Amitabh Bachchan BigB

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Big B's blog to be compiled into book?

Big B's blog to be compiled into book?

New Delhi, Aug 11 (IANS) Ever since his blog was launched in April 2008, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been regularly updating it. From movies to his arguments with the media to social issues - he has written at length on various subjects. And now it may be compiled into a full-fledged book.

"During one of my meetings with BigAdda.com the people that matter said that they have a desire to convert the blog and my posts into a book and release it. I would find that terribly embarrassing, but if they were to persevere, I would want to suggest that the book also contain some of the responses from fans," Amitabh wrote on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

The sexagenarian says he has received some very thought provoking responses and that is why he would like them to be included in the book if it ever takes shape.

"I have found that during this long journey of ours there have been incredible inputs from those that have so liberally contributed to every blog of mine. Many among them have had a most lasting effect on me... I'm sure they must have on you as a reader too.

"Some of the discussions and points of view have been so engrossing and valuable that it would be a pity if they are left out to dry. It would have to be a mix of several different categories - serious, intellectual, humorous, indifferent - so that there is an opportunity for some democratic fairness in their representation," he explained on his blog.

Amitabh, who shares his thoughts with his fans regularly, refers to bloggers as his extended family.

Don Movie Amitabh Bachchan Zeenat Aman Pran Helen and Om Shivpuri

Don: A 1978 Bollywood film, directed by Chandra Barot starred Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Pran, Helen and Om Shivpuri. It was a huge box office success. Farhan Akhtar's vision of the remake didn't ignite the same fervour from fans.

Sholay Movie

Sholay: The cult movie by filmmaker Ramesh Sippy came in the year 1975. Director Ram Gopal Verma tried to remake this film, but failed.

Friday, July 31, 2009

BigB remembers Gayatri Devi as picture of grace beauty

Big B remembers Gayatri Devi as picture of grace, beauty
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan remembers Gayatri Devi, the 'rajmata' of Jaipur, as a "picture of grace and beauty" wrapped in soft chiffons.

Amitabh recalls sneaking into the Jaipur Polo Ground when he was a student in Delhi University to not just watch polo matches but also catch a glimpse of Gayatri Devi.

"The maharaja of Jaipur (Sawai Man Singh), a great proponent of the game, would play there and accompanying him used to be his wife, the Rajmata Gayatri Devi.

"In her soft and pastel flowered chiffons, she used to be a picture of grace and beauty. I never imagined that one day I would get to meet this lady. But time and circumstances changed that," the actor posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

Gayatri Devi died Wednesday at the Jaipur-based Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital (SDMH) where she was admitted Tuesday for breathing problems. She was 90.

When Amitabh learnt of Gayatri Devi's ill health a few days ago, he sent her a bouquet of flowers and a get well card.

"Her son had acknowledged my letter and informed us that she was very pleased to have received my concern and wishes...May she rest in peace."

Amitabh had met her on many occasions.

"After joining the movies, there were many visits to Jaipur for shootings and that is when a formal introduction with the Rajmata took place. I was later asked by Gayatri Deviji to inaugurate one of the functions at the girls school (Maharani Gayatri Devi) that she started, now a flourishing institution.

"Some years ago she had invited me to be the chief guest at a charity she promoted for the underprivileged and cannot forget what a gracious host she was that evening. On another occasion she called me over for a private lunch at her Lily Pond residence, serving me personally with delicious vegetarian delicacies which she had so considerately asked her kitchen to prepare," he said.

However, the last time that the erstwhile maharani of Jaipur sought Amitabh's involvement, he couldn't make it. And that was the last communication he had with her.