INDIA beats PAKISTAN in the World Cup and goes to the finals ! BigB in Blog

Jalsa , Mumbai         Mar  30, 2011    Wed 11 : 50 PM

INDIA beats PAKISTAN in the World Cup and goes to the finals ! What a day and what a culmination of events ! At last India breathes normally ! I shoot through the entire game for 'BBUDDAH' and yelps and screams of delight as each Pakistani wicket falls greets us at regular intervals, along with a burst of firecrackers ! The streets were empty throughout the day. Not a soul on the road. And now as the game ends in our favor it is madness outside. Cheering and screaming fans on mobikes, cars whatever mode of travel, the Indian tricolor waving in their excited hands, horns blowing - the entire city has come alive !! What an atmosphere ! Hadn't seen this in a long time !! Family friends companions huddled together in front of Tv screens, anxious, expectant immovable for the past 8 hours !! And as the last catch was taken in the deep and victory announced - madness prevailed. People hugging each other and jumping with excitement ! It has meant a lot for India to win tonights game against Pakistan, our arch rivals ! But it was a keenly fought match. Great game of cricket, unbelievable atmosphere. Hotels made special arrangements for all their guests, restaurants and bars, wayside cafes, street shops, every possible window for public viewing, opened and filled with eager Indians. Its not a game anymore in this part of the subcontinent. Its a religion. And now for the finals ! In Mumbai ! And all hell shall break loose !!

Well played India. Each player contributed tonight in its final victory. And well played Pakistan for a closely fought competition. This was the big one ! For most Indians and I am sure for our neighbors too, this was in many respects the Final. It always is when our two countries play. Congratulations then to Dhoni's team and wishing you the very best for the 2nd of April at Wankhede Stadium.

The madness outside gets wilder and wilder. It is nearing 1 am, but the city is out on the streets. Incredible !!

What is it about sport and country that makes it such a personal matter. I think its the physicality of the routine that brings out the reverence in us. A victory almost symbolizes a physical supremacy over the other. Physical supremacy has been within the human race, indeed in all living beings, a desired achievement. Strength of muscle or team or army or party has lived from centuries. One group defeating the other, one individual demolishing his or her opponent, one country winning a lead over the other, has been a timeless phenomenon. And whenever I think of this I am taken back to that most brilliant shot and its extraordinary edit, in the film '2001 Space Odyssey', when early man discovers the first weapon - a bone - and smashes it across the head of a rival specie, killing him and then in his moment of enthusiastic exuberance throws the 'weapon' up in the air. A slow motion shot catches the bone flying in the air and Stanley Kubrick , that genius director, cuts the shot to an edit of a space ship in motion moving gently and in sync almost with the slow motion of the previous shot to the strains of one of the most magnificent pieces of music written - the Blue Danube !! The edit has been regarded as the most brilliant in cinema history.

When I first saw the film at the Rivoli Cinema in Connaught Place in New Delhi, that cute corner theatre with the smell of freshly grounded coffee filling up the atmosphere as you entered the foyer, I was dumb struck ! I just could not understand the film. The next day I went to the cinema again and discovered that there were small pamphlets that were being distributed to all the ticket holders. I picked one up and read and re read it to comprehend what the film actually meant. Made during the late 50's or early 60's it is a marvel of the conception and vision of Stanley Kubrick. For, we are fortunate to be alive to witness the 2001 era and realize that what he had conceived almost 50 years ahead of time, was now a part that we are familiar with without any semblance of surprise. Satellites, space ships and vehicles that live in space and return back are no longer unfamiliar objects or concepts. But the film is much much beyond just that. It is an exercise in the process of the evolution of man and the concept in the end when Hal the computer takes over the lives of the astronaut, that eventually man shall be overtaken by the objects of its own inventions. That and the mystery of that perfectly chiseled granite piece that keeps appearing in the various different planets showed the symbolic presence of a force that shall always remain unexplained. There was not a single shot in the entire film of any greenery or normal life on earth. Not a single tree or street or modern modes of transport were visible. It was either those early shots of the earth as it was discovered with its inhabitants, wild in nature, ape like … and thereafter space !! One of the finest films ever made, unarguably !!

The shouts and screams of wild inhabitants in this city of Mumbai now brings me down to earth. They are still intoxicated by India's victory and I am intoxicated with the gentle genius of this great film ..

Good night dear all … with my love …

Amitabh Bachchan

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Mahi

IPL 2011 OPENING CEREMONY LIKELY TO BE HOSTED BY AMITABH BACHCHAN

IPL 2011 OPENING CEREMONY LIKELY TO BE HOSTED BY AMITABH BACHCHAN

The DLF IPL 2011 ceremony as in the earlier season is expected to have breathtaking performances by number of Bollywood celebrities as well as international performers. Set Max channel will telecast live the opening ceremony of the IPL 2011. IPL 2011 opening ceremony venue has been decided and this time Chepauk stadium in Chennai is going to host the important opening event of IPL season 4. Chennai is the home ground of IPL season 3 winner Chennai Super Kings.The Mahendra Singh Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings, which was the winner of the IPL 3, will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match of the IPL 4 on April 8, 2011 at MA Chidambram Stadium in Chennai.

According to reports, Indian Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan is likely to host the IPL opening ceremony. Also industry's Mr. Perfect, Aamir Khan, might make a guest appearance during the ceremony.

First look of "Thayn Thayn" song from Dum Maaro Dum will also be released on the opening day of IPL 4, it is being said.

The opening ceremony of IPL 2011 will start at 3.30 PM on April 8th, 2011. Chennai Super Kings will face Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL opening match at 8 PM IST after the opening ceremony is over. Chennai is going to host nine IPL matches for this season including the IPL 4 grand finale.

IPL 2011 tickets for matches are already available online, through sites such as Kyazoonga and bookmyshow. Also, different franchises have made them official online ticketing partners. 

The cost of tickets this time is high and P2 stand ticket for a three hour IPL T20 match will cost Rs 55,000. If you want to enjoy the match from J Corporate stand, it'll cost you Rs 33,000. A seat in the P4 stand is priced at Rs 27,500.

Read here for more information related to IPL Opening Ceremony and IPL 2011 Opening Ceremony.

News pr usa net
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Mahi

B town shakes a leg to Big B songs

B-town shakes a leg to Big B songs

Producer Bunty Walia is organising a concert titled 'Forever Bachchan' in honour of Amitabh Bachchan . The show will see all the leading actors of B-town showing off their talent. We learnt that Ranbir Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan have already given their nod to perform at the event.

Earlier, when Bunty revealed this idea to Big B , he was heard wondering who would want to dance to songs featuring him. But the buzz is that the top actors are busy choosing which song of the superstar they want to shake a leg to.

Shah Rukh Khan has already picked Khaike paan banaras wala to pay tribute to the legendary actor in his own way. And Kapoor scion Ranbir has opted for Saara zamana haseeno ka deewana from the film Yaarana.

news IndiaToday

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Mahi

Amitabh Bachchan Shahrukh Khan Akshay Kumar highest advance tax payers

Amitabh Bachchan Shahrukh Khan Akshay Kumar highest advance tax payers

Bollywood stars have emerged among the highest tax payers recently. Besides, Akshay, SRK and Amitabh Bachchan, known businessmen from the mining sector are also included in the list.

Advance tax is based on the taxpayers' projected earnings. It is paid in installments in June, September, December and March.

According to reports, Akshay Kumar and Shahrukh Khan have paid 10 crore each as advance tax. However, reports add that Akshay has paid 50 lakh more in tax this fiscal as compared to Shahrukh Khan. Akshay sure is a serious tax payer, we say!

It is important to note that some of India's and the world's wealthiest such as Mukesh Ambani and Azim Premji have not featured in this list! These Bollywood superstars were way ahead of stars from the cricketing world -- Sachin Tendulkar and M S Dhoni -- both of whom did not make it to the list of top 15. However, both these cricketers are in the list of top 100 advance taxpayers.

Besides Bollywood superstars, Kamaljeet Singh Ahluwalia from the mining industry leads the top 15 list. He's paid an advance tax of 50 crore in March along with a total of 95 crore in advance tax this fiscal.

Asim Ghosh, former CEO of Vodafone Essar, paid 27 crore, while Dabur's Vivek C Burman paid 22.6 crore tax in March.
news .businessreviewindia
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Mahi

Amitabh Bachhcna Simi Garewal Rendezvous 1998

Amitabh Simi Garewal Rendezvous 1998

Rendezvous with Simi Garewal is a India syndicated talk show, hosted and produced by its namesake Simi Garewal, and is the highest-rated talk show in Indian television history.[2] It is currently the longest-running daytime television talk show in the India, having run since 1997,
Simi Garewal about the show :
It was in 1998, in the first season of my show, Rendezvous With Simi Garewal, that I interviewed Amitabh Bachchan. It was a low period for him, he was getting a lot of criticism for ABCL, for the movies he had signed, and lots more besides.

For many years, as I saw or read interviews done by various people with him, I thought to myself that no one had managed to find the Amitabh Bachchan that we know. Having been friends with him even before he began his career in the movies, I have watched his highs and lows with fascination, and I have tried to comprehend him.

Thus, every interview I came across was disappointing, because to me, they failed to capture the persona of the man. The Amitabh Bachchan I knew was never the Amitabh Bachchan that I got to see in those interviews!

I was dying to interview him and once he agreed, I did my homework well. I read his father Harivanshrai's book cover to cover -- each poem, each letter. I read every interview, every scrap of paper that I could find on him. This was my chance, and I wanted to do complete justice to the man, and to the audience. I wanted to capture the Amitji I knew -- the dry wit, the vivacious personality, the person who was fun to be with.

ABOVE all, I wanted through the interview to convey a sense of the Amitabh I knew.

In retrospect, what strikes me about the interview I did is how low he was on confidence, at the time. Today the tables have turned. He is blooming again. In that, he is like any actor, any star -- Amitabh blooms when showered with appreciation and praise. He is very self-effacing, and he accept compliments very gracefully.

As a rule, I do not speak to my guests before the interviews. But this once, I went up to him and said, Amitji, I want you to give this one hundred per cent, I want you to be completely honest." And he gave me that Amitabh Bachchan look and said, I will give it one hundred per cent, I will be myself."

He lived up to his word.

We talked of everything under the sun. His childhood, adolescence, parents, ABCL, his flops, his return, his family, Jaya, the kids, the kind of women he likes, his professional decisions...

I think he was completely honest. There are people who, after that interview, said, 'Amitabh Bachchan is not like that!' Or 'He was not telling the truth about Rekha!'

But I believe he gave all of himself in that interview. Anyway, people only believe what they want to believe.

Once Jaya came on to the sets, he was more comfortable, he was completely himself. Then the wisecracks began and the witty side of his personality began to emerge.

We overshot both the episodes -- his solo and the one with Jaya -- by over 20 minutes!

HE loves the studios, loves the cameras. He is absolutely in his element in there, and very comfortable with it.

Having been around for so long, and faced tough questions, he has worked out little tricks to get himself out of tough spots. When he is not comfortable with a question, he waits it out, he gives the interviewer a long look, to fluster the person and get him or her to ask some other question. But if you can wait him out in your turn, then he will answer your question.

I think this would rate amongst the top five interviews that I have ever done. And I do not remember any other interview anyone has done with Amitabh that brought out his personality so well -- and I am being fair, not biased. You have to remember also that he was on the defensive at that point in time, he never knew which interviewer he could trust.

But what really amazes me is is the ongoing affair of the Indian people with Amitabh. It has been a continuous love affair, it has never waned. The Indian masses just love him!

With his popularity skyrocketing again through Kaun Banega Crorepati, one gets to see another Amitabh, an Amitabh so full of confidence as to be almost incandescent. I think he has become more accessible, more open to talking about himself now, than he ever was before.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktMCBejJSYw

Amitabh Bachchan as it is unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Hong Kong

Models pose next to a wax figure of Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan as it is unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Hong Kong

The daughter and grand daughter are in for the evening

Jalsa , Mumbai   Mar  24,  2011        Thu  11 : 56 PM

The daughter and grand daughter are in for the evening ! And suddenly everything starts to rotate around them. Timings, shootings, meetings everything on the back burner. Ladies have the ability to be able to get the men of the house to do just that ! And the men, are more than willing customers. Some important writer said of the ladies the other day …. shoes, bags and compliments to them and you can never be wrong ! Maybe, maybe not. I feel though that nothing can be a more expensive gift to them, than affection and care. You may have the wealth of the world to bestow upon them, but if it not given with genuine feeling, you may as well get ‘back to school’.

Many find it difficult to understand this phenomena of women. I say … just as well. It is better that the female species remains unknown, difficult to fathom and predict. This is their birthright almost. Do not tamper with it. They defy norms at times. But I say let them be themselves. There are certain aspects attributed to them which are difficult to find elsewhere. There sense of instinct and premonition. Their quality in determining the character of a situation merely by visual assessment. Their belief in matters which have possibly been rejected by all else ; where perhaps saner elements would have predicted otherwise. Their sincerity in adaptation and of course their ability, as has been spoken of many a time, of building a home.

We do not need a ‘woman’s day’ to acknowledge this more eloquently. Every day is their day. They know it, and if we do not know it, then we should.

So … while we sit at dinner at nearby eatery, the news comes bursting through of our victory against Australia in the world cup quater final. Australia will be catching a flight home, India will have to start earnest preparation for the semi finals and Pakistan. Another historic moment in sport. How wonderfully the entire nation simply stops functioning when events like this unfold. Traffic in the city was conveniently bearable - most of the motorists were snugged in to see the match on Tv. And there was a sudden hush during the entire day as the game progressed.

And now apprehensions and nerves begin to rattle, as we step into the semi finals and play Pakistan at Mohali.

Life never stops for any situation. Wonderment and fear of today … and when it passes, the improbables for the next phase begin ; another challenge another frontier to conquer. And on and on we go. The cycle of time never ending or stopping. We look and prepare for today with great resource and will. And no sooner is it over than we begin to fret and worry about what should be coming next ! I do. The days work is over, but immediately we ask what is next. Sometimes it comes to insure us of a job the next day. Sometimes the keenness to have sufficient time to prepare. And invariably both seem to work best for all !

I am late today. And a late bed could disturb the equilibrium of our fate and destiny for the next day. So I shall beg excuse and hope that sufficient time is devoted the next day to overcome the complacency here today ..

My love for all,

Amitabh Bachchan

News bigadda

More love than most more dedication than ever BigB

Jalsa , Mumbai    Mar 23 , 2011    Wed  10 : 59 PM

I shudder at having caused more than what was intended in my post of the previous day. I was in context, but for reason that shall remain within and not exposed to the general, I shall become incognito. At times, and times are indeed not always conducive to expression, it is sufficient for to incur direction, regardless of whether it shall find its desired home. I value free expression and if it shall ever be challenged it would demote aspirations and ambition. Ambitions not for personal aggrandizement, but in a terminology that would envelop all. To be specific, if public domain and platform are entranced, then accept what could be exited. For both aspects shall present themselves in a manner that shall be seen, observed and commented on.

The fear among us all is the fear of repulsion, repugnance and disgust. We can accomodate failure. We can most certainly have liberal residence for success. But abomination and distaste are not replaceable. They remain unbearable in odious smell - beyond the singe of colgate pax ! Drive away from such lingered molecules of early morning odor. Splash your face with the freshness of the cold tap. Wipe away with toweled ingenuity the smallest strain of left overs. Lift spirit and head among the winds of challenge each moment and you shall find energised in itself the required impetuous.

I spent a promised afternoon over lunch with a group of winners for a campaign which works for the needy and the under privileged. It announces itself by ‘The Joy Of Giving’. People who have excess share the spill over with those that need it. I was part of that campaign that raised funds for the poor. There were options, I came out victorious in the eyes of those that worked for it. And so I spent time with them and their questions, a majority of which wished to know how and why I worked still. And the other of the incessant need for the young to share and respect and devote time and care for the aged ; ostensibly for their own.

In debates that touch upon these issues, the obvious East vs West comes galloping through. Their dispassionate look over the family system versus our compassionate legacies of several generations. It is but an absorbing tale and one that I propagate in favor of ours rather than theirs. But then each have their own versions and reasons, and I do welcome them. But only in debate, not in practice. I shall devote time and energy to my elder. I will not discard them to the realms of homes. Their home is mine as mine is theirs. Their right to be with us is as strong and resolute as ours to be with them. It is not dependency. It is as natural as the need to sleep in the hours of darkness at the end of a day. They held my little finger and walked me to my first candy store. They wonder if we would hold theirs to take them to their ultimate destination !

More love than most, more dedication than ever …

Amitabh Bachchan

” Elizabeth Taylor   RIP ”

Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan paired together after a decade

Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan paired together after a decade

By: Shaheen Parkar Date:  2011-03-23 Place: Mumbai

Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan at the shoot at Filmistan Studios yesterday

Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan faced the camera together after a decade, yesterday. It wasn't for a film but for a jewellery ad being shot at Filmistan Studios. 

While Jaya was styled by her fave designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla for the shoot, AB Sr stepped out in an international fashion label. The ad is directed by Prakash Varma.


The couple's last screen appearance was in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham in 2001.

They have done a social service campaign together but this is different. It will be the first time that both are endorsing a product.

What was most interesting for the Bachchans, was the string of coincidences awaiting them.

Explains the Big B, "The shoot happened at the same studio (Filmistan) where K3G was shot. On the same floor! The director of photography was Kiran Deohans who also shot K3G!"

Talk about life coming full circle!


FAMILY ADS
Amitabh and son Abhishek Bachchan featured in an automobile ad. Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek are seen together in a bath soap commercial.


News MidDay

My love and wishes to the multiple diamonds in my company: BigB

Jalsa , Mumbai      Mar 22,  2011          Tue  9 : 21 PM

I present to thee in most humbling form, my gratitude to those that came aboard this fragile yet enduring ship of sails. This vessel of enormous proportion, that weathered storm and wave. That provided the sturdy calm by its large volume of displacement. That swung from bow to starboard, through high seas. Who tore its wind seeking canvas of propulsion in order to restore journey direction and destination. Who now today in times of placid waters, murmurs whispers of contrived mutinous intent. Seek not that which cannot be entertained on board limited means. Endeavor not to change direction on wheel and harnessed rudder. They are but manned by hardened experience and devotion and love for their craft. When the winds shall fail they shall but manual oar in unison and with rhythm. They are dedicated in labor and in continuous motion. They will not stop till the alternative beckons in function. Beat not the spirit of humanity, nor curse them with unwanted jest. Doubt not their sincerity and preserve. For they are eternal. Bound by the feel than of discontent and blasphemous bile !

My picture above speaks of my heart. My picture above is but a picture of my reflection of thought. Look deep and you may discover the intense feel of my connect with my extended family. Fear not what it may imply. Seek instead the extension of my heart in all its purity. For, somewhere you may discover, a pain that develops within. A pain not out of any physicality or displacement, but of one that remains internal yet expresses externally.

We came together to remain together. To share and give and hold. We did not insert any misgiving or a foulness in our play. Why then should there be anger and doubt and complain and distortion. Excess at times could claim to be the cause, but excess is normal, and acceptable and so natural. Within limits of agreed constitution, excess is delightful. Beyond … it may be injudicious, inexpedient and ill-judged !

Remain then within the shores of the water - in terrain that does not infringe the international boundaries and seas. Spread, yes … but within its letters. In conformity and balance and without blemished discipline !

Was a joy today to be in the company of Jaya on set, as we worked together after a gap of almost 10 years. The same studio, Filmistan, the same floor # 3 and the same DOP - the director of photography, Kiran Deohans - as was for our film Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. Just sheer coincidence ! And selling .. what women like best, diamonds !

What is it then about this jewel that makes it so attractive for the female gender ? I often wonder. And the closest that I can conjure argument is, the fact of its purity, its sheen, its impeachable presence and the clarity of its brightness ! Traits, I believe, that women often desire to seek in their exciting stay on earth.

‘Tis but a diamond then, that can truly understand another diamond ‘ !!

My love and wishes to the multiple ‘diamonds’ in my company …

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Jaya Bachchan back on screen for Tanishq ad

 Big B, Jaya Bachchan back on screen for Tanishq ad

In a major delight to all their fans, yesteryear wonder couple Amitabh Bachchan and wife Jaya Bachchan are back in action after almost ten years of working together.

Well, the husband and wife were last seen together in Karan Johar’s heavy-duty film ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, and they are reportedly reuniting on the television screen for an advertisement campaign for the jewelry brand Tanishq.

Confirming the news, Amitabh Bachchan posted on his bigb.bigadda.com blog, At Tanishq, the jewelry business of the Tata Group for their AV for endorsement. Jaya and I are doing it together. Will be in front of cameras after Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.

Amitabh-Jaya’s Bhopal connection

While not many may know this, but Amitabh has a very strong connection with Bhopal, as his wife Jaya Bachchan hails from this city, which is currently facing the controversy of being renamed to ‘Bhojpal’.

It all started when Amitabh, who was in the city to shoot for his upcoming movie ‘Akarshan’, got himself involved in the controversy after making a comment in favor of the new name.

Bachchan wrote in his blog post, There is a move here in this city to christen it as 'Bhojpal', instead of its present Bhopal. 'Bhojpal' was apparently its original name, a name it got from the great warrior king, Raja Bhoj."

Amitabh is not son of the soil--Buch

Unfortunately, Amitabh Bachchan's statement did not go well with the anti-Bhojpal brigade and Padma Bhushan awardee, M N Buch, a top ex-bureaucrat.

"Amitabh is the son-in-law of a Bhopal-based family, but he is not son of the soil. He has no knowledge of Bhopal. With no stake in the city because he lives in and with considerable property interests in UP, why he jumped into the fray, he said.

Suggesting Big B to remain out of this matter, poet Manzar Bhopali said that Bachchan had not been to Bhopal even 20 times in his life, so, how could he get involved in the issue.

Well, Big B may have to reconsider before posting anything about Bhopal ever again!

Amitabh Bachchans AB Corp to produce 3 animation films

Amitabh Bachchan's AB Corp to produce 3 animation films

By Bollywood Hungama News Network, March 22, 2011

Its official! Amitabh Bachchan is set to dabble in animation with his production house, AB Corp collaborating with, Toonz Animation India, and Turner International for a three film deal. The deal includes a superhero fantasy flick tentatively called 1+1+0 Twinergy, for which Bachchan will be lending his voice. 

Apparently, the 90 minute 3D movie revolves around twin princes and the characters are being developed with keeping, the superstar's characteristics in mind, and it includes a power hungry uncle. Although they're from different planets, they link up to save Earth. 

The company is also working on two other 3D animated features titled, Gatturo and Santa Claus Movie. The superstar refused to divulge any details on the completion and the release dates of the films, citing the tedious and lengthy procedures involved in making a full length animated feature film.

BH
--
Mahi

My love for all as powerful and endearing as ever

Jalsa , Mumbai       Mar  21,  2011       Mon  11 : 35 Pm

At Tanishq, the jewelry business of the Tata Group for their AV for endorsement. Jaya and I doing it together. Will be in front of cameras after Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. Tried looking up if Tanishq had meaning from dictionary. Could not find any. But it sounds like a name that should have one. For some peculiar reason it conveyed in its vocal, something of elegance, creative excellence, delicate yet sophisticated !! No ! … this is not a brief from the client and neither has it been put upon me to validate on the net ! Just something that I felt and so shared it.

Shooting with Prakash Varma, who directs the film. He did the Vodaphone Zoozoo ad’s.,. Impressive ! Its raining Prakash’s, pun unintended, on my films these days. Just back from Prakash Jha and ‘Aarakshan in Bhopal and now Tanishq and another …

I am always overwhelmed with the number and amount of personnel that are attached with ad., shoots. There are teams for almost all aspects of the trade. And there are designations for every possible job requirement. Stains on the counter in shot - ‘ Setting !!’. Want to see how you performed - ‘Monitor !!’. Your jacket having folds -’Dress !!’. Artist shifting to van - ‘Security !!’ …. But .. nothing for the actor to perform !! Thank God ! Soon put us out of job !

In all a most conducive administrative corporate feel at shootings these days ! Unlike what we had some years ago, where everything seemed home grown.

Sleep has some remarkable benefits. One of them being that having got back home early and taken a nap, I now find myself less inclined to get to bed, even though I had hoped to be in it by the hour of 10 ! And its nearing past midnight ! But then had opportunity to read through the responses with greater alacrity. To digest the moods and the respective words of a variety of individuals. Some are brief, almost dismissive, polite and respectful yes, but brief. Others come across with details of the day they spent. Some with their issues of the day, their associations and reactions to some of what others say. There is the analyst too, that dissects each and every word and thought put across and gives it legitimacy. There are poets and sooth sayers. Poets that compose some of the most lucid writings and sooth sayers that predict results of games, box office fate and more …

Delightful all of it. Its the spice of life. And never is there a day when the importance of the platform as a wonderful element of togetherness missed out. I feel humbled and blessed when such expression takes shape. In a world that is determined to take people apart, we here make every effort to remain together. To build, hold hands, share, give, express. To expand to other vocations that would link us even further and stronger. Its like spreading that very delicate sheet to its maximum without a tear or blemish. To show how capable we are in doing so despite grave concerns by others of it being of no consequence. Those that fated its burial are themselves buried in the success of our venture. We never willed it so and neither shall we ever. But life commits deeds that brings parity and poetic justice. And when it does we must remember that to gloat on it would be most destructive. Not to the other, but to ourselves. We must remain pure and dignified and of value. We must know of it and not be told or instructed of it. Our own assessments are the most important and most cogent. And only we have the gift of doing so. I must know when I have done well and know too when I shall fail. I shall acknowledge the assessment of the other, but not fall prey to his rank of importance, irrespective of how complimentary it may be.

It is the easiest to follow the impressions of those that call upon you to impress. But we must know within us what worth we carry. That really is the truth. That really is what shall build our faith and strength.

What you shall build individually shall remain eternal. That and only that shall stand you in good stead !

My love for all as powerful and endearing as ever …

Amitabh Bachchan

Happy holi .. happy holi .. happy holi .. thaaaaaa

Jalsa , Mumbai    Mar 20, 2011       Sun 11 : 30 PM

Amidst the frenzy of colors and the enthusiasm of Holi revelers on the street, a quiet family restricted celebration, stunted due to certain factors personal in nature, at Jalsa. Normally its at Prateeksha and in its vastness and large open house gaiety. The guests, the entertainment by various folk bands, the dancing in free abandon, the thandai and the gujiya, the gulal and tub full of wet colors, the long hours of celebration right till the evening hours, a meeting of friends, of happiness and joy and unrecognizable faces from the barrage of colors thrown about you. Such a delight to have guests over and to find them in celebration along with us. Not this year but with God’s grace next year, ‘will make it large’ ! To borrow a line from the incessant ad’s., that pelt us during the game on television.

The game !!?? World Cup cricket ! India vs West Indies and we win convincingly, when all hope had been given up by me and the others. And then another game - football in London, the League match. Chelsea vs ManCity and we win again … Chelsea that is !!

And … its a day of another celebration … Jasmine Jaywant celebrates her birthday today and we all wish this very constant and engaging EF, the very best. May you have a wonderful day Jasmine and may each day replicate itself eternally ! Happy Birthday !!

As I sit back and watch the kids enjoy their little moment of festive participation I marvel at the variety of festive and religious celebrations that we possess here in our country. And I wonder if other nations have similar occasions too. And I wonder then if they do not, why we are the ones that have them. Apart from the significance of the time of year, in this case the time when the crop is cut and there is hope and expectation of its bounty, the timings of most such celebrations have a similarity in dates with many other religious celebrations in other parts of the world and regions. A full moon celebration in India, a Buddhist festive religious day in Sri Lanka, a St Patrick’s day in Ireland, a new year in Iran and another festivity in Russia …

And I wonder … those saints and thinkers and men of great divinity, must have been exalted beings of exceptional quality. Which is why they were and are revered as God’s. Any scripture that one reads contains the most elegant and ultimate thought process. A process that cannot possibly be the product of humans. They had to be Gods to be able to have written and preached what they believed in, in such detailed and exhaustive a manner. Any wonder then that those that followed them and have brought their legacy to our everyday life and living, must have been of a much superior existence.

From the construct of belief to the process of it, was all so scientifically worked out that we follow those traits centuries past to this day and carry it forward to our progeny. I watch the Muslim in prayer duringnamaz and observe the particular manner in which they sit in prayer - sitting upon bended knees - and I believe that it is a posture that is prescribed in yoga, to be of immense consequence for the digestive system of the body. A discipline of prayer, but also beneficial for health ! I see the Pakistan cricket team playing in the World Cup and during the drinks break observe that each one of the players that picks up his drink of water or Gatorade, sits down on the ground on one knee bend and then and only then, drinks his water or his juice. And I link this with what Fatima from SAf observes when she sees Amla, that great player in their team, perform similar act, even though other members of the team do not. They not being Muslim. And Fatima educates me that it is an Islam dictat to sit and drink your liquids. Something that I now remember my Mother, and I am sure many Mother’s, used to tell their children to observe. ” Baith ke pani piyo !”

There must indeed be some science in it. Fine. But to find it being incorporated so many moons ago, indicates to us the value and the almost celestial bearing of those that brought it into practice. The reverence then to it had to be adhered to.

In closing then a little something that I received on my Twitter. Its for the festival of Holi and its in Punjabi. So those that can understand it, do please translate it for the others. Though I am certain it will never have the same flavor -

Happy holi .. happy holi .. happy holi .. thaaaaaa !

Bande da scooter jake khambe naal vajeyaa !

Kinni vaari keya tennu .. Happy, holi chalaa !!!

Thought it was really funny ! Happy Holi and love to all … and birthday wishes again to Jasmine Jaywant for March 20th !

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan Lexicon Pre Order

Amitabh Lexicon (Pre-Order)
by Bhawana Somaaya
Price : Rs 1,000.00

Bhawana Somaaya has been a film critic for 30 years and has contributed columns to publications like The Hindu, The Hindustan Times, The Pioneer and The Sunday Observer. She is the former editor of Screen and has authored nine books that include biographies of Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan. Lexicon is her tenth book and third on Bachchan after The Legend/99 and Bachchanalia/2009. She is the editor of Ticketplease.com, the Film Expert with 92.7 Big Fm and on the Advisory Panel of Censor Board of Film Certificate. Somaaya is currently working on three more books on cinema. Amitabh Bachchan has long since sublimated the language of cinema that is peculiar to Hindi films. He has worked its verbs, overwhelmed its adjectives, brought to life its nouns, subjugated its predicates and predicated its subjects. One realises that nearly every word in the English language could find its place in the cinematic vocabulary of Amitabh Bachchan. Amitabh Lexicon is a compilation of selective words from the alphabets of the English language associated with different scenes from the actor's body of work – scenes where he made you cry, laugh, and all shook up. This colourful dictionary is a joyride to nostalgia for everyone who has grownup on a staple diet of Hindi films and Amitabh Bachchan. ISBN - 9788122311891.
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Holi songs Holi Khele Raghuvira Holi Baghban Movie and Sholay Movie

Holi Ke Din Dil Khil Jaate Hain, Hema,Dharmendra,Amitabh [Lata,Kishore] - Sholay HQ



Holi Ke Din Dil Khil Jaate Sholay Movie

Rang Barse Bheege chunar wali Amitabh Rekha jee Holi song Silsila Movie

Flattery can stir me up as much as criticism if I take it to heart ! BigB

Flattery can stir me up as much as criticism if I take it to heart ! BigB

Jalsa , Mumbai     Mar 18 , 2011  Fri  11 : 45 PM

I sat down to write this around 10:30 Pm and am finally getting down to it around midnight ! Reason ? Once you open the net you just keep spending idle time in visiting a number of sites without any purpose or meaning. And then you suddenly realize that the real value of it is here amongst all the FmXt and you revert back … but by then its past midnight !!

Just an observation … nothing more !!

An entire day has gone by in the look test for the film ‘Bbuddah’ and finally by late evening the finals were approved and locked. Soon and with the permission of the directorial crew we shall be giving you a sneak preview of it ! Its tough going through all that we do in the making of film, and at an age when the 7 and the 0, ie 70 loom large before you shortly, you wonder whether one is doing the right thing or not ! Anyway ! Its too late for that now ! Once in then in .. get into it and give it your best shot !!

“Next time I will … ”

“From tomorrow on I will ….”

- what makes me think I am wiser today than I will be tomorrow !!!

Brilliant thought that I picked up in a book. So apt and appropriate in our today’s life. Truly, what does compel me to think that I shall be wiser today than tomorrow. Its the process of delayed commitment. A lazy response in desiring to delay, to postpone, to not having to deal with it today … to somehow push it to a later date, because quite frankly, either I really do not have the answer to this today or its an ailment within us of not wanting to confront. And many expressions and books and famous sayings from eminent personalities have confirmed this in their own manner. There are many among us that simply hate the idea of confrontation. Even when they are on a course that threatens to be right. Conversely there are others that absolutely thrive on this situation. They are built differently. They need to face the oppressor, the one that is with fault or the one with whom there is and shall be disagreement ! And until the issue at hand is not resolved in their favor, it will continue to be dealt with until the other simply vanishes through defeat, or admits fault merely to get over the situation. But even after the ‘battle’ has been lost and won, the victor generally continues with the confrontation. It displays to me a desire to be heard and obeyed, to be acknowledged of their power of authority, than wanting to actually resolve the issue. For such people, I would strongly recommend silence and withdrawal. I can argue with someone of sanity. But how does one tackle a fool.

Falling into the trap shall only jeopardize and endanger our own selves, harm ourselves than bring any kind of result or conclusion. The other may be foolishness personified, but why should I test myself on his account. Would it not also reduce me to their level ?

So …. ek chup sau sukh  !!

‘Flattery can stir me up as much as criticism - if I take it to heart ! ‘

I would rather be in assessment of my own worth than fall prey to compliments. If I shall possess the ability to gauge my own work, surely I shall be in a superior state. This is not to demolish the keenness with which the compliment giver gives and the compliment taker takes. That process has its own merit and standing and respect. And it must never be asked to be detached or left rudderless. After all the entire process of creation is built on that very sound platform of, desire for recognition. Now after it has come to one in abundance, to dispel it would only make you a very unattractive and disliked individual. But, after the final result, surely one must in his own individual capacity, be able to decipher where things have gone horribly wrong and where right ! And if I did not possess the ability to be able to understand this, then there really is no immediate need to even indulge in this conversation.

‘The artist must satisfy his own soul. All you can lose is your reputation.”

And with that to think and mull over …I shall take leave ..

Amitabh Bachchan

Bachchan family at the forefront of tax filling बच्चन परिवार टैक्स भरने में सबसे आगे

Bachchan family at the forefront of tax filling 
Mumbai. Between tax evasion and black money reports the good news has come from Bollywood.In the case of income tax filling Hamesh Bollywood is the next.This year, the Bachchan family, Bollywood actors behind the other, leaving an annual tax paid is Rs 37.55 crore.

According to sources, Bachchan family entertainment Uhog the family has become the most to do. The family had a great 2010-11. Last year, several films released to every member of the family. So Amitabh, Abhishek and ऎshwarya joint income was much higher. The three go together in March 2011 of Rs 37.55 crore, full income tax. Bachchan family's honesty is a lesson for those tax evasion.

Noted that 18 million before Akshay Kumar, Hrithik, Shah Rukh 15.10 million and tax of Rs 14 crore was full. 


Hindi
बच्चन परिवार टैक्स भरने में सबसे आगे
 
मुंबई। टैक्स चोरी और काले धन की खबरों के बीच बॉलीवुड से एक अच्छी खबर आई है। आयकर भरने के मामले में बॉलीवुड हमेश ही आगे रहा है। इस साल बच्चन परिवार ने बॉलीवुड के अन्य कलाकारों को पीछे छोड़ते हुए 37.55 करोड़ रूपए सालाना टैक्स अदा किया है।

सूत्रों के अनुसार बच्चन परिवार मनोरंजन उघोग में सबसे ज्यादा कर देने वाला परिवार बन गया है। 2010-11 इस परिवार के शानदार रहा। बीते साल परिवार के हर सदस्य की कई फिल्में रिलीज हुई। इसलिए अमिताभ, अभिषेक और ऎश्वर्या की संयुक्त आय काफी ज्यादा हुई थी। इसके चलते मार्च 2011 में तीनों ने मिलकर 37.55 करोड़ रूपए का आयकर भरा। बच्चन खानदान की यह ईमानदारी टैक्स चोरी करने वालों के लिए एक सबक है।

उल्लेखनीय है कि इससे पहले अक्षय कुमार ने 18 करोड़, रितिक 15.10 करोड़ और शाहरूख ने 14 करोड़ रूपए का आयकर भरा था।

Thank you so much for your generous wishes to Shweta

Jalsa , Mumbai       Mar  17,  2011     Thu  11 : 13 PM

First off … thank you so much for your generous wishes to Shweta. I have insisted that she reads the blog and all the responses to get a gist of how much she is loved. Else I threatened her that I shall copy all of them and email it to her … which would be an exercise in itself … but then …

And tonight I wait … awake again for the midnight to wish Shweta’s husband Niky a happy birthday for the 18th !! They are both the same age … Niky a day younger ! So wishes to him and glory and happiness for their life together.

And Moses from Israel sends me a photograph of Abhishek and me during one of our earlier visits to the erstwhile Soviet Union, now Russia. And we have sat together and reminisced those days spent and all the thoughts of the visit and in particular little incidents that occurred during our stay. One that stands out most on seeing this picture is that soon after, Abhishek was besieged by an entire bus load of Russian girls, who insisted he gave them his autograph !! Ha ! And he did ! And felt very important while it all lasted. If I am not mistaken it was his first ever autograph. Neither he nor I did ever imagine that he would join the movies and be doing this act on a daily basis !

I am greatly taken up also in todays comments by Satyam, who has as always, raised very pertinent observations, on the death of ‘characters’ in the movies by the ‘actor’ that plays them. Its a good observation and one that deserves greater attention. I am not prepared yet academically to give it due response, but it is something that draws my attention and I would like to dwell on it in the days to come. How the character in film leaves lasting impression of the actor involved and when the actor shifts his ‘loyalties’ to another character in other film and set up, how the identity of the previous lives on after. And if he or she does not adhere to the characteristics of the one that has a strong identification, what effect it has on the viewer ! Very interesting !

To me it justifies a kind of betrayal to the fan or the audience, if we have not complied with certain traits that have left a strong indelible impression on the mind of the fan or viewer. I felt ‘Nishabd’ in more recent times challenged me as an actor, and I believe it provoked me enough to delve into areas where I had not been and that it gave me an opportunity to go beyond what I had been doing earlier. But … one sentence from a die hard fan got me thinking on why the film failed. There was another recent reaction to it from a dear lady friend of mine in journalism, and I shall talk about it someday, but that one obtuse reaction was equally alarming.

The wife of the DOP on the film, a very generous and committed fan of my films, on coming to know from the publicity, that it was a story of a 60 year old that fell in love with someone 18, simply refused to go to see the film ! Her argument. How can Amit ji do something like this ? How can he fall in love with a 18 year old !! It was not the name of the character that was falling in love. It was Amitabh Bachchan for her. And that is where all debate and discussion can begin.

“Ram Gopal Verma’s film Nishabd (2007), delves into the web of dark obsession where
Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan), an older man falls for his daughter’s eighteen-year-old friend Jia
(Jiah Khan). The film was a box office flop. It had to be. No wife would take her husband to
see this kind of a story. No point giving the old geezer ideas. No young people want to see
the potential of their father’s misbehaviour. No man could admit to his family he wanted to
see it. Sad, because it is an important film. It is a deep, serious work of art wherein the riveting last scene,
Vijay explains to his wife’s brother, Shridhar (Nassar) what stops him from killing himself,
even though he has lost everything. Every day, he drives to a cliff and stands at the edge and
contemplates jumping to his death. In a heart-breaking performance, Vijay (Amitabh) says:
Aisa nahi hai ké mai marné sé darrta hun. Parr socha ké uské yaadon ké saath
kuch din aur jee lu [it is not as if I am afraid of dying. But then I think, just to be
with her memories, I could live for a few more days].
When the camera pans to his brother-in-law’s face, there is no judgement or reproach
in his eyes. Instead, there is a look of recognition between two men of the dark state
of being. Two raw nerves touching delicately, in an almost shared anguish but tooawkward for one man to comfort the other.”

This above piece from Madhu Trehan a senior respected journalist, studied the craft from Columbia Univ., NYC, sister to Aroon Purie, owner and Editor in Chief of INDIA TODAY, India’s Time magazine and running AAJ TAK and Headlines Today Tv channels. Madhu is married to Naresh Trehan, one of the top most cardiac surgeons of the country, also trained and studied in NYC.

Satyam’s claim that his identification with a Vijay or an Anthony or a Heera and then their subsequent ‘death’ in most other films of recent release, has caused a dilemma, or an absence, that the fan or the audience may not necessarily want to appreciate. He could be right. And it could in a sense explain why certain films of certain actors that have adhered to what the audience expects from them, have always succeeded and why when they have done something ‘different’ - another misnomer in our Industry jargon - they have failed, despite their legendary box office legacy !

Which then leads us to, whether you weigh an actors capability by large box office bonanzas, or those delicate ‘artistic’ films where he has given perhaps sensitive performances, but, because of poor sales at the counter, has not fallen within the radar and scope of his assessment as a performer, simply because many people never got to see it. We shall continue to talk about and laud the Sholays and Amar Akbar Anthonys and Muqaddar Ka Sikandars of the world, but seldom speak about those delightful films of Hrishikesh Mukherji - Bemissal and Jurmana, which to me were very exciting and challenging as an actor !

So …. the debate continues … and more time shall be spent on it later perhaps ..

For the moment it is past 12 and the wishes to Niky have been conveyed and I must now listen to the wishes of my body which insist I lay it to rest ..

Good Night ! Shabba Khair, Shubha Ratri …

Amitabh Bachchan

Source:  Big B Blog bigadda