Friday, April 30, 2010

Pukar Movie Song Tu Maike Mat Jaiyo



Tu Maike Mat Jaiyo
Pukar ist ein Hindi-Film von Ramesh Behl aus dem Jahr 1983 mit Amitabh Bachchan und Zeenat Aman in den Hauptrollen.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Big B spends an evening with Tabu

Big B spends an evening with Tabu

Bollywood megastar
Amitabh Bachchan spent a fun evening with his "Cheeni Kum" co-star Tabu.

"Tabu, the wonderful Tabu, dropped by in the evening. She had not met me for long and had just seen 'Paa' on DVD. So we talked and talked and talked on everything under the proverbial film related sun. Films and directors, scripts and performances, present times and past times, actors and actresses, media and media. Endlessly... a delight," the actor posted on his blog.

In the 2007 movie "Cheeni Kum", Tabu played a 30 plus woman who falls in love with a 67-year-old chef, played by Amitabh.

Will respect everyone sentiments Amitabh Bachchan

Will respect everyone's sentiments, Amitabh assures Tamil protesters


Amitabh BachchanWith Tamils in India and Canada saying they are "profoundly saddened" by Amitabh Bachchan's proposed visit to Sri Lanka to host the India International Film Awards (IIFA) function, the megastar Monday responded saying he would respect everyone's sentiments. 

"The sentiments of all must be respected and I hope that we can plan and execute that with understanding, peace and grace," Amitabh, the IIFA brand ambassador, posted on his blog referring to the protests by Tamil groups. 

A group of Tamils had marched from the superstar's Pratiksha bungalow to his Jalsa residence Sunday here urging him to boycott the Colombo awards ceremony and the protest was joined by Canadian Tamils too. 

"A Tamil group picketed my houses, asking me to not conduct IIFA in Sri Lanka. I beckoned personnel from Wiz (Wizcraft) who own and conduct IIFA, to come and meet me to discuss this matter and give it due importance," Bachchan wrote in his response to the protests. 

"I believe Wizcraft personnel met representatives of this protest presentation along with the police personnel that came over from the Juhu Police station, heard what they had to say, accepted a petition given by them, explained to them their side of the story and told them that the governing body of the event would meet immediately to conference on this matter and reach some kind of final path and solution." 

The Canadian Tamil Congress Sunday said, "Amitabh is a great hero for us in the Tamil diaspora, but we are very disturbed and profoundly saddened by our hero's proposed visit to a regime which has perpetrated crimes against Tamils. By visiting Sri Lanka, Amitabh will be lending credibility to a regime which has destroyed Tamils ruthlessly and committed horrendous human rights violations." 

"When Tamils continue to suffer in Sri Lanka and numerous human rights bodies have implicated the regime in crimes against humanity, we plead with a person of Bachchan's stature not to go there to help a government that is desperately seeking recognition from the world community in spite of its crimes." 

Canada is home to 300,000 Tamils from Sri Lanka, making them the largest group outside the island nation. 

The Tamil protesters in Mumbai said they expected Amitabh to display solidarity. 

"We urge him not to attend the function in Colombo as a symbol of solidarity for the Tamilian cause in Sri Lanka. Tamils have been subjected to atrocities and war crimes perpetrated by the Mahinda Rajapaksa government in that country," C. Rajendran, spokesperson for the protesters in Mumbai, told IANS.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Will respect sentiments of all Amitabh on Tamil protests

Will respect sentiments of all: Amitabh on Tamil protests

New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan Monday said he would make sure everyone\'s sentiments were respected, a day after protests from a Tamil group urging the megastar not to host the India International Films Awards (IIFA) function in Sri Lanka.

"A Tamil group picketed my houses, asking me to not conduct IIFA in Sri Lanka. I beckoned personnel from Wiz (Wizcraft) who own and conduct IIFA, to come and meet me to discuss this matter and give it due importance," Amitabh, who is the brand ambassador of IIFA, posted on his blog.

Some Tamils marched from the superstar's Pratiksha bungalow to his Jalsa residence Sunday in Mumbai urging him to boycott the Colombo awards ceremony. 

The Canadian Tamil Congress Sunday said, "Amitabh is a great hero for us in the Tamil diaspora, but we are very disturbed and profoundly saddened by our hero's proposed visit to a regime which has perpetrated crimes against Tamils. By visiting Sri Lanka, Amitabh will be lending credibility to a regime which has destroyed Tamils ruthlessly and committed horrendous human rights violations."

Reacting to this Amitabh wrote, "I believe Wizcraft personnel met representatives of this protest presentation along with the police personnel that came over from the Juhu Police station, heard what they had to say, accepted a petition given by them, explained to them their side of the story and told them that the governing body of the event would meet immediately to conference on this matter and reach some kind of final path and solution." 

"The sentiments of all must be respected and I hope that we can plan and execute that with understanding, peace and grace."

The 67-year-old recently visited Sri Lanka to announce Colombo as the 2010 destination for the awards ceremony.

I do not Drink Alcohol

मैं तो शराब भी नहीं पीता

बॉलीवुड के सुपरस्टार अमिताभ बच्चन ने कहा है कि वो जिगर के सिरोसिस से पीड़ित हैं और उन्हे नियमित चिकित्सा जांच की ज़रूरत पड़ती है.

यह बीमारी आमतौर पर शराब का अधिक सेवन करने वालों को होती है लेकिन अमिताभ बच्चन बिल्कुल शराब नहीं पीते.

उन्होने अपने ब्लॉग में लिखा है कि इस बीमारी के कारण उनका एक चौथाई जिगर नष्ट हो गया है.

जिगर को यह क्षति दशकों पहले कुली फ़िल्म की शूटिंग के दौरान हुई दुर्घटना के बाद चढ़ाए गए ख़ून के कारण हुई है.

अमिताभ बच्चन ने कहा कि वो जानते हैं कि उनके चाहने वाले उनके स्वास्थ्य के बारे में जानकर चिंतित होंगे लेकिन वो अपनी हालत को छिपाना नहीं चाहते.

सिरोसिस के कारण जिगर में संक्रमणों को नियंत्रित करने और पोषक तत्वों, हारमोन्स और दवाइयों को संसाधित करने की क्षमता घट जाती है.

क्योंकि जिगर और उससे जुड़ी बीमारियां बहुत ही नाज़ुक होती हैं इसलिए मुझ पर लगातार निगरानी रखी जाएगी.
अमिताभ बच्चन
अमिताभ बच्चन को यह बीमारी हैपिटाइटिस वायरस के कारण हुई. जिगर की क्षति का पता आठ साल पहले चला था.

उन्होने अपने ब्लॉग में लिखा, "चूंकि जिगर और उससे जुड़ी बीमारियां बहुत ही नाज़ुक होती हैं इसलिए मुझ पर लगातार निगरानी रखी जाएगी."

अमिताभ बच्चन ने लिखा है, "ये ऐसी दुखद गाथा है जिसका कभी अंत नहीं होता. पता नहीं भविष्य के गर्भ में मेरे लिए और क्या क्या जमा है".

कुली फ़िल्म की शूटिंग करते हुए 1982 में अमिताभ बच्चन एक दुर्घटना का शिकार हुए थे और मरते मरते बचे थे.

लड़ाई के एक दृश्य की शूटिंग करते हुए उनकी तिल्ली फट गई थी और वो महीनों अस्पताल में पड़े रहे थे.

अमिताभ बच्चन अब तक 180 से अधिक फ़िल्मों में काम कर चुके हैं. उन्हे 1999 के बीबीसी जनमत सर्वेक्षण में सहस्राब्दि का सर्वोच्च स्टार चुना गया था.

वो अब भी हर साल कई फ़िल्मों में काम करते हैं. जनवरी में उनकी फ़िल्म तीन पत्ती रिलीज़ हुई थी जिसमें उन्होने ब्रिटेन के जाने माने अभिनेता बेन किंग्सले के साथ काम किया था.

I think Sachin was very brave in coming out to play BigB

I think Sachin was very brave in coming out to play BigB

Prateeksha, Mumbai  April  25/26,  2010  Sun/Mon 1 : 36 AM

Gloom and depression !! Mumbai Indians lost. I think Sachin was very brave in coming out to play, but they lost due to a more superior performance by Chennai Super Kings. Also I felt that Mumbai left it for too long to recover the run rate and by then it was climbing so high it became an impossibility to catch up. Dhoni, is a very calm and calculating Captain. Shrewd in his planning and execution. He played it perfect tonight. I also felt that Mumbai left it to Pollard too late. They should have brought him on much earlier to bring on the pressure to the CSK. Anyway the better team won and Dhoni and his mates must be extremely happy to have recovered ground in this tournament, to finally come out victorious.

I have also not realized the impact of my little story about my MRI trip. It has flooded the electronic waves since morning after the Times of India brought out the entire blog detail on the front page. Anxious responses from FmXt have also filled up the blog as have my mobile lines and those of my family.

It was not meant to cause such panic. I mentioned my day in a somewhat detailed and humorous manner. The media made it out to be quite dramatic and the entire day has been spent in explaining that 'all iz well'.

May I first thank all those that have expressed concern on my condition and say how deeply obliged I am for this endearing affection. There is nothing to be alarmed about. I still function normally and am under constant observation.

For this most worried reaction, I must take blame. But there is an entire history of my problems and which I would like to expand on as soon as possible. Filling you up with just one such incident yesterday has sparked some very collective concerned reactions. I would rather not subject you all further with another burst of issues that plague me. Maybe we shall sit a while and get all the details to be shared with the entire FmXt.

There were other issues that took away attention for me today.

A Tamil Group picketed my houses this morning, asking me to not conduct IIFA in Sri Lanka !! I beckoned personnel from Wiz who own and conduct IIFA to come and meet me to discus this matter and give it due importance. I believe Wiz craft personnel met representatives of this protest presentation along with the Police personnel that came over from the Juhu Police station, heard what they had to say, accepted a petition given by them, explained to them their side of the story and told them that the Govering body of the event would meet immediately to conference on this matter and reach some kind of final path and solution. Sentiments of all must be respected and I hope that we can plan and execute that with understanding peace and grace.

It is gaining upon a time past 2 am and I do wish to get some rest before the gym at 6, so I shall beg forgiveness. But I will and must come back to all, on my other medical issues.

" Our deeds determine us as much as we determine our deeds "

May we all be swayed in the beauty of our deeds in love and in affection -

Amitabh Bachchan

I am alarmed that you are alarmed at my condition BigB

Prateeksha, Mumbai   April  24/25,  2010   Sat/ Sun  2 : 21 AM

I am alarmed that you are alarmed at my condition, medically. It has been something that has remained with me for years and years and years. From being horned by a bull in the head when I was perhaps 2 years old to my more recent escapades, it is a saga that never seems to end, for, what is more in store for me I cannot comprehend.

My intention to describe my day within the 'tunnel' was not to seek attention, but to narrate the experience of a day in my life. Yesterday's episode is a mere 5 % of what ails me. And now with the kind of extreme reactions expressed by FmXt, I am hesitant to indulge any further on the balance 95 % !! Some of them are at an extreme stage of repair and I may have to go under the knife sooner than later. I wonder then if I should spell it out all at once on a pleasant day and get it over with, or to withhold it and piece meal it over a period of time, or perhaps not divulge anything further, ever.

It is however a part of me, my medical issues, and as one that has disclosed parts of my beings to parts of my other beings, I do not feel the need to keep it covered and protected. So I shall await any further direction that may come from the extended family on any deliberations on this.

The written word has always from time immemorial, had great relevance in the life of humans. Words that I may use to describe or narrate could express all, or nothing at all. The usage of my own particular vocabulary, could be conducive to what I may wish to express. Conversely, it could do just the opposite. That is the power of 'word'.

Have we ever wondered why Buddha, Mahavir, Nanak, Kabir, Rahim, Confucius, Gandhi or Vivekananda - great men and saints over time - have influenced the way we conduct ourselves and our lives. They were men of simple bearings. They were men not of Kingdom and wealth, nor were they ones that presented fear and terror. What was it about them that even with the passage of great time, we still submitted ourselves and our personalities to their governance and thought ?

Behind each of these ordinary humans, was the strength of extraordinary 'word'. They had the support of an army of 'words'. 'Words' formed their soldiers, which through their invaluable presence won over the world.

If one were to look at it, it presented itself as just a small insignificant 'word', but it had the power and strength to change life, to change society, to change a nation, to change an entire world. If a 'word' had the power to bring in peace it had equally, the power to bring in revolution. The great poet Kabir said -

शब्द शब्द सब कोई करें , शब्द के हाथ न पांव

एक शब्द औषधि करे , एक शब्द करे घाव I
" Shabd shabd sab koi karen, shabd ke haath na paon
Ek shabd aushadhi kare, ek shabd kare ghao ."
Roughly translated -
" Words words do all do, words have no hands and feet
One word is the balm that heals, the other that inflicts a wound. "
A few simple words from these saints and men of wisdom, have been a source of inspiration through generations, through centuries. But ponder a while. The world is full of an incredible store of books and encyclopedia on culture and literature, then why can we not recognize the immeasurable strength of these volumes of learned material and imbibe them for a better living. Because it is through the knowledge of words that we become of knowledge and learning.
A monarch or King shall be respected within his own Kingdom. But the learned shall be respected everywhere.
People shall remember me for another year or so, but they shall remember my Father for a thousand !!
And now 'Ravana'. The music launch took place in a simple yet well designed ceremony at the Yash Raj Studios. Abhishek and Aishwarya returned last night early this morning, morning of the 24th, and after releasing the music and performing for it on stage as part of the event have left for Greece, for the shoot of Farhan and Ritesh produced AbhinavDeo directed film and from there after completing that schedule to Istanbul for Rohan Sippy's film.
Some of the FmXt have already put up sites for the music on YouTube, but by tomorrow I shall be able to put up the visual promos of the film. There has been a fantastic reaction by the media to the film. Many have written in to me through sms and one particular veteran has said 'it shall be the film of the year'. We cross our fingers and toes and touch our heads and wood ! AR Rahman is at his very best whenever he has worked with Mani Ratnam and this one is no different. His music and sound and arrangement is a master class. Three on this CD have attracted me immensely and I am certain that in time, more value shall emanate from the tracks. It has always been the norm for every composition by Rahman - the music just grows on you.
Sachin Tendulkar turned 37 on the 24th and when I wished him in the morning, I also hoped that his injury to his hand had sufficiently repaired for him to play and lead Mumbai Indians for the finals tomorrow. He acknowledged the greetings and is desperate and determined to play the finals tomorrow despite the injury. He split his finger web as many may have seen in the match for the semis and has had to have 5 stiches on it. I hope he heals rapidly. It would be a shame to not have him play after bringing his team up to this level of the tournament.
A question for those who love cats - the big ones. The ones that we are all keen to save, as on the face page. How do you differentiate one tiger from the other ??
The design around the eyes is different on each one of them and that is how trainers and keepers are able to decipher which one is what !! Interesting eh ! I did not know either, until I was educated by a forest marshal at the Ranthambore Reserve, many years ago on a visit there. I have some marvelous pictures of a live tiger kill on still camera, right from the time he stalked a fairly large species of deer watering itself in a lake, to chasing it out of it, killing it and dragging it to a safe place for his lunch. He had chased his prey merely 5′ away from the open jeep that we were following him in. Amazing speed of action and incredible strength of how he flipped this 800 lbs of stag on its side to carry it to a secure hideout.
I will need to scan these pictures, because they were taken at a time when digital cameras were not invented. The quality may suffer, but I think you shall get a good idea of the operation.
Time to scream now !! Its 4:19 AM !! I interuppted my blog writing to see off Abhishek and Aishwarya .. and now to bed !!
Clutching my little softness of head rest close … and clutching every bit of love for you with it …
Amitabh Bachchan

Save Our Tigers BigB Photos

Save Our Tigers

Amitabh Bachchan at Aurangabad



Amitabh Bachchan Live at Soneri Mahal, Aurangabad on 11 Jan 2008

Sunday, April 25, 2010

I Like Sri Lanka Very Much Amitabh Bachchan



I Like Sri Lanka Very Much Says Amitabh Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan in Sri Lanka,Hero Amitabh Bachchan in Sri Lanka,Bollywood Big B Amitabh Bachchan,Bollywood,Bollywood News,Bollywood Movie News,Bollywood Film News,Latest Bollywood News

Friday, April 23, 2010

Big B has been associated with IIFA for around a decade now.

Amitabh Bachchan has been associated with IIFA for around a decade now.

Amitabh Bachchan Reveals IIFA Awards ceremony 2010



Amitabh Bachchan reveals details of IIFA Awards ceremony
April 20, 2010
Indian film icon Amitabh Bachchan arrives in the island. The aim of his visit is to plan the conduct of the 11th IIFA 2010 Awards ceremony of the International Indian Film Academy.

The International Indian Film Academy has selected Sri Lanka this year to stage their Awardsceremony. It will be held for three days commencing on the 3rd of June. It is a pride for the entire nation that a decision had been taken to hold this awards ceremony in the island with the total elimination of terrorism.
The film festival has so far been held in many countries. Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, who is the Brand Ambassador of the IIFA Awards Committee revealed these details to the media today. He said he was delighted with the opportunity received to bring IIFA experiences to Sri Lanka, a memorable and beloved neighbour of India. He was optimistic that they would be able to stage the awards festival within the island which is considered as a paradise.

Meanwhile, the 2010 IIFA Global Business Conference will also be staged in parallel to this event. The three-day event will also witness a 20Twenty match between Bollywood stars and Asian cricketers and an international fashion show. The entire event will further strengthen ties between Sri Lanka and India and expand opportunities available in the field of trade and cinema. Tourism Ministry Secretary George Michael expressed his appreciation for affording this fine opportunity to Sri Lanka. Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabral also expressed his views.

Amitabh Bachchan meets Sri Lanka President Mahinda Raj



Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan meets Sri lanka President Mahinda Raj...

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Big B has his own Signature fragrance

Big B has his own Signature fragrance named Amitabh Bachchan By Lomani

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

BigB Jacqueline Ferdinand event to announce the IIFA Awards in Colombo

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, center left, and Sri Lankan actress Jacqueline Ferdinand, center right, look on as dancers perform during an event to announce the Indian International Film Academy Awards in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Sri Lankan Jacqueline Fernandez a source of inspiration Amitabh Bachchan

Sri Lankan Jacqueline a source of inspiration: Bachchan

Colombo, April 20 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan usually has his co-stars in awe of him but the Bollywood megastar was Tuesday all praise for budding actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who is a former Miss Sri Lanka.

Bachchan and Jacqueline had worked together in fantasy film "Aladin" and it was then that the 24-year-old impressed the star. 

"From the very first day when we started working on this film 'Aladin', Jacqueline has been an inspiration of how your attitude should be on sets. She was a picture of grace, of dignity, of humour, of togetherness," Bachchan told reporters here. 

"Never throughout the making of the film did I ever notice a frown on her face. She was always with a beautiful smile and she mingled with everyone. She was a source of great inspiration in the sense of what being together is," he said.

"Aladin", which released in 2009, was directed by Sujoy Ghosh and also starred Sanjay Dutt and Ritesh Deshmukh.

Bachchan and Jacqueline, who was dressed in a white sari, were here for an event to announce Sri Lanka as the 2010 destination for the IIFA Awards

Cinema is a great integrator: Amitabh

Cinema is a great integrator: Amitabh
By Ruchika Kher

Colombo, April 20 (IANS) Cinema is a great integrator, says Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, here to announce Sri Lanka as the 2010 destination for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards.

"I have always believed that cinema has been a great integrator. When we stand in the line to buy a ticket, we never ask who is giving us the ticket or who will be the person who will be sitting next to us in the hall, whether he will be a Sikh or a Buddhist," said the actor at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel Tuesday. 

"When we sit inside this darkened room called the cinema hall, we enjoy the same things, we appreciate the same songs, we laugh on the same jokes, we cry on the same scenes. 

"This is what cinema represents and I can say that in today's world, which is so fast disintegrated, that there is this one example where integration is present and I am very proud that I'm a small member of this fraternity that brings people together under one roof, under same emotions and builds heart so that we can show examples to nations," he added.

The 67-year-old brand ambassador of IIFA was welcomed with fanfare and colourfully dressed folk dancers who impressed the actor so much that he branded the reception as the best he has ever got in any of the IIFA destinations.

"Everyone is calling Sri Lanka a small country, but I don't believe in that. According to me, it's a very big country because it has a big heart and that makes it big. The kind of reception I have got here is by far the best I have got anywhere else.

"It's a beautiful country and I will urge my fellow industry members to come and explore this beautiful land," said Amitabh.

The IIFA awards will be held from June 3 to 5. Apart from the main award ceremony, a global business forum, a fashion extravaganza, a celebrity cricket match, a film workshop and premieres of upcoming films will also be held. 

Amitabh Bachchan International airport in Katunayake

Bollywood film star Amitabh Bachchan arrives at the International airport in Katunayake, 35 km (22 miles) north of Colombo

This Khan be! Big B mistaken for Shah Rukh

This Khan't be! Big B mistaken for Shah Rukh

New Delhi, April 19 (IANS) To take it as a "compliment or not" that is the question on Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan's mind, who was mistaken as Shah Rukh Khan at the Kuala Lampur International Airport (KLIA).

Big B, as he is fondly called by his fans, was on his way back to Mumbai from Malaysia after a conference where an officer mistook him for Shahrukh.

"Airports are strange places. KLIA is no different from any airport where the staff would immediately recognize any celebrity, except a few exceptions. They mob and ask for pictures and stuff...I oblige...it makes them happy," Amitabh posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com Monday. 

"They (Malaysians) seem to be obsessed with our cinema and with our artists. One today, uniformed and medalled, walked past me in the crowded duty free, turned back after expressing some recognition and smiled - 'Hello... Mr. Shah Rukh Khan'," he added.

The 67-year-old is now contemplating about how to take the unusual attribution. 

"I am still debating in my head whether I should take this as a compliment or not. For the official to find absolute dedication in his name giving, sends me a healthy feeling," he wrote.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Big B to work in Mohanlal film for free

Big B to work in Mohanlal's film for free

New Delhi, April 17(IANS) Amitabh Bachchan will work for free in a forthcoming film starring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal.

"Mohanlal, great exponent of his art and craft, one of the finest actors of the country, from Kerala and Malayalam cinema had come over to finalize dates and schedules for the film he is making directed by Capt Ravi," Amitabh posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com

"It's a small guest appearance and I had agreed. They had come over to officially sign me on and make payments etc...Payments? For a guest appearance of 3 days? With Mohanlal who has always had my greatest admiration? No way !! I don't charge money for such acts. And told them so.

"I shall just gloat in the honour that I shall derive by working in a Malayalam film and that too with the exceptional Mohanlal." 

The yet-to-be titled film will be shot at Ooty in Tamil Nadu. 

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Paa to be screened at Krakow Film Festival

New Delhi, April 10 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan's hit film "Paa" on a child suffering from progeria is slated to be screened at the The International Festival of Independent Cinema in Krakow, Poland.

The event will be held April 16-25. 

"We are taking 'Paa' there...Its a pity that this is the only film that shall have me at this festival and because of my intricate make-up, people may never acknowledge my presence," Amitabh posted on his blog. 

In the film, Amitabh plays a 13-year-old child suffering from progeria, a rare genetic disorder that accelerates ageing. His father in the film is his real life son Abhishek Bachchan. The film also stars actress Vidya Balan. 

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Big B is only ambassador of tourism not state Gujarat

Big B is only ambassador of tourism, not state Gujarat

The Gujarat government on Monday termed as unfortunate Kerala's decision to withdraw its proposal to make Amitabh Bachchan its brand ambassador to promote tourism after extending an invitation.

"The CPM government's decision is unfortunate... There is some misunderstanding. Bachchan is not the brand ambassador of Gujarat but that of tourism," visiting Gujarat Tourism and Health Minister Jay Narayan Vyas told reporters here. "Amitabh Bachchan is a star who has very few parallels in India. Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar have achieved acclaim and success through hard work and talent. They are national talents and we should respect them."

Asked if Bachchan would participate in Gujarat's golden jubilee celebrations to be held on May 1, he said, "Bachchan being our brand ambassador does not need an invitation to come to Gujarat. When he endorses a brand, he verifies it thoroughly. If he has agreed to promote Gujarat tourism, it is due to its merits."

A few weeks ago, Kerala had invited Bachchan to become the brand ambassador for the state tourism. After he accepted the offer, CPM Politburo member Sitaram Yechury protested against the move, saying it would be inappropriate for a Left-ruled state to make Bachchan its brand ambassador as he is the brand ambassador of Gujarat under the Narendra Modi government.

On Modi making an appearance before the Supreme Court-appointed SIT, Vyas said it was due to "media compulsions".

"No country or state can ever prosper if congenial atmosphere does not exist," he said.