I want to see Rann Bal Thackeray tells Big B

I want to see 'Rann', Bal Thackeray tells Big B
New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has asked megastar Amitabh Bachchan to arrange for a screening of his latest film "Rann", Ram Gopal Varma's take on the media world.

"Udhav Thakeray (Shiv Sena executive president) calls. He has just come out of the theatre after (watching) 'Rann' and is not able to find appropriate words to describe his appreciation for the film and the performance. Minutes later Bala Saheb calls (and says) �I want to see this film. Come and show it to me! You have not been to see me for a long time'," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

"I assure him I shall arrange a projection in his house. I ask after his health. He is fine he says," the 67-year-old actor added.

Amitabh, who plays a media baron in the film, says he is in awe of senior Thackeray's determination even at 84.

"He cannot travel out due to his frail condition, but the fire in him still burns. He is resolute and firm as ever and in that resoluteness you discover an endearing, that sudden soft moment, which has always made his presence so strong and affectionate. His sense of humor is intact as he punches in some wise ones," posted Amitabh.

Post "Rann", the actor will be seen in Leena Yadav's "Teen Patti". Also starring Hollywood veteran Ben Kingsley, it will hit the screens Feb 26.

Amitabh Bachchan to be brand ambassador for Gujarat

Amitabh Bachchan to be brand ambassador for Gujarat
Gandhinagar, Feb 1 (IANS) Film icon Amitabh Bachchan will be the new brand ambassador for Gujarat.

In a message to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi here Monday, Amitabh Bachchan conveyed his acceptance.

He wrote, "You have very graciously considered my appointment as brand ambassador for Gujarat. I accept this offer of yours with great humility. I hope we shall be able to work together for the betterment of Gujarat."

On Jan 6 during his visit to Gandhinagar for a special screening of "Paa" for Chief Minister Modi, Amitabh had expressed his willingness to be the brand ambassador of Gujarat.

When replying to a question by mediapersons, he had said: "I would be happy to lend my face and voice for the cause of Gujarat."

He had been all praise for the development in Gujarat and said the state was a place worth visiting again and again. Amitabh had also said that if the government planned a documentary to showcase the state, he would like to be a part of it.

A thrilled chief minister followed up the conversation with a formal offer and the filmstar conveyed his acceptance.

Earlier in his blog, the filmstar was fulsome in his praise of the chief minister after his Gujarat visit. He had stated: "He (Modi) lives simply and with mere basic needs and most unlike the head of a state. He speaks with affection on development and progress. He is welcoming to fresh ideas and ideals. His oft repeated phrase of him being a CM, a common man, is not misunderstood. He does and acts as he speaks.,"

"He talks of raising the level of awareness for his state through tourism and I volunteer to participate in any activity that would help promote that," the film icon wrote explaining his interest in promoting Gujarat.