A day of surprises a day spent at locations that haunted me in the early days of my struggle Big B

Jalsa , Mumbai      Sept  6 , 2011        Tue  11: 29 PM

A day of surprises .. a day spent at locations that haunted me in the early days of my struggle in this formidable Industry and film .. a location where many a memory of triumph fills you with emotion and pride .. a location where failure demoralizes the very spirit of existence … a location that inspires one to fight and reclaim lost ground .. a location that treats you with disdain, and within a spell welcomes you with servility and manner …

I am there with Jaya for the shoot of another version of the Tanishq jewelry campaign that had brought us together for this client and made great viewing among the trade when it was last released. The tone and tenor of this one too shall spell similarity with the one gone by, but hopefully shall add a little more.

The floor is freezing cold with the excessive airconditioning. And this is a vast contrast from the sets of KBC where we have been struggling with the cooling for days. Luckily the time of concert is winter and so that warm jacket and the scarfs around the neck are for once a welcome gift of apparel ..

It is Filmistan Studio and it is the place where I attempted to enter on many an occasion to seek a job and would get turned out by the gate keeper on arrival. But this is too the studio of ‘Nasseb’ and K3G and Black and millions of other glorious moments. The place and its environs have not changed at all. A few cosmetic changes have occurred, but the structures and the ambience have remained the same. In particular the semi open aired canteen which made the most delicious sugar on toasts, the only meal we could afford and the only place where we would get space to rest our struggle worn body. There are identifiable faces that man the doors of the studio floors. They have aged beyond recognition, but still man the same doors, with that same welcome smile and affection, only now I notice a certain reserve within them of embarrassment, a withdrawal as I step in and greet them. They - with the wonder whether I still recognize them. I - with the wonder to still find them at their posts after all these years !!

When I shake their hand or put my arm around their shoulder in affection they seem to almost melt in humility wondering whether I show them respect or sympathy. They have lived in this temperament throughout. I do not blame them for being thus. For they could not have been any other. They are simple souls. Their simplicity to me is their greatest strength, content as they are in this their final and perhaps ultimate post.

With love and affection and a healthy and good night .. for tomorrow is another day …

A day when we shall wish Renate a very happy birthday today before we go there .. love and happiness always to you ..

Amitabh Bachchan