT NAHI LAGA.(Our Generation) Hats off to u sir, Gous Khan. Doha Qatar
Dear Amitji,
.
For me the Hindi cinema is only Dilip Kumar, Amitabh BAchan and Abhishek Bachan !
.
NO one BEFORE Dilip Kumar, NO one BETWEEN him and you, NO one BETWEEN you and Abhishek !
.
Warm regards,
.
Ismail
Dear Sir,
The black chandelier…is so regal, how it stands out…the photo is as good as it being infront of your eyes. Art and craft work is aways beautiful isn’t it, so long as it’s not modern-art.
Dilip Kumar ji - “Suhana safar or yeh mausam hasin….nahi hai, woh aasman aisa grey kyun hai, hame dar hai isme ham kho na jaye kahin?” he would have thougt had he landed in London.
Talking about kho jaaye I think I have been brain-dead lately. Things need to be done but don’t know how to get them going, wish I could come out of uncertainties, life remains on hold. Actually, my best friend from school days phoned me last Saturday morning at home and we are going to meet up soon and catch up on all the lost years, can’t wait.
Thank you so much for beautiful thoughts, we just love the blog. God Bless you and our family. Have a lovely time in London. They say Switzerland is so beautiful, I’ve never been there, perhaps one day, in jeevan ki aapa dhapi mein….but then jahan bhi rahu, swarg banakar rahu…so I believe.
lots of love,
Daksha
My Dear Amitji……
When will poor poeple living below proverty line …get the help to survive……to live life……INDIA IS DEVELOPING ?????? …..(ONLY SMART PEOPLE ARE DEVELOPING…) …..
There are charitable trusts, hospitals etc etc …but the bottom line is “do they really cater to the needs of poor people & that also without any misuse.”
Celebrities wash their hands by donating money …but they should also see that their donations are not misused.
Dear Mr.Bachchan,
I thought Rajdeep Sardesai was with CNN-IBN, he has gone back to NDTV ?? Anyway thanks for the update..
Love your blog..Keep writing!!
Thanks!!
Dear Mr.Bachchan,
I thought Rajdeep Sardesai was with CNN-IBN, he has gone back to NDTV ?? Anyway thanks for the update..
Thanks!!
Love your blog.. Keep writing..!!
Bachchan Sir,
I am reading your blog for the first time … bu believe me I am loving it already and will continue to read them when ever possible .. Hope to meet you some day too ….
Mum
Just one thing i have to say to you big b, in 100 years time dillip kumar will be forgotten. You wont. the greatest achievment in life is to stand shoulder to shoulder with your role model, you have surpassed his greatness
DEAR MR BACHCHAN,
PLEASE DO SOMETHING FOR (BLOG ENTRY 300 BY CAPT. MAHENDRA JI) AND HELP OUR INJURED SOLDIERS, AS OUR DEAR “SHEHANSHAH” IS CAPABLE OF DOING EVERYTHING. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP FOR THE MRS KOKILABEN HOSPITAL. NOW, PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR FANS AND FOLLOWERS AND HELP US TO REPAY OUR RESPECT TO THE DEDICATED JAWANS, WHO ARE SACRIFICING FOR OUR SAFETY IN THE SERVICE OF MOTHER INDIA.
JAI HIND
DR SHASHI MOHAN SHARMA
CROWN HOUSE
LONDON NW10 7PN
TEL: 0044 7799 168089
dr.smsharma@yahoo.com
hello sir !
how r u ?
i m a big fan of urs !
u r a dream for me , i can’t believe that now i can talk with u !
unbelievable for me till now .
i just want to say a big hello to u n Ur family .
nd this blog is Amazing , really
I n my entire family r big fan of Ur’s sir !
pz if u have little time so pz say hi , hello to my family once.
have a great day sir .
wish u all the very best !
i love u .
i miss u .
n i waiting for u !
anjali gupta from kanpur
Darling Big B,
मन का हो तो अच्छा, ना हो तो और अच्छा….क्या सही बात है….
पर तब autograph मिलता तो भी अच्छा ही होता…नहीं क्या???
…..
love u loads
jaya aunti gussa toh kareingi nahin naa isiliaye bahut jhijhka hua tha i am sorry
Hello Amitji,
Hope you are keeping well and looking after yourself! Enjoy your time in Austria! Keep warm, and enjoy the snow!
Amitji, I am very proud of Aishwariya - she is the most beautiful lady on this planet as far as I am concerned. I am very very happy that she has become Mrs Abhishek Bachchan - God Bless them both! I am also a huge fan of Abhishek - I am very much looking forward to seeing Delhi 6! I wish Abhishek & Aishwarya all the happiness & success for the future! I hope to meet the Bachchans one day!!
God Bless!
Manju
Dear Amitji
I was just listening to the music of Delhi 6, it’s fantastic, and your voice sounds a little different in “Noor”. I was wondering if you’ve ever considered reading poetry and having it recorded like an audio book that can be down-loaded on my Ipod. If you’ve already done something like that please let me know, if not would you consider doing it for us because I love your voice, it’s truly unique.
Love
Ms Sundeep
What a fascinating story. Thank you for sharing. I too hope to meet my screen idol (you) one day, and shake his hand.
Please enjoy yourself in Davos. The recognition and tributes are fitting and extremely well-deserved.
Regards,
Guru
Dear Amit Ji,
It’s very interesting to know the Autograph story, May God bless you with all hallmarks of his creation.
“Man ka ho toh accha…. na ho toh zyada accha”.
With Love,
Ratnesh Roop
Abhishek Bachchan, Delhi-6.
Looooooooooooooooove Abhishek. He has got the most beautiful smile on a man!
Sorry Ash, I had to say it! :)))
Good day Mr. Bachchan.
Love & Respect
C
Brilliant post………
Had great time reading it…
You left us wanting for more….
Boss,
Aap toh Amitabh Bachchan Ho, Aap ki har baath hi nirali hai.
Hum toh sirf Aam Aadmi hain, Aur rahi baath hakikath ki toh…duniya mein ek hi toh Amitabh Bachchan hai…..aur woh ho aap…sab ke baap.
Na chahte hue bhi likh rahan houn aap koh….akhir ek hi toh Amitabh Bachchan Hai…..kash uppar wale ne chaar-panch banaye hote..ha..ha !!
Best Regards,
Pratap Singh Tomer
Al Khor City, Qatar
1747Hrs - Friday
One idea for you at Davos Hotel…
if you can write and type blog on your computer in a word file, then cut and paste from the Word file when you go down to lobby onto the blog…a few minutes in the lobby as opposed to a lot of time writing the blog.
OR just take a rest and stay well,
ciao
Dear Dr Sharmaji( at S.No-330),
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Wish More people like you come forward to support us, We also hope some day Big-B Notices us and blesses us with his Word to all those people who can easily afford our products for their good Health apart from indirect support to us(Soldiers searching life of Dignity & self respect).
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it’s very-very wonderful, just like a magic, that finally I find you, feel near, I am come from Indonesia, You have been my favorite till right now, it’s magic, I can’t believe that you read my comment finally, yes you read it. once again it’s just like a miracle. I can’t imagine that … I will meet you someday….. My Lord Please Love Him….
No One Can Replace You
Love, Zaeenal
Sir,
namaskar,
‘mann ka ho to achaa………na ho to jyaada achaa’ - aisa kyun? “Jeevan ek madhushaala hai” ise aap kahaan tak maante hain? All the best….
Sushila puri
DEAR SIR,
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ME BHAVESH CHAVDA FROM GUJARAT, ME FILM STORY PLOT WRITER HU,
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Hello Sir,
A lot of time has passed and we have not seen any new release of yours. Your movies are like oxygen for your fans. Please keep a regular flow of the same. We all pray that you live 1000 years, so that we can always watch yor movies and feel pround to be living in an era, in which Big B lives.
Regards
Rupesh
you have written this blog so well you can visualize as if it is happening now
Respected Amitji,
Your story today has taught me a new lesson in life. Shall always keep this in mind.
Regards,
Paritosh
Dear,
From one autograph to another autograph, several decades. Respect of one great man to another great man. A theme for a block buster movie?
“Noor” is just immaculate and there is need for more. We would like to listen to that famous baritone for 3 full hours. Any chance of that wish becoming real?
Ram
Dear Amitji,
What a marvelous tribute you had written on a legend like Dilip Kumar Saab. I had tears in my eyes. Just remembered my dad who was a very ardent fan of Dilip saab. He used to narrate me such wonderful experiences about meeting this legend. Really superb writing.
Thanks and Regards , Amitji
Dear Amit Ji,
This was one of the best posts on your blog. I enjoy reading about your thoughts, and it gives me a different perspective on you the person. I grew up watching Shan, Mahaan, Yaraana, Kabhi Kabhi … and those are some of my favorite Big B movies. Yes, those are the movies I would sit and watch again and again, every time they are on TV.
Lately, I thought your performance in Cheeni Kum, was fabulous! I really, truly enjoyed watching that movie. Your performance in the end when you learn of the little girl’s death, moved me to tears.
Have a great trip! Stay warm,
Sabz in Chicago
amit ji good marning apko nid nahi ati kya dilip kumar ka divanapan jab dekha jab naya dor realise horahi thi jamana tha unka apne un koyad kar hame bhi yad karva diya thanks, pres ele. midia. se safe rahe . bye-o.p.dubey indoreian
Dear Mr B,
My mistake. You had mentioned that Rajdeep Sardesai is with CNN-IBN, but when you mentioned at the end of the blog that NDTV wants to do a feature on Dilip Kumar, I got confused.
-Vikas.
Big B Yahoo Group.
Kolkata.
Respected Brother,
Sadar Pranam,
I realised I had missed reading lots of your post as I was away in Gaziabad. That I had missed one of the most prominent one on Dilip saab is my fault. I was a bit busy managing to uplad the pics and videos from the marriage I attended.
That you indeed are a human being and like we adore you today you too had an idol to fall upon. How the cycle of time takes its own path, how very natural was your description of the life of Dilip saab and your own admiration of one of the best - yes one of the trio that we know Dilip saab was the central part of - the trio that defined the early history of Hindi Cinema in most majestic manner - the trio of Raj Kapoor, Dilip Saab and Dev saab. True one can not forget their contribution to world of Hindi Cinema. What if Ganaga Jamuna did not get an award for Dilip saab it was as great a performance as one you proffered in Deewar. That you were not given the best actor that year could itself be seen as a repeat of history of what Dilip saab had to go through after most unique performance in Ganga Jamuna. It is Ok, awards are not always the end of the road and sometimes I beleive that the awards unnecessarily prejudice our minds to a particular movie. Slumdog Millionaire is one stark example in modern or rather current times.
I would not have known that during Hope 86 that even if I could not meet you tyhe otherday I had met the thespian of Hindi Cinema after I had jumped into the brabourne stadium. That I requested Dilip saab if I could meet Amitabh Bachchan he had assured me - yes, why not go and meet him. Only the police bandobast thwarted all my hopes. No regrets - the bigger regret was the disappaearance of Smita Patil that night as I had later learned during the following day! Smita Patil was as great an actor as Meena Kumari ji! Some day shall recollect and do some justice to the two most talented actresses of Hindi Cinema in Meena Kumari and Smita Patil.
Coming back to Dilip saab, I think when I was quite youmg must be around four or five years of age and staying at Bijnor my birthplace, I remember the covered box cycle rickshaws used to be used for advertising of the new movies in town - I distinctly remember that Ram aur Shyam, Aadmi and also probably Gopi and Leader were some of the movies that I remember were made during those times. If I have to pick some five great movies of Dilip saab - I would choose Shakti, Raam aur Shyam, Ganga Jamuna, Mughale Azam and Naya Daur. Some other great movies would necessarily include Madhumati, Udankhatola, Kohinoor, Leader, Vidhata, Mashal and Dastaan. These are the movies that I loved I might g\have missed soe great ones from the list, I may be excused on that! akhir 50 ka to man bhi hone jaa raha hoon- thoda bahut bhulane ki bimaari mujhe ho hi rahi hai aaj kal. I particularly like the song mujhe duniya walon sharabi na samajho I was not aware of its meaning at tha point of time as a young boy when I used to this song. Then there was ai mere dil kahin aur chal or o door ke musafir hamko bhi saath lele re, ham rah gaye akele and the ever green madhuban mein radhika naachi re and Ramchandra kah gaye siya se aisa kaliyug ayega and the immortal chhodo kal ki baatein kal ki baat puraani naye daur mein likhenge milkar nai kahani hum hindustani. Here again I may not have been able to recapitulate the most or best of all te songs that his movies offered to the world of great Hindi film songs. There are far too many of them to be able to recollect all of them in a single stroke in one frame of mind.
I would put Dilip saab in the category of to five great actors that India produced - to name them should be enough sequence and order would mean injustice to each of them - Raj Kapoor, Devanand, Dilip Kumar, Guru Dutt and Amitabh Bachchan. I do not even know if these actors appeared in the same order that I have put them but probably it was on the back of my mind. It does not in any way belittles the contribution of several other great actors that Hindi cinema has produced who all held their forts in their prime times. Long live the Hindi Cinema long live the talent that it porduced.
I would now take leave of you. I have a feeling that you would probably not get back to this particular day’s blog so you would never get to read it. I would make it available on my blogspot for sake of its significance - that it has been written after a great post on Dilip saab by you!
Abhaya Sharma, India February 3 2009 12:37 Hours
Hi ab i loved the black chandelier,and the dilip saheb tit bits love and regards gurpreet
Dearest Biggest B
An awesome creation.the crafter or maker of it is real Jaadugar.
I salute to him/her.
with luv
smallest b
raj bnasal
Dear Sir,
I am very exitement reason for this is first letter writing in my life.
you are my superhero. i like you and your family.
family picture is superb.
with love
rajesh d. shishangiya
gujarat state
cell 97273-20161
Namaskar,,,,,,,, Amit sir,,,,,,did you release the hindi version of madhushala at website?,,,,,,,,we have been read only few parts of it. we did not find more of it at website.i am not in india fromwhere can get pages of it . it really was interesting to me.i wanna read it fully
sachin
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