Amitabh Bachchan, Katy Perry, Prabhu Deva to shine at IPL 5 opener

Amitabh Bachchan, Katy Perry, Prabhu Deva to shine at IPL 5 opener

NEW DELHI: Glitz, glamour and game. The opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament will see a lot of fireworks in Chennai Tuesday - from American pop icon Katy Perry's performance to Indian dancing sensation Prabhu Deva's act to Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan's poetry recitation. 

If that is not enough, Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and music band Colonial Cousins are geared up to set the stage afire.

"There will be good things, lots of entertainment and cricket. It's the first time that such a large-scale, separate concert is being organised for the IPL, so big things have been planned," Wizcraft Entertainment director Sabbas Joseph told IANS. 

The performer line-up is impressive. 

"Amitabh Bachchan will be opening the night. He will render a poem written by Prasoon Joshi. And Salman Khan will give the show a fitting finale...all performers will bring something unique to the show," said Joseph. 

Joshi says it was challenging to pen the verse. 

"The challenge before me was to write in verse about the spirit of cricket. The poetry captures this spirit and makes a commitment that whatever one may do in life, one would always want to be connected to the game of cricket," he said. 

A huge highlight of the ceremony, to be held at the YMCA Grounds in Chennai, is pop icon Katy Perry. 

The singer, who tied the knot with now estranged husband Russell Brand, in India in 2010, returns to the country to give her maiden performance at the ceremony. She is set to enthrall the audience with her hits like "Fireworks" and "California Gurls". 

"Katy will add a different flavour to the event. She is coming down April 2, but leaving almost in a jiffy after her performance," said Joseph. 

Another highlight will be Big B - he returns to work after two abdominal surgeries earlier this year. The 69-year-old veteran has been home ever since his treatment, and looks forward to step out for the event. 

Contrary to recent media reports, Big B is unlikely to dance, clarifies Joseph. 

A rare sight would be dancing sensation Prabhu Deva on stage. Other attractions include performances by Bollywood beauties Priyanka and Kareena, whose performances have been choreographed by Shiamak Davar and his team. 

Stepping up the fervour will be music maestros Colonial Cousins, who will team up with international percussionist and composer DJ Ravi Drums and a group of talented percussionists known as First Project and local percussionists, d'Frens. 

"Whether it is international tracks, the 'Dhinka chika', southern tracks or the dances...the combination from across the country is aimed at entertainment and entertainment," said Joseph, who says the performers have been chosen on the basis of their profile and passion for cricket. 

The fifth edition of IPL will be held during April 4-May 27. With nine teams and 76 games across 12 locations, it promises to be a treat for cricket fans. 

The captains of the nine participating teams will also be present at the opening ceremony, where they will take a pledge. 

The tickets for the star-studded opening night are priced at Rs.1,500. And, needless to say, the organisers are expecting a "full house".

Amitabh Bachchan and Subhash Ghai to get together, finally

Amitabh Bachchan and Subhash Ghai to get together, finally

MUMBAI: On Sunday cinematic history of sorts was created when showman Subhash Ghai walked into icon Amitabh Bachchan's residence Jalsa.

 

They had not visited one another for the last 25 years.

 

Though the two stalwarts in their respective fields may have exchanged pleasantaries at public events over the years, they have been for all practical purposes on non-talking terms ever since their film together 'Devaa' was scrapped after the first few days' shooting due to "creative differences" between the two.

 

Today Ghai after a fruitful meeting with Amitabh Bachchan describes those differences in a different language. "It was my arrogance that saw the shelving of 'Devaa' or you can call it my ignorance. Either way I was to be blamed." he said. 

 

The friction over 'Devaa' is over. Now it's time for the blame game to be shelved. On Sunday Ghai met Bachchan at Jalsa. The two reminisced over old times. Says a  source, "Devaa was not even mentioned. Subhashji has a completely new project in mind. It's the kind of role and film that Big B has not done before."

 

Interestingly Bachchan, who is recovering from a major surgery and post-surgery complications has decided to focus at the moment on the next season of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. As far as movies go he has only given the nod in principle to Sudhir Mishra's 'Mehrunissa'.

 

Ghai therefore comes in at a very interesting juncture in his life when the actor will work most selectively. Says a source, "The project that Subhashji wants to do with the Big B is a big wide-screen spectacle in the genre of his biggies with Dilip Kumar Vidhaata, Saudagar and Karma."

 

When contacted Subhash Ghai tried to play down his excitement about his personal and professional reunion Bachchan. "I went to meet him at his home with no hidden agenda, just to catch up on him and wish him speedy recovery. It was long due. I am his admirer. I'd love to work with him. We need a great script. I consider him the best actor in the country after Dilip Kumar," he said.

I attempted to put down my thoughts for the day by 10:30 Pm

Jalsa , Mumbai                  Mar  31 ,  2012                           Sat  10 : 30 PM

 

I attempted to put down my thoughts for the day by 10:30 Pm but it is as you can see way past that limit … It is coming on to 1 am on the 1st of April and for this lapse, I must blame myself .. the family sat down to watch a film and since such opportunities come at rare moments, I stayed with them and their laughter and digs and mobile games, all running simultaneously … !!

I travel tomorrow .. and I need to turn in …

But before I leave … I discover with great pride that Twitter and Blog have now been blessed with supreme attention by the fourth estate. We write … they pick up, build a story as if it was they that 'sourced' it and bring it out to print. This doyen service that we are now providing them has two aspects.

ONE : They need not seek appointments for interviews, or push stringers to get information by the end of the day. It comes to them on a platter each day evening morning and night !

TWO : Those that write the Tweets and Blogs, knowing that their wares shall be picked up, can actually dictate what they feel needs to go out to the universe via the press. Smart !!

Smart enough for the media to know that this is deliberate. Beyond a point of course, everything breaks down. But really what shall remain is the ability now for the one written about to check balance refute reject accept, what they may encounter each morning as they open the media pages. And as the numbers increase of the followers or the hits received by Blogs, there shall be a weighing of its advantages and disadvantages. The cyber and digital are the future. How rapidly it reaches the future shall depend on the connectivity. The connectivity shall have access not just to clarifications by the consumer. The consumer shall have the connectivity of the media too. As is quite evident on the net news and other facilities being provided. I just feel that the presence of such a vast communication cyber world, may defeat its purpose in the final end. The consumer shall be loaded with so many options that it may finally take none. A cynical view, I would agree, but one that has possibilities.

Many even now contribute to spaces that may not necessarily belong to the person under question. The liberty to be able to do this almost at free will is the greatest advantage. Building authenticity, dedication and believability shall be the task at hand. Trust and faith and integrity of any association always goes through rough weather. But when it does pass the test, it does have the ability to stay long and stay fast.

I sometimes wonder where all the hidden treasures were before we started associating with each other as Ef. And I wonder equally how this family was able to be formed and exist for such a long period of time. There is no doubt in my mind that without the belief built in the minds of the Ef, on our authenticity, record and affection, we would never have achieved what ever little we have. Yes one has persevered. But so have many others.

I will salute this perseverance, affection and dedication … for when I talk about its existence, there is nothing except awe and wonder and praise for it ..

I will wish to keep it so …

Good night … and may you sleep well and undisturbed …

Amitabh Bachchan 

So the doctor came along and has expressed deep shock at my sleeping hours

Jalsa , Mumbai              Mar 30 , 2012                    Fri  11 : 56 PM

So the doctor came along and has expressed deep shock at my sleeping hours ! They were around 4 am last night !! The shooting pain comes and goes and he feels it is the nerves that have been cut now trying to reassemble and get back into shape !!

Dear mr, miss m/s Nerves, could you, may be expedite your process of mending and not distress the skin of the body you occupy ? I know you inhabit a rugged terrain in and about and around you. Do not get influenced by their presence and letharge on what could be an extended period of time … there is need to get functional in the regions you operate and function. I do of course, along with the surgeons, lament the fact that you had to face some mutilation at the edges of a sharp knife and then face the 'invisible stitches' of repair. But it has been a while as you may know and the war zone like environment that you find yourself sharing space with, can and shall be able to bear but little of what you wish to express. Indeed you have been expressing yourself rather blatantly from the moment of the injury to your delicate senses, for some while now … what is it ? errmm … Feb 11, to now Mar 30 ! that is sufficient time to wipe your tears now and allow the region you so delicately occupy, to get back to normalcy ..

There are many friends and well wishers and Ef that suffer along with me .. their prayers go out each day for my well being. Now … I can only express my well being when yours is well too, do you not think … C'mon !! be a sport and listen in to what the others are saying .. its getting a bit embarrassing … okkaaaay !! Thanks and please then … BACK OFF !!

 

Now I doubt if a more fervent effort could have been made …

 

Rain has spoilt our chance of a win at the cricket tonight again in South Africa. I mean every time we get going, so do the rain Gods. That is most unfair. And … what of the commentary ??!!!! So biased, pro SAF even when they see our boys hitting the ball outta' the park … ?? Ok ! SAF  Ef with due apologies … nothing personal here, its just a game – a white rotundity being hit about by another whitish blade of flattened wood and many colored costumes running about .. pardonnable I think .. a spirit of healthy gamesmanship do you not think .. Thank you, you are all so kind …

 

Stones acquired protect me … prayers brace me up … the kindness of the Ef soul envelops me gently and pushes me onto the bed ..

Good night

 

Amitabh Bachchan

I laugh and smile and lust for that moment of happiness that it brings me BigB

Jalsa , Mumbai          Mar 29/30 ,  2012                  Thu/Fri  2 : 23 AM

I am late because I self indulge .. I like it when I do that .. I laugh and smile and lust for that moment of happiness that it brings me .. a piece of music that I enjoy, a glorious shot, an interaction with well wishers, a moment of suggestion that receives approval … all of it uplifts me … places me alongside … MYSELF !! Where I see myself in proper perspective to me. It demands that it be exclusive and solitary. It is after all what has been created by me .. but now .. for me … and about me !!

It is selfish many may express. Perhaps ! But the fear of it not receiving similar plane, would be injurious and of immense damage. And so opinion, voice, expression or any other form of creation I shall keep to myself. So long as I am happy with what I have, I am complete. Today to me the appreciation of another may not necessarily be the value genuine. Many factors get motivated in such. I wish to judge myself with my own personal yardstick. It could be the worst possible measure. But the satisfaction of it being entirely mine, is satisfaction enough. Thats it !!

I have but one reserve. You my Ef !! I have always sensed a genuine voice in whatever you have expressed. Most of the time it has been largely complimentary. Any individual would love such being. I confess so do I. But somehow, through the passage of time I have begun to believe that there does exist another ego, an alter ego, which despite many trials has stood the test of not just time, but circumstance as well. All circumstance of mine has not always been correct, or faultless. Humans will and do make the mistakes. We would not be human if we did not. But my alter ego, my extended family has helped me along this arduous path. And for this I shall remain eternally grateful.

 

I relish procedure, etiquette, protocol. All of which has been subscribed by this little warm hearted family that we have built so arduously. But yet there shall be – and I am loathe to say – events, moments that shall remain sacredly personal, and my respect for all those that come with me here, shall never be challenged because time and again you have demonstrated the honor and dignity that you give to this platform. Thank you !!

Your concern I know is not artificial. It is genuine and moves me to tears at times. But I do have to say that moments that I request for my selfish pursuits has always been given the respect that it has demanded. And so it deserves another thank you …

I am, much like any other, keen to express, but I feel I must share with no other. Sometimes it is difficult to bring others to the same plane. How wonderful it would be if without effort or direction others could sense the plane required. I wish and ask for it at times. When it does not come, I find it futile to express rancor. Why damage my whole, by that which could possibly dent it. Dent !! Nothing more. But a dent stands out more in a perfect fit than any other, and should, I feel, be avoided.

 

Ahhh !! I get too mysterious and in modes of self philosophized bumpfh !! Ignore it all. The fault lies with me. I miss my Father. And references to his work through my immature decibels, leaves me weak and indulgent. I repeat and repeat and repeat and repeat …. his words and his 'dhun' in my ears, and I fret the presence of any other while I do so. I glance at the door often enough. I would object to visitation at the moment. My expression may not be quite so quiet. I wonder if that would attract attention. Attention would rob me of the elation that I feel for now. I could scream, laugh or laugh and cry, say words or express in volume the moment, create my own hemisphere … which … would never be understood by any other … and that I would like … but ….

We have not been born to be so. We are born to bear pain and despair and argument and stress and fulfillment and happiness and within that, sadness and loneliness, joy and laughter … It is but the uncertainty of its bearing that is destructive, for, one never knows when it shall appear. You are put on guard, all the time. That is not my condition for peaceful existence. I wish it to be free from all encumbrances. Which is why when I put the earphones to my hearing, and live in that intense undisturbed atmosphere of my creation, and my Father, the ecstasy of my expression is not just the enjoyment of the sound, but the freedom from the outside – undisturbed, and without any kind of pollution of external forces. Another world comes up. And this is the world that you wish to live in for that moment.

And so … when I miss my Father's presence, I wish to escape into his world. To be with him, to hear him, to read him, project him the way I feel it should be. That for me is the most effective healing of my soul ….

 

So from the sublime, because we are human we needs must shift to the real. And the real states, that pain is visible by its abstract quality which is absolute. My surgery hurts. There are snatches of sharp pain, almost convulsive in nature. It depicts either, that something is grievously wrong with what was done, or that the healing is at its last stages. The flame burns the brightest in  the 'diya' before it burns itself out. I hope it is the latter. On most examinations, that is what was conveyed to me. I shall not doubt the information. But I must keep on …

I sit at home and rehearse my appearance for the IPL. Technology has so many advantages these days. I think that eventually it would want us to be glued to our seats for all that we may desire to posses or do.

I wish I could clap my hands and shift locations, get my desired food, or entertainment. Its coming pretty close to that, one can see. But what a world it would be. Those of my age would not live to see it, but the next generation will. And what a wonderful life they would be exposed to. Wonderful !! We hope, for with all invention comes other severe issues. Better to wait for them rather than preempt …

I punch away oblivious of the time. It nears almost a quarter more to 4 am and I have long past that decisive hour of slumber .. even when I shall depart from here, there is a desire to lie awake and seek a view of that which could perhaps induce sleep within … let me try .. !!

More later then … much later

Love and more …

Amitabh Bachchan 

Too much distraction !! Soccer in front on the telly, and ‘Yauatcha’ chinese in the belly

Jalsa , Mumbai                          Mar 28/29 ,  2012                  Wed/Thu  1 : 13 AM

Too much distraction !! Soccer in front on the telly, and 'Yauatcha' chinese in the belly … and filling in the words here at this early hour of the morning is yours truly – distraction telly belly and all …!!! Its been a first evening out socially and its marvelous to be able to whizz past the city at night after a rather long gap from indoor hospitals and restful hours at home. The kids from Delhi have stretched their stay by a couple of days, and that is a delight.

Do we ever realize that there shall be a time when we shall crave for the kids presence when they were younger and in house. But kids grow up, find their own depth, their company, their environs and nature of work and drift away. Its then that we miss their company, their presence. But then when we desperately need them they are always there, albeit for a short while , but there all the same. Which is why when they leave, there is pain.

The game up front is still without goal and this post is distracted with those elements and the content that should be drafted here seems similar. But how wonderful to share a game and a blog simultaneously.

As we drive to the eatery, I sit in the front seat – the ladies being at the back and I notice that there are still some passerby's on the street that fling a recognition with smile. Recognition and compassionately so, does wonders for morale. But there have been many occasions when interest has faded from the celebrity. Has happened to me on many an occasion. It is a bit discomforting, but it must be known that this glory and recognition shall all fade away one day. Some take it kindly, some do not. It is hard and harsh both to see adulation favor away from you and settle on another. Better then to not be too enamored by it when it serves you. Life is transitory as is fame. Be content when it is there by your side. Be gracious in accepting that it has gone away, elsewhere. Let others evaluate what the contribution – if ever there was – should be. We could be biased and burdened by the inaccurate fact that fame shall be perpetual. It is not. Live then with the understanding of its transitory, but live it well. Another chance may never come again. Or even if it did, there shall never be guaranty that it have the same intensity as before. Time to be gracious for what once was a blessing. Time now to be equally gracious that we do not dwell in it any more.

 

Its quiet again. The game and telly are over. I am beyond sleep now. Happens. Shall then get back to the telly in search of something else and doze off to the sonorous sounds of repetitive elements – they normally are at this time of night. I should know, I am their regular customer.

Oh ! and yes the workouts at the gym go well … gradually increasing the speed of the walk, the weight in the hands. There is great pleasure in this routine. The circulation, the easing of the muscles, the breathing and then finally the sit out in the sun. It is at Prateeksha and it is valuable to be able to do that. Going to be interrupted for some time now. They are laying fresh soil over the green. Should have been done soon after the monsoons, But it got delayed as staff thought the lawn would get mutilated during Holi, if played. So now it shall be sun and solitude at Jalsa, for some days ….

 

In a few days I wish to take the assistance of my Ef in determining a few researches. This shall then give opportunity for all of us to think beyond the Blog and the Twitter and really to give me a feel of many future ideas .. so we must wait anxiously … and i must no longer wait on my night sleep …

Good night and may the Almighty bless and protect you  ..

Amitabh Bachchan