I want to see Rann Bal Thackeray tells Big B

I want to see 'Rann', Bal Thackeray tells Big B
New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has asked megastar Amitabh Bachchan to arrange for a screening of his latest film "Rann", Ram Gopal Varma's take on the media world.

"Udhav Thakeray (Shiv Sena executive president) calls. He has just come out of the theatre after (watching) 'Rann' and is not able to find appropriate words to describe his appreciation for the film and the performance. Minutes later Bala Saheb calls (and says) �I want to see this film. Come and show it to me! You have not been to see me for a long time'," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

"I assure him I shall arrange a projection in his house. I ask after his health. He is fine he says," the 67-year-old actor added.

Amitabh, who plays a media baron in the film, says he is in awe of senior Thackeray's determination even at 84.

"He cannot travel out due to his frail condition, but the fire in him still burns. He is resolute and firm as ever and in that resoluteness you discover an endearing, that sudden soft moment, which has always made his presence so strong and affectionate. His sense of humor is intact as he punches in some wise ones," posted Amitabh.

Post "Rann", the actor will be seen in Leena Yadav's "Teen Patti". Also starring Hollywood veteran Ben Kingsley, it will hit the screens Feb 26.

Amitabh Bachchan to be brand ambassador for Gujarat

Amitabh Bachchan to be brand ambassador for Gujarat
Gandhinagar, Feb 1 (IANS) Film icon Amitabh Bachchan will be the new brand ambassador for Gujarat.

In a message to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi here Monday, Amitabh Bachchan conveyed his acceptance.

He wrote, "You have very graciously considered my appointment as brand ambassador for Gujarat. I accept this offer of yours with great humility. I hope we shall be able to work together for the betterment of Gujarat."

On Jan 6 during his visit to Gandhinagar for a special screening of "Paa" for Chief Minister Modi, Amitabh had expressed his willingness to be the brand ambassador of Gujarat.

When replying to a question by mediapersons, he had said: "I would be happy to lend my face and voice for the cause of Gujarat."

He had been all praise for the development in Gujarat and said the state was a place worth visiting again and again. Amitabh had also said that if the government planned a documentary to showcase the state, he would like to be a part of it.

A thrilled chief minister followed up the conversation with a formal offer and the filmstar conveyed his acceptance.

Earlier in his blog, the filmstar was fulsome in his praise of the chief minister after his Gujarat visit. He had stated: "He (Modi) lives simply and with mere basic needs and most unlike the head of a state. He speaks with affection on development and progress. He is welcoming to fresh ideas and ideals. His oft repeated phrase of him being a CM, a common man, is not misunderstood. He does and acts as he speaks.,"

"He talks of raising the level of awareness for his state through tourism and I volunteer to participate in any activity that would help promote that," the film icon wrote explaining his interest in promoting Gujarat.

Why Big B mum on Shah Rukh Khan Shiv Sena issue?

Why Big B mum on Shah Rukh, Shiv Sena issue?
New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he has chosen to remain tight-lipped over Indian Premier League (IPL) issue because he fears his statement could be misinterpreted.

"They (the media) ask all the same questions on the film ('Rann') and the media and the angst among them. And then the real reason they are their - 'What sir are your takes on this IPL and Pakistan and Balasaheb and Shah Rukh events?'," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com Sunday from his Pratkeesha residence in Mumbai.

Shiv Sena activists demonstrated in front of superstar Shah Rukh's house in Bandra here Sunday to protest his comments favouring inclusion of Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They dubbed him a traitor and have demanded that he apologise.

"These are sensitive issues and I must remain out of it. Who and which channel shall distort, amend, cut paste, slow motion, back ground music my comment, one does not know. And also one does not know what stance the channel shall take on it. So, it is best to not comment at all," he added.

Shah Rukh is the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders IPL team.

Big b Hockey team urges me to spearhead fundraiser

Hockey team urges me to spearhead fundraiser: Big B
New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says that the Indian hockey team has urged him to "spearhead" its fundraiser concert in Chandigarh.

"The Hockey National Team is on its way back from training camp at Pune, and has a desire to meet me... The team has been struggling with their association and handlers for their pay to be settled," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com Sunday.

The concert is being organised by Pakistani singer Salma Agha. Rumours are rife that superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan also may join the event.

"They say I spearhead a concert to be held in Chandigarh to collect funds for them and their welfare. I have asked for details and shall see what can be done for a cause as noble as this," said Bachchan.

The Indian hockey team members went on strike in Pune early this month, protesting non-payment of sponsorship money and match fees.

Amitabh Bachchan Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at a promotional event Rann

Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at a promotional event for their latest film 'Rann' in New Delhi.