Amitabh Bachchan gives voiceover for Krrish 3

Amitabh Bachchan gives voiceover for Krrish 3

Meanwhile, Big B is also geared to launch the forthcoming season of his hugely popular reality game show Kaun Banega Crorepati.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has lent his unique baritone for Hrithik Roshan-starrerKrrish 3 at the behest of filmmaker Rakesh Roshan.

"Up at 7 am to reach for a dub forKrissh 3... Rakesh Roshan, father to Hrithik and the director and producer of eminence, asked me to do a voiceover for his film... I agreed and that was done," the 70-year-old posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com in the wee hours of Saturday morning.

Hrithik plays a superhero in this third film of the franchise which began with Koi Mil Gaya in 2003, followed by Krrish in 2006. Krrish 3is slated for release on November 4.

The film also stars Priyanka Chopra, Kangna Ranaut and Vivek Oberoi.

Meanwhile, Big B is also geared to launch the forthcoming season of his hugely popular reality game show Kaun Banega Crorepati.

It is a matter of shame and insult to the city of Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan on gang-rape

It is a matter of shame and insult to the city of Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan on gang-rape

Expressing profound grief over the gang-rape of a young photojournalist in the city, megastar Amitabh Bachchan today demanded harsh punishment for the perpetrators of the crime.

"It is a shameful act. It is a matter of shame and insult to the city of Mumbai for such a disgraceful thing (gangrape) that has happened here. A photojournalist who was deputed for her work, became a victim. It makes us saddened," he told reporters here at an event.

The 23-year-old photo journalist working with an English magazine, who was on an assignment, was allegedly gangraped by five men in Parel area in central Mumbai last night.

"The authorities concerned need to immediately catch hold of the victims and proper rigorous action needs to be taken at the earliest," Bachchan said.

"Just a day prior we have all celebrated rakhi, which bonds us with woman as a sister. This festival also reminds us of protecting any girl... and at this point of time, Mumbai has been struck with such a heinous event," he said.

"We are a country that professes cultural bonding through varied festivals celebrated here. It makes us realise how we need to respect our women," he added.

The megastar was angry with the fake video posted on YouTube that shows him endorsing Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the next Prime Minister.

When asked about it, he said the matter has been resolved. "Narendra Modi has assured to take right legal action. The Cyber Crime Department has been entrusted to do their job. I cannot say anything more, unless I am informed who is the actual person who initiated to make this video with my voice-over."

Bachchan was talking at an event where he flagged off Kaun Banega Crorepati - Hot Seat Aapke Shehar van.

Amitabh Bachchan is back with Kaun Banega Crorepati 7

Amitabh Bachchan is all set to being with 7th season of the hit television quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. A special press meet was held ahead of the new season beginning from September 6

Amitabh Bachchan looked dapper in a suit as he posed for pictures on the sets of the game show. (Photo: Varinder Chawla)

And there he in the famous hot seat! (Photo: Varinder Chawla)

Amitabh Bachchan opens his family albums

Amitabh Bachchan in the ad

Amitabh Bachchan opens his family albums for an ad-film

In what could be considered as the rarest of rare gestures from the very private Amitabh Bachchan, he has given Shoojit Sarcar open access to his personal photo-albums for an ad. Out tumbled the most unique gallery of images showing the Big B as a child and as a young man with his illustrious parents.

Still in a state of disbelief Shoojit says, “These are photos which no one has seen except very close family members. The images show him in his younger days. Then there are pictures with Abhishek and Shweta. It was like the whole history of the Bachchan parivar was unfolding in front of my eyes.”

Just how did this treasure-chest of the Big B’s memories open in front of Shoojit? Elaborates the director, “The concept of the ad was such that Bachchan saab was required to show the connectivity between the present and the past by going through photo albums.

I nervously suggested he use his own personal albums. When he agreed I was over the moon. When I saw all the wonderful pictures I felt I was a part of history.” When asked why he allowed his private pictures in the ad, Bachchan says. “See the ad, and you’ll get your answer.”

There was a need to search my Father’s works today

Jalsa, Mumbai             Aug  16/17,  2013                 Fri/Sat  1: 35 AM

There was a need to search my Father’s works today, to be able to reignite curiosity in his and the concrete philosophy of his theosophical interest. For long it became his obsession, and perhaps rightly so to penetrate deep into the reason and reactions of theosophy, of why there was an attraction to it. Not just between the readers, but from those that he encountered during the time of his life. Was it this curiosity that made him respect and research WB Yeats, that great Irish poet, who himself had been not just a great admirer of this literary belief, and I say this with utmost concern, for there could be many that have never considered theosophy to be of any literary interest, but, one that incorporated its themes and learnings in his own written works - potent enough to have coerced my Father to write a thesis on his occultism, and gain what could be termed as the first Indian that attained a doctorate in English Literature from the University of Cambridge.

At that age and stage for Yeats to have interest in and learning from the influences of both the West and the East, particularly from the Indian scriptures, the Upanishads and the influence he must have had from the great minds of the initiators of this trend from the likes of Mohini Chatterji, Rabindranath Tagore and Purohit Swami, from these parts of the universe, along with those from his regions of the West .. from the Cabbala, Sweden-borg, Boehme and Blavatsky … is truly quite remarkable !

And then to have incorporated them in his poetry and written works is what his eminence is all about. It is no wonder then for me to accept the impression that aptly described my Father’s attempt to interpret it as ’ an infection of nobility’, some tincture of high breeding, a literary tact, a sureness of judgement … virtues and many other that gave relevance to the book called ..

"WB Yeats and Occultism by Harivansh Rai Bachchan"

There is much that needs attention, and much that needs to be understood in a realm which we have seldom penetrated. But verily there shall be occasion when we do …

'Knowledge must elevate itself from the realm of truth above illusion. It is not easy to stare into the eyes of truth and keep calm.'

Good night dear Ef … I think this post may well have driven many into deep slumber ..

Amitabh Bachchan

This day the 15th of August our Independence day

Jalsa, Mumbai            Aug  15/16,  2013                Thu/Fri  2 : 03 AM

 The devastation caused by the unprecedented flooding due to a cloud burst at Uttarakhand, the northern region of the state of Uttar Pradesh, the rush and speed of the water in the rivers at that high point, at Kedarnath one of the most devout destinations among the Hindus, a temple where millions travel through mountainous terrain to worship, was a disaster that caused hundreds to perish. Many have still not been dug out of the debris that the flooding left behind. Houses temples built along the sacred river have submerged into the river in its fury. Near and  dear have been lost. Those that recovered and were saved due to the valiant and brave efforts of the Army jawans, have not been able to unite with their loved ones. The loss and the degree of the horror still haunts us all.

As a fraternity, we decided to hold a Telethon for 7 hours non stop to collect funds in whatever manner to bring succour and some semblance of relief to those that lost all. Tonight we all went on the television to do our bit for the victims of this disaster. Many of us performed live in front of a large audience and many spoke and helped in garnering funds so that some material benefit can be brought to those that have and still suffer.

And that is what we all did … many artists performed, many lent their voice and presence, many spoke to the countrymen to make generous contributions … and to give immense credit to the people of our country they came forward in plenty. I think by the time I came on, they had already collected close to 10 cr rupees … all of this shall go in helping those that have no homes, clothes, lost relatives and exist today in dire circumstances …

Shankar Ehsan and Loy the music trio had composed a song for the moment, with the lyrics of Prasoon Joshi, a poet and writer of eminence, his most recent work being his screenplay and lyrics for the film ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, and I had recited it to their rhythm, which was shot and played for the audiences. Along with that I had brought along a few of my clothes - a Harley Davidson jacket, and a few silk shirts to be auctioned, and the funds be given to this most noble charity. I do hope it fetches a  substantial amount, so that a sizeable amount can be given to the Uttarakhand enterprise ..

The setting at the newly constructed NSCI Stadium, where ShahRukh and myself speak for the cause and my poetry plays on the screen to the music of the SEL music ..

Mika … that singer with the unusual voice and one that has been churning out great hits in the recent films, performed as well and came back stage for a victory sign ..

Raveena Tandon .. that little girl who came up to my knees not so long ago, when her Father Ravi Tandon was directing me in ‘Majboor’ was a part of the telethon … lovely to meet her after working with her in BHTB ..

Shahrukh and me being led to a frenzied press meet after the show, sharing a laugh at a common joke ..

with Shahrukh on stage urging countrymen to donate generously ..

….. and making a point or two about help, environment, the importance of freedom, on this day the 15th of August our Independence day .. all in all a most satisfying evening .. one, most essential and worthy ..

Thank you India, for your gesture … let us wipe the tears of those that shed them in distress and pain of loss …

Amitabh Bachchan

The year that India got its Independence from the British

Jalsa, Mumbai      g 14/15,  2013          Wed/Thu  2 : 08 AM

It is day 1947 , and what a coincidence .. it is the year that India got its Independence from the British .. Aug 15, 1947

Nitish S Murthy … a very happy birthday on a most auspicious day - 15 th August … love peace togetherness always …

There is something about your own flag. There is always something about your own identity - your name your country your place of birth your parents - your flag ! Once you hold it beholds an entire nation and its nationality. Who ever did think of the flag. The flag to signify who we were, in battle, in life in everyday living.That flowing square or triangular piece of cloth, bearing the connotations of what the identity represented, became the symbol of all that one could represent, in ownership, in connection, in pride and in honour.

Sticking the flag of our nation meant conquest, not just of another region, but conquest overt the beliefs and principles of the nation it represented. Raising it to a mast gave it its dignity. When it flows above our land or any land, it gives us a possessiveness unseen and unheard of. When it is draped around you it lends itself to a certain grace never seen before - the ultimate. In victory it gives us the power of our winning. It adorns all that we admire and give the highest form to.

Seen at various forums, it creates an emotional bond. It cheers for you, grieves for you too. Its pride of place is always higher than any other. This piece of cloth attains so much more than just its presence created and made from material !

Long may the 'tiranga' live and long may its relevance in our lives remain ever !

Jai Hind … and Happy Independence Day .

The Front Row’: Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan on The Front Row With Anupama Chopra

On this week’s “The Front Row,” film critic Anupama Chopra is in conversation with Bollywood veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan. He talks about icon status, aging gracefully and why he’s always in search of the perfect shot.

Edited Excerpts:

Anupama Chopra: Your character in “Satyagraha” has been described as a new age Gandhi but Prakash Jha [the film’s director] has consistently denied that he was inspired by Anna Hazare.  So tell us about him – who is this man, what are his motivations?

Amitabh Bachchan: He is a retired principal of a school. He is moralistic and very conscious about society, social events, what’s happening in the country and he really wants to impart whatever he has learnt and gathered through his years to the people he is teaching. He comes across a young man who is filled with modern concepts of this generation, of greed and of business.  Money is their main intent in life.  Various circumstances take place in the course of the film and the story and he discovers that there are many things that are wanting in the system and which the young are unable to achieve or get any response for. Along with his son and the hero of the film, Ajay Devgn, they get together to form some kind of a system to revolt against the system. Obviously, the preachings of the revolt are peaceful. It’s really a story about a father who has lost his son and a son who is in search of his father.

Anupama: Prakash Jha was describing how you work.  He said you would show up at 8.45 for a 9 am shift. And after doing the shot you would say, lagta hai aap khush nahi hue mere shot se [It looks like you are not happy with my work?] He says he would keep asking you, itni bhookh kyun hai? So what was your reply, why are you so hungry?

Mr. Bachchan: It’s important for me to know whether the shot that I have given is correct or not. Sometimes you go back to your hotel and say, “Gosh! I don’t know whether this was right,” and so there were many times when I would ring Prakash Jha up and tell him, “I don’t know if we did this correctly and can we possibly do this again?” And he has been very accommodating. I think these are very normal procedures that go on in an actor’s mind. We are never totally satisfied. It’s not to take away from the expertise of the directors that they work with, but even after that coaching there is a certain element, which all actors feel within themselves, whether they have actually performed well or not. I think a very discerning actor would want to search within and find out whether this was actually right or not. And if there is an alternative, I don’t know about the others but I would certainly like to hear it and perhaps be given another opportunity to perform it.

Anupama: I had posed this question to Aishwarya [Mr. Bachchan’s actress daughter-in-law] also – the Bachchans are such an iconic family so when you as individuals are signing roles, does the last name become a hurdle? Do you consider your stature, your reputation, how people view you? Or do you respond instinctively and if you like the role, you’ll do it no matter how transgressive is?

Mr. Bachchan: I think the concept that you have of ‘iconic’ is in the mind of the people outside. It doesn’t impress me and doesn’t ever have space in my work. I don’t think about that. But yes, I want to do something which is challenging and good.  When you are playing the typical leading man of Hindi escapist commercial cinema, you are perhaps confined doing certain things and nothing more. But I think as you age, you are no longer bearing the responsibility that normally comes on the shoulders of a leading man and therefore you are free to do many more experimentations.  That’s a wonderful phase. Sometimes when we have digressed and gone beyond what the audience might think, they have given their opinion and not gone to see the film or criticized you so heavily, that you begin to think, “Maybe I shouldn’t be doing that.” But I still feel that as an actor, if I am challenged by something irrespective of the demands of the audiences, I would like to go ahead and do it.

Anupama: The sociologist Shiv Visvanathan wrote a lovely line about you. He said,” Stars like Rajkumar, Dharmendra became wax dolls while only Amitabh discovered the secret of perpetual youth by learning to age.” Was there a conscious decision on your part to make peace with aging and becoming something other than the traditional Hindi film hero?

Mr. Bachchan: I think this is a very important decision that most actors have to make. There is somebody younger, somebody better than you who is going to be taking your place and this is life. The sooner you realize it and the sooner you accept that fact, the better for you. There are many that don’t and when they don’t they either just partly slip away and retire and say, ‘We don’t want to get into that phase,’ and that’s perfectly acceptable. But there are some that want to continue. I felt that I needed to continue and I am okay with that. There is always going to be somebody who is better than you and more popular than you as time goes by. If you are a true professional, you will accept that. I was very quick to understand that when I walk out with Shahrukh [Khan] or Salman [Khan,] the crowd will look at them and not at me. As opposed to 20-30 years back when the reverse would happen. When the camera goes on, whether I am performing a role to my satisfaction, to the satisfaction of the director or not, that is all that I am bothered with.

Anupama: As we embark on the  67th year of Independence, what gives you the greatest hope for India as a country?

Mr. Bachchan: I think the youth. We are the largest youth population in the entire world. Youth have always guided the progress and the future of any nation. Look what’s happening in our own film industry and the youngsters that are coming up. There is massive talent, not just in the performing arts of acting but in direction, production. Look at the women that are now working on film sets. Where did you hear of this earlier? Never. So, don’t you think that this is an indication of a progressive nation? I think we need to be proud about that.

The desire and the power of youth is a miracle of nature

Jalsa, Mumbai          Aug  13/14,  2013                Tue/Wed  2 : 31 AM

The desire and the power of youth is a miracle of nature. The will, the determination and the confidence of wanting to get and do something is simply unfathomed. As you look back at those days, or the days and acts of the youth of today one wonders at the acumen that they displayed, the strength of their conviction and the accomplishment that they so achieved. There was an air of carefree disdain, almost harbouring on arrogance. But no .. it was never arrogance, it was what youth brings with it - the confidence of achievement.

What a glorious chapter it is in all our lives. And as we look back on it, we are at times ourselves taken aback by its atrociousness. We wish and wonder when those times shall return, knowing fully well that they never shall, but just its remembrance fills us with an energy that provokes us to match to excel what we did then, and do it better … 

Some that reconcile with time, as must they should, find life to be complacent quiet, silent and peaceful in their everyday environs - a walk in the park with fellow team, that game of golf early in the morning with their decided group and later a quiet drink in the restaurant discussing the strokes and the bets that they concluded, the proverbial rocking chair with book or pet, or in some with their grandchildren, teaching them the tricks of the trade, the whys and wherefores of the world, tips that they shall cherish all their lives, meeting old friends and spending evenings recounting the events of days gone by …

It is a natural phenomena to be in such state .. there is repetition in all that is done, there is routine, which if broken by a mere nano second, has the capacity to ruin the mental set up of the elder … they need that … they function so, and that needs to be acknowledged and respected …

Most importantly however, it has been noticed that solitude is a craving at this stage and age .. I have always wondered why ..

But for me … I am blessed … for I have the blessings and the constant connection with my extended family. When I need to talk, I talk. When I need to share I share, and when I need to be left alone, I am graciously left alone. This is an ideal situation, but not always adhered to. Many think it to be rude and disconnected, many demand a response and constantly … if there are several platforms to get in touch with me, each medium shall be bombarded with questions complaints requests … little realising that for the other this may be an immediate want, for me though it is something that I accept but find it difficult to pay attention to as immediately as demanded - there are other works to be attended to as well ..

A lapse i this results in all kinds of insinuations, harsh conjectures and livid accusations. That is not what I shall want or appreciate. I do not sit idle continuously in font of my phone or lap top waiting for the next request to come in .. I have other work and commitments of equal if not more important nature. That needs to be understood and conveyed in the manner of your communication. When you write back that ‘what is the matter with you, I have been writing so much and there is no reply ?’ or ’ i am really upset that you treat me in an alien fashion “, it further confirms to me your complete disregard of my circumstances. If you are unable to reckon with this as a dedicated Ef, what can I say in response. It builds in me a barrier, artificially though, of one that does not put himself or herself in my shoes ..

I am most appreciative of the connect. But I cannot physically attend to its immediacy .. in time I shall … but in time .. !! Which if I may say with a certain degree of praise, is more than what most others do. Hired staff and team that take care of running a site and its responses is a method, but not my method.

There is accusation of a bias and deliberate favouritism. Wrong ! There is balance and equality to the best of my acumen … and that is how it shall remain ..

The drowsy drugs keep me horizontal for hours without knowing. Timings are at an absurd level .. the stride is wonky to say the least and the speech, matter of fact and neighbouring on extreme tiredness …. BUT .. my connect is unshakable .. and shall ever be so ..

Love and a drowsy Good night to all …

Amitabh Bachchan

My Mother’s birthday today greetings from all in varied form

Jalsa, Mumbai               Aug 12/13,  2013                Mon/Tue  1 : 55 AM

My Mother’s birthday today .. greetings from all in varied form .. some near and dear, those that spent much time with her, knew her well, her habits her nature. Feels good to know of them and their feelings ! My Mother if alive would have heard them out, invited them over for a chat, fed them, taken them out for a drive, to a coffee shop … any where, and remained a close friend ever .. I have not imbed that spirit … I wish I could … this platform is the closest that I have gotten to it .. its lovely, endearing … but with her around I know it would have been better … she knew the knack of .. perhaps knack is a wrong word , it is too harsh .. she knew the value of a friend and the extension of a hand towards it ..

An entire group of labor worked in the most oppressive heat of Allahabad, carrying our belongings to another house when we changed residence, by those hand carts, which is all we could afford at the time, sweat and the heat taxing them and their work load … but when they did reach their destination, she didn’t get down to unpacking and placing the stuff in the home - a natural for any house wife - instead, the first thing she did was to get some of the home staff to go and buy dozens of lime, blocks of ice, buckets of water and personally made lime juice for those that had worked so hard, the entire day, spending individual time with them to see that they had rested and been fed well .. it was her way of saying thank you to the most oppressive work they had done …

The servants in the house became her friends, never the lesser work force that helped in the home ..

If there was music heard in any corner of the home, she was the first to start up an impromptu dance, in which ever room she was … her spirit was impossible to defeat or fathom. Out of School, she would insist on taking me to a coffee restaurant which played music and get up and ask me to dance with her, ballroom fashion, on the dance floor … much to my embarrassment !

The chat and sweet meat shops in and around where she moved, in Allahabad, in Delhi, in Mumbai were her buddies .. all of those old timers still remember her and when I meet some of them once in a year or something, they talk with such candor and love for her and her spirit, they miss her presence … this is not normal. They still send the latest sweets or packets of their products to the house in her remembrance. Such was her association.

A dear and close friend of the family that remembered her wrote to me and descrbed in the most apt words .. ‘she was such a star’ she said ..

Yes … she was such a star. She would walk into a public place and own it in one glance. She exuded energy of a different kind. We are still to learn from it. Her fight for all things that came with difficulty were a lesson in life .. she was tigress protecting her cubs when it came to her children and family. No one could get passed her in such condition. She was capable of changing faith if it was desired for her children.

I had often wondered where all this came from, until I read a close explanation of it in my Father’s biography. She had lost her Mother at birth. She never knew or experienced what a Mother’s love was and meant. Her interpretation of life then, was what she believed, all Mother’s to be.

And what Mother she became … and what she interpreted all Mother’s to be !

I am blessed to have had her with me … and my guilt today is that I never went to meet her at Prateeksha this morning … but I know if she were to be alive, she would have understood the circumstance even before I were to express it.

She was the Mother of that famous tale often told to us :

A son out of some dispute and difference fought with his Mother, and one day killed her. Her heart dislodged from her body and felled, lay on the ground. The act over the son walked out of the room, and almost tripped on her heart lying on the floor ..

The heart spoke up even as the son controlled his balance … it was the Mother’s voice and she said, after her son had tripped and almost fallen :

'I hope you didn't get hurt, son !! '

Good night 

Amitabh Bachchan

A wedding dressed gentleman

Jalsa, Mumbai          Aug 11/12,  2013                Sun/Mon  2 : 44 AM

They come in their hundreds, stay for long hours at the gates and patiently wait for those few minutes when I come out and greet them. They are special. They are special too that belong to the Ef - Siddharth, his brother, Jayshree and others whom I spot in the crowd but cannot meet them… they leave gifts .. I am humbled and honoured … thank you … but you make it very difficult for me to repay you for it ..

It has become a schedule for me … sundays ! I wait for the indication from the security, I dress up for the moment .. a track or a shawl or just some pathanis .. it is fast becoming an issue … 

That is the problem with the one billion cameras that abound each time you step out of the house .. magazines now have special sections on what and who was seen where, what they were wearing, from clothes to bags to shoes, to glares … everything is captured and commented upon ..

'Look, he was wearing the same shoe, or the dress of particular lady was the same with another, why is he wearing this expression, and on and on and on …

So … there is an attempt now, to be conscious of what and how you shall be presenting yourself, each moment of the day … and may I say with utmost humility that the number of changes required, so there is no adverse comment in press, is fast running out … its getting expensive to be seen in public these days ..

Like last night, getting into and coming out of Shahrukh’s house for his Eid party, was as time consuming as the amount of time spent in side with him. The paparazzi just storms the car and blocks the path, making it extremely difficult to move … this is complicated further with a million flash lights that strike your face by the photographers … 

Ever tried driving a car with such encumbrances … try it .. and then ask for the results of the pictures … they all come out like we’ve seen an unidentified alien out of space !! Further … the pictures are sold to various magazines and network sites, who on taking one look at the picture, not understanding the circumstances they were taken in, shall carry a by line at the bottom of it when printed in their prestigious media, trying a clever verbology describing the moment without any inkling of what went on when it was being taken ..

But all is not bad continuously .. a private friend’s marriage celebration or an engagement as did happen later this evening was devoid of the rush and clamour of the, camera division … resulting in staid relaxed visuals ..

….. like my ‘progress report’ .. Shweta and Abhishek …

… a wedding dressed gentleman ..

….a swinging son Abhishek on the dance floor … and ..

childhood closest buddies Karan and Shweta … Karan looking much the star, after his recent return from Sri Lanka, where he was shooting for Anuraag Kashyap’s, Bombay Velvet, as an actor … if you please … !! 

Children are the pride of ours … how they suddenly grow up to be mature individuals, when they were such cute cuddly babies just the other day … !!

My love to all … 

Sholay 3D to release on Amitabh Bachchan's b'day?

Sholay 3D' to release on Amitabh Bachchan's b'day?

New Delhi: The 3D version of the 1975 Bollywood classic `Sholay` will release on megastar Amitabh Bachchan`s 71st birthday Oct 11, said a source.

The movie, famous for the bond of friendship between characters Jai and Veeru, essayed flawlessly by icons Amitabh and Dharmendra, is being revived in 3D.

"The date was specifically chosen as it coincides with Bachchan`s big day. He is the biggest star we have today and what better day to release the film," said a source in a statement.

Producer Jayantilal Gada will distribute `Sholay 3D`.

`Sholay`, directed by Ramesh Sippy, also featured Hema Malini, who played Basanti and Amjad Khan, who essayed villain Gabbar Singh.

IANS

The celebrations for Eid continue with great fervour

Jalsa, Mumbai          Aug 9/10, 2013          Fri/Sat  12 : 39 AM

The celebrations for Eid continue with great fervour, and the friends and well wishers send in their love and affection in the shape of delicious food - a tradition during Eid here, and perhaps all over where it is celebrated. In many homes the children get 'eidi', some money or gifts on this occasion from the elders. There are dinners and Eid celebrations at the homes of all our friends and we attend them with happiness and joy … 

Festivals are such a great model of coming together, of being one, hand in hand and in embrace.They produce and create such a harmonious atmosphere of love, that one wishes every day to be a festive occasion ..

New clothes are made, children and elders dress up for the moment, there is laughter and joy … and the human spirit reaches a fresh nadir …

Give me O ! Lord the presence of such festivity ever. Give us and the entire world that which brings us closer together, with warmth and love .. give us many more such days when we forget our anger and animosity, and convert it to forgiveness and brotherly sisterly feelings … give me love, and more ..

The 'little one' is quite overwhelmed by the presence of her cousins around her .. and she will take her time to understand what goes on and where and who they are in her life. Family and its presence is such an important element in our lives. The mere mention of family brings compassion and paternal and maternal feelings .. 

It disturbs me to even wonder what they, who sadly have been deprived of family, think and conduct their lives. But it gives me happiness to learn that though there are many that fall in this category , they conduct their lives with strength and the faith of better existence.

To them then that have the blessings of family my wishes .. but also to them that are deprived, my greater admiration …

We have here a platform for all … come and be with us .. join our little family wonder and be its valuable extension ..

Some of my dearest friends, Habib and Shaad send their greetings and I to them, and always remember their friendship .. Shaad has a Eid celebration at his home and I must attend that now … tomorrow another friend celebrates it at his home and we shall be there .. but for now ..

I need to be excused ..

My love as ever ..

Amitabh Bachchan

--
Mahendra Gorele

Amitabh Bachchan to shoot for Mehrunnisa in Lucknow

 Amitabh Bachchan would be shooting for Sudhir Mishra's next film Mehrunnisa in the old city of the state capital, some time after Eid, sources said Friday. 

A lavish stage is being erected in the Chowk area for the shoot, which will see Big B, as Amitabh Bachchan is popularly known, Rishi

Kapoor and the main lead of the film, Chitrangada Singh, shoot in the city. 

Permission for shooting has been sought by the film unit for places like the Chowk, Bada Imambada, La Martinere Boys' College and Colvin Taluqdar's College. 

The film is a tale of two friends who meet again after a span of 40 years. The script was written in 1996 by director Sudhir Mishra, and revolves around the friends, who fall in love with the same woman and get separated. The woman they both sought, played by Chitrangada, re-enters their life when they are in their 60s. 

The tale that the film tells begins in 1945 and spans four decades. 

Mehrunnisa is produced by Nikhil Advani. Director Sudhir Mishra hails from Lucknow.

Amitabh Bachchan Salman Khan to raise funds for Uttarakhand flood victims

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and other B-town celebrities will come together for an event to raise funds for Uttarakhand flood victims.

Bachchan will be joined by music composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and writer-poet Prasoon Joshi to enthrall the audience at Star India's fund-raiser musical event on the Independence Day for Uttarakhand victims.

"The noble initiative is an opportunity for the entire Hindi film industry to stand by the very people who have showered us with unconditional love and have made us who we are," Amitabh Bachchan said in a statement.

"We have come together for fellow men who suffered the agonising pain that this unprecedented calamity brought with itself," he added.

Big B will lend his voice to recite from Prasoon's poetry, set to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music during the performance, titled 'Saath Hain Hum Uttarakhand', which is a joint initiative by Star India, Wizcraft, the Film & TV Producers Guild and the Hindi film fraternity.

The advertising revenue generated through the event will be donated to not-for-profit organisations working towards restoring normalcy in the hill-state.

The event's highlight would be 'Mera Desh', an anthem created by Prasoon Joshi. "It is also an attempt to say that we are all together. No challenge is big enough if we stand united," Joshi said.

According to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, music is a great healer and their effort is to alleviate the sufferings of people through the musical rendition of 'Mera Desh'.

Apart from this, actors Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit will be seen in a promo during the event regarding the same initiative to encourage people to help.

Others who are likely to support the initiative include Lata Mangeshkar, Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Anil Kapoor, AR Rahman, Boman Irani, Mukesh Bhatt, Ayushmann Khurana and celebrities from television shows.

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Mahendra Gorele

Amitabh Bachchan watches Chennai Express with grandson Agastya

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is a busy man today as he is entertaining his three grandchildren including Agstya, Navya Naveli and Aaradhya at his residence on Eid.

Amitabh Bachchan's daughter, Shweta who lives in New Delhi with her family, is visiting her father's home in Mumbai with her children Navya-Naveli and Agastya.

And the doting grand dad took his grandson to watch Shah Rukh Khan's Chennai Express, a day before its official release.

Navya-Naveli is back from London where she studies in Sevenoaks School, the same school as Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan.

Big B also said that he is super busy this weekend with all the kids around.

Big B, who will be shooting for Mehrunissa in Lucknow is busy celebrating Eid with family.

He also wished his fans Eid Mubarak: "May the true relevance of all festivities penetrate, percolate within us all..may we acknowledge the spirit of togetherness in them."

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Mahendra Gorele

Holding the hand that flows within in sequential similarity

Jalsa, Mumbai      Aug 8/9,  2013           Thu/Fri  3 : 01 AM

 

Holding the hand that flows within in sequential similarity. Holding the care and love of our own. Holding the feelings of those that shall ever remain close. This is the mantra of family.

A deep connect as powerful as any in nature, is what draws us to those that belong to us in transferred genes. In the same blood. In the same countenance. In our word, in our actions and in all that we do and consider. That bond is irreplaceable. This is our family. 

But … this is our extended family too .. and the love and concern you show is beyond words, beyond action and deed. It is what each one of us feels. It is what each one of us embraces each evening day and night. It is the essence of all that can be translated into an unbreakable bond .. a single thread that ties us all together.

It is my pride and my joy that we created this over many years of commitment and understanding. Not seeking any favour or submission to demand or force. It came as naturally to all. It came with passion and a huge degree of compassion. And that is how it shall remain. We are now no longer just another space or platform. We are what can be called a chain as strong and durable as any other measure of strength. It will always have the capacity to sail through the heaviest of weather, the crudest of terrain, and the sludge slime and smut that comes in its path, strewn by elements, who have slobbered in that mire of unadulterated muck, blinkered, misguided and indoctrinated beyond repair. They were born human only to be lost in the inhuman dross and scum that surrounded them. They shall now live eternally in those unremovable stains that stink and darken their presence …

I was with Shahrukh and Deepika and Rohit Shetty on the train to 'Chennai' along with Agastya, by the courtesy of  UFO, and the ride was most enjoyable ! And now wished to not get off it without my other passengers - my EF. So here I am … and here I go ..

Good night and my love to all ..

Amitabh Bachchan

ps : O !! and remember I did an ad., with the South Stars and in particular Manju Warrier from Kerala, on a trust film for Kalyan Jewelers .. well the company tells me that the video on YouTube has touched 2 million hits !!

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Mahendra Gorele

Satyagraha Movie

 Satyagraha Movie

Satyagraha – Democracy Under Fire is an upcoming Bollywood political thriller film directed by Prakash Jha starring Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpai, Amrita Rao and Vipin Sharma in the lead roles. Kareena Kapoor will play the role of an international journalist.Current situations inspired Jha to make Satyagraha. The first look of the film was released on September 10, 2012. Satyagraha is expected to release on August 30, 2013. The teaser was released online on May 30,2013 and the teaser was attached with Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.

Satyagraha reflects the uprising of the middle class against a corrupt and unjust system that leaves it with no recourse but to form a spontaneous movement to challenge the status quo. It is the story of a dynamic and ambitious young man who is poised to take the elevator of corporate success when a personal tragedy exposes him to the shocking consequences of corruption in this country. Joining hands with an idealistic old man, he ignites a people’s protest that soon escalates into a massive movement with a national resonance, battling politicians determined to crush and discredit him. However, when people’s raw and unbridled anger is unleashed, the unintended penalty could be horrifying by itself.

Directed by Prakash Jha[

Produced by Prakash Jha

Ronnie Screwvala

Siddharth Roy Kapur

Written by Anjum Rajabali

Prakash Jha

Rutvik Oza

Starring Amitabh Bachchan

Ajay Devgn

Kareena Kapoor

Arjun Rampal

Manoj Bajpai

Amrita Rao

Music by

Salim-Sulaiman

Indian Ocean

Meet Brothers

Aadesh Shrivastava

Lyrics. Prasoon Joshi

Cinematography Sachin Krishna

Editing by Santosh Mandal

Studio Prakash Jha Productions

UTV Motion Pictures

Distributed by UTV Motion Pictures

(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures India)

Release date(s)

August 30, 2013

Country India

Language Hindi

Budget INR750 million (US$13 million)

Amitabh Bachchan KBC 7 producer in trouble Defaming

Amitabh Bachchan, KBC producer in trouble for 'defaming' lawyers

A local magistrate's court in Ahmedabad issued notices to the producer of TV quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) and Amitabh Bachchan, host of its Season-7, among others after a complaint alleged that its promos present the legal profession in a "derogatory" manner.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate S V Parekh asked all seven respondents, in an application filed by advocate Davinder Singh Rakkad, to file their response by August 21 when he would hear the case again.

"Promos of the popular quiz show being telecast widely on Sony Entertainment TV channel, shows lawyers and their profession in a derogatory manner," Rakkad said in his complaint. 

Rakkad also demanded legal action against show producer Siddharth Basu, host Amitabh Bachchan and five others associated with the show, under Section 500 (defamation) and other provisions of the Information Technology Act. 

In support of his contention that KBC promos showed lawyers and their profession in a "derogatory" manner, he has cited scenes from promos and submitted a compact disc with visuals as well as transcripts of all its dialogues. 

The complainant has said that in a scene in the promo, an advocate screams "I object", while thumping his hand on the table in a court room, when another lawyer by his side prompts him saying "First, let the court proceedings begin". 

Citing other scenes, Rakkad has alleged that such depiction of lawyers is not only "derogatory" in nature but would also "negatively inspire" people either not to join the profession or to leave their practice.