Compiling these photographs from the hundreds that were taken has been a monumental task BigB

Compiling these photographs from the hundreds that were taken has been a monumental task BigB

London , UK      Apr  13,  2011       Wed 9 : 15 PM

Compiling these photographs from the hundreds that were taken has been a monumental task. But at least I have found some semblance of balance in reproducing them. May I also warn those that visit this page, that some of the visuals may be depressing and horrifying in content. Do visit them with care. If you do not wish to see them or read about them, you should shut the page !

The view from my window in Krakow. The great castle in front where the Kings lived and ruled from. Subsequently due to the numerous invasions that took place to gain control of the city, the castle served as their head quarters. It also houses most of the royal dead buried within the large walls, as also some of the prominent citizens that excelled themselves in various fields ~

Auschwitz ! And within the halls where dormitories existed of the prisoners or those that were about to be gas chambered are now kept some of the remains of those that were exterminated. Here hundreds of suitcases. The owners wrote their names and date of birth on the boxes as dictated by the Commandent of the camps. Notice the prominence of Jewish names and dates of birth. Some of them a few years old - children ! Women were the first to be exterminated. But because they refused to go without their children, they too went into the gas chambers !

In a corner of a street in Krakow, a symbolic cross and candles in the shape of the cross placed in memory of the President of Poland, who as you know died unfortunately last year around the same time, in an air crash near Moscow …

A street store on the road corner in the Jewish sector of the city !

My hand prints for the plaque to be placed on the pavement that runs along the great castle. Michael Jackson there too. A pink liquid preparation is mixed and put into that little square depth and hands asked to be put into it without moving. After some time that pink thick liquid starts to turn white in color and that is when they tell you to remove the hands …. the imprint remains !

The Mayor, the palace of his office and the ‘key to the city of Krakow’. A moment of great pride. Not for me but for who’s son I was and which nation I came from .. Many ask what special privileges come along with the key. I was once decorated similarly by the administration in New Jersey by the senator in charge and I asked him the same question. What are the specialities of having the key to the city. And he replied - ‘If you were to be pulled up for speeding on any highway in the state, then the officer would make sure that you were escorted to the nearest police station with utmost dignity !!!

At the Salt Mines … they put up our national flag in honor of my visit. Heart warming and filling myself up with pride for my country !!

The lift that takes you down into the various levels of the mines via a shaft. We went down to almost 40 m and then further to 100 m and finally to 140 meters !! It moves softly and without any semblance of panic to its passengers. The lift moves in blocks of lift boxes placed one above the other at separate levels. So I could be on level 1, the other box will be at level 2 above me and so on to a train of boxes of 3-4 in number. Then all doors of all the lift boxes are simultaneously shut and on one command, a hand operated manual bell, the entire train moves down and when it stops, it stops simultaneously at separate levels too.

Its 300 kilometres of salt mine. Spread out in these large galleries under the city. It took us half a day to traverse just 3 kilometres of the mine. That is Mark the celebrated guide. A marvelous gentleman, smiling all along and giving us vivid narrations of the operations in progress. At times when the ceiling became low, he would warn us in Hindi with ~ ‘Sar sambhal ke’ …. ‘mind your head’ … He informed us that he knew 140 ways to say this line in almost all the languages of the world !! made a lot of sense ! ha …

The most remarkable feature of the mines was that as they worked along, the laborers started carving through the salt rocks and started making objects and architectural images of so many different people ~ mostly tourists. Here now is an image of Copernicus, a philosopher and guide to many intelligentsia of the times.

Gnomes !! Considered to be lucky for the miners were carved at various places and revered. The carving I hope you will understand is just salt rock and nothing else. The women particularly liked the gnomes, and one particular gnome was singled out as being fortunate for the ladies. The belief being that if the ladies kissed him they would get a good husband ! The kiss was meant to be given on his mustache and since he was placed and carved out at a rather difficult spot to reach the ladies found it tough to get there. The philosophy being obviously that without a struggle you would not be able to get a good husband. However many ladies struggled, climbed and reached out to this gnome precariously parked on the edge of a steep precipice, planting a kiss on his moustache. All objects being made of the rock salt, in time the gnome lost one side of his mustache. The moustache in Polish culture being of great importance in a man. The guide Mark, very generously kept reminding the ladies in our entourage that his moustache was in perfect form and existence, in case a substitute was needed !!

The piece de resistance of the mine visit - an entire Chapel built within the mine … and all in salt !! The floor, the alter, the images of Christ and his story. An entire replica of any Church on land. And on particular days services are held here, where the miners and their families congregate to pray !! Even the chandeliers are made of salt. The electricity is of course the only exception. Unbelievable !!! This view is from a balcony as we walked towards it within the miles of salt shafts, streets, corridors and galleries. As we stood looking down at this amazing feature, the lights dimmed, a silence descended and then … gentle strains of Chopin broke out from the system around the entire facility. Inside this large cauldron, this excavated space through salt, this almost 30 metres of height and breadth, as the music drifted by one just could not control the burst of emotion that arose within. The goose bumps erupted and the tears welled up as we all stood there in uncontrollable wonder and amazement !! What a moment ! It has to be seen and experienced to believe it.

Carvings on the sides of the chapel depicting stories and events from the Bible …

The Mother Mary standing inside a carved salt enclosure, but made of white salt. The light behind giving it that feeling of divinity and also declaring that the material is indeed a translucent salt.

In front of the alter. All placements and positions just like in a chapel … but carved in salt. Even the flooring is not blocks of cement .. it is carved salt !!

In one end of the walls, the Last Supper … the dimensions are not great - just a few centimeters of depth, but they look as though a large portion of the mine wall was dug out to give this effect ..

At the University to unveil the portrait of my Father … in Krakow !

A metallic head lying distraught in the middle of their main square .. Shweta took this picture as did she most of the others. She asked me get inside the head and push my face out from one of its eyes - it is possible to do that - but I desisted. I gave her an alternative - could I pick his nose at she clicked - she shouted me out on that and this sedate posture was finally approved ..

And Shweta … in a lovely flowing ghaghara ! Looking stunning and attracting all the crowds in the square !!

The barracks at Auschwitz …

The entrance gate with those words on it which I think said ‘through labor will you gain’ … a decoy to mislead all those that were being brought here to be exterminated. They were given to understand that they were being brought here to do labor. The fit and healthy were indeed put to such task, the ill and weak were gassed. Ironically, the fit and healthy were used to pick up the dead and either bury them in mass graves or assist in incinerating them. The barracks were actually not especially built for concentration camps. They had housed Polish soldiers during the war. When the Germans invaded, they removed the soldiers and made this into what later came to be known as extermination camps. They got them free of cost ! Many that were brought her never entered the barracks ever. They were taken straight from the trains that came in bearing them and marched into the gas chambers, stripped of all clothing naked in front of their families and strangers it was the humiliation and embarrassment of the moment. They were told that they were being subjected to a process of disinfection to make sure no disease was being carried in, but in fact were brutally killed.

Tons of human hair of the prisoners kept in a glass enclosure from the shavings of all those that came to the camp. The hair was used to make clothing material by the Nazi’s ..

Remains of little children that were exterminated …

The wall of death … where the inmates of the camp were brought in large numbers and shot dead in a courtyard in the barracks. We enter with a prayer and stand in silence in their memory !!

The dreaded gas chamber ! Now greened and made to look presentable .. and by its side in front of it within 50 feet this …

….. at the far end, the house of the Commandant of the camp. Not more than 50 feet in front of the gas chamber … living there quite normally in his domesticity, with his wife and 5 children. Did they not ever feel the horrific atrocity that was being enacted in front of them every day - in front of their house - with women and children ! What did these people do to exist in such circumstances. What were they made of. Surely they were not humans !! But this particular Commandant was caught after the loss of Germany and tried and found guilty and hung in front of the gas chamber as you see now ~ on the gallows below !

The chamber … almost 700 to 800 hundred of them were pushed into one chamber and the gas released from the roof. When they realized what was going to happen to them they started praying and began singing. Within minutes they were all gone !!

The final moment …being incinerated in these large fire intense facilities, after the gas right next door. All systematically  worked out in great detail .. the ashes either thrown away and not even given to the victims relatives or friends. Thrown away in the Vistula River that flows alongside the city and the camp…

Need I say anymore ….

Amitabh Bachchan

It is now becoming impossible to put into words what unfolds each day in this wondrous city

It is now becoming impossible to put into words what unfolds each day in this wondrous city

Krakow, Poland     Apr  12/13,  2011     Tue/Wed  1 : 25 AM

It is now becoming impossible to put into words what unfolds each day in this wondrous city. I sit down at my desk and ruminate where and how one should start. I make mental notes throughout the day and each hour I feel the need to start again because the events that follow have overtaken those that went by.

Sitting atop the balcony of the picturesque National Museum, looking down over the main square, I am asked early in the morning through an interview what brings me to Krakow, why and how I feel about my visit my impressions of the place and whether I am surprised that the Poles have interest in Hindi and Hindi Cinema.

I do not have an adequate answer. I do not have any answer at all. I fumble with my words at giving a credible reply, but fail. Each day has been more rewarding than the other. Each moment made special by concerned and caring hosts and each location that I am introduced to leaves me searching for the apt expression to describe its value and its presence.

At the New University and in its time cared legacy, one is exposed to the wondrous tales of invention and discovery. To the custom and grandeur and protocol and pageantry of the times gone by. Of the importance that was directed towards education and the right atmosphere and condition and personnel to pursue this most essential requirement. The time and money spent in building the ambience towards learning, of creating structures that would remain through the ages, symbols that would be remembered through time immemorial. The vision and the process of thought, the right choice of those that taught and those that learnt, the environment filled with aesthetic ambience, in order that the student felt privileged to be in those magnificent surroundings.

In one of their ornate halls, and there are several such, the Dean unveiled the portrait of my Father, painted by a local artist from a picture that I had given them and then went on to commit that the library that was under construction would name its Hindi Section after my Father. An honor and an accomplishment which one would not have dreamed about ever. Poland, Krakow, University, Sanskrit, Hindi, Father’s legacy with them … just not being able to comprehend. But it all happened and happened with the kind of grace and respect that the subject demanded.

That over, we drove down an hour to Auschwitz, the concentration camps and the horror of the gas chambers during the most dastardly acts of the holocaust. The barracks where the prisoners were housed, the chambers where they were gassed, that Wall of Death where they were shot without reason and then the hair raising visuals of the tons of shaven hair sealed in glass chambers for visitors to observe, shoes, clothing, glasses, objects of personal belonging … all bringing on a surge of emotion and dumbstruck wonder on the inhuman atrocities that the Jews were subjected to.

We stand in silence inside the gas enclosure, place a wreath of flowers at the Wall of Death and come out into the open cold fresh air in pouring rain to just not wanting to believe what we had witnessed. Most of the tour that was given to us by a lady was conducted in silence. There was nothing to say. Everything was before us to imagine and access what would have transpired there. Even though there are hundreds of visitors in several different groups that move about, not a sound is heard from anyone. No one speaks, and no one exclaims. A motley crowd of tourists simply walk about from one locale to another as though in a stupor.

Returning back from the camps I get into bed for a while to try and rest away the horrid experience of this heartbreaking location, but it does not help. Still living in the world of that uncontrolled savagery I am driven across to the Theatre for a recitation of my Father’s works to an anxious, intelligent and literate crowd of limited people in a semi circular stage. And even though time is limited I am able to present a cross section of poems, making ‘Khoon ke Chape’ the most prominent one simply because its theme is similar to the emotion of the holocaust - to allow the preservation of the sites where such insufferable events occurred, so that they could remain as rude reminders of the horrendous history and that a repeat of it never took place.

Soon after the recital, limited though it was because of paucity of time, was the opening film of the festival, ‘Black’. The introductions of praise were embarrassing for me to bear. But how does one control it. I was to introduce the film and then depart, but I stayed back to see it. I was seeing it after its premier in Mumbai on the time of its release and I had to admit to the genius of  Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the Director and Producer of the film.

When honor and credit towards my country in  foreign land takes place. When Auschwitz and recitation of my Father takes place. When Black closes the day … you tell me … how does one describe these 24 hours …

I have been unable to ..

Love and good night .. it is 2:15 AM here in Poland ..

Amitabh Bachchan

I have left Krakow the original capital city of Poland BigB

I have left Krakow the original capital city of Poland

Krakow, Poland     Apr 11 ,  2011    Mon  11 : 45 PM  local time

“Where do I begin” … really where do I begin ! Its has been a day that shall ever remain etched in memory, the little that I have left. Krakow, the original capital city of Poland, or often referred to as the Capital of Royals, or the royal capital has converted me into a fan of endless proportions.

The love the affection and the affable nature of the Polish has been absolutely beyond compare. Everywhere you turn an endearing smile greets you. The politeness with which you are addressed touches you to a point of embarrassment. The city itself, clean organized heritage maintained and preserved just like it was at the time of its construct is an amazing feature, in days otherwise overburdened by modern structure and ambiance.

It is cold and windy as my hosts walk me down the pavement lining the Vistula river meandering down the edges of the city, which like most other cities the world over has been built, by the banks. Most civilizations too have lived and grown and prospered in cities along the rivers of the world. Krakow is no less.

Within the awe inspiring walls of the Great Castle and below in its shadows, we are shown where the plaque shall eventually be placed. It is a winding pathway that runs along the river and as we strode along I noticed the decoration for Michael Jackson, there in its glory looking up at humanity that walked by, with a name and a hand print elegantly structured through an intricate process. Back in the room of the Hotel the dye was being cast. Chemicals were ready and mixed, instructions on how the hand should be placed administered and the two hands dipped into a cold sluggish like material - the paste that shall give impressions of the ‘life line’ and ‘heart line’ and the ‘health condition’.

As you hold steady the hands dipped slightly in the solution, the pink paste starts to turn white - indication that within seconds the hands need to be removed, as the job is over. The main square beckons us and what had been visited the previous night on Elizabethan like carriage, is now visible to us in greater detail as we walk, clothed to the hilt, around the square. The architecture is fascinating, for, it comes from the influence of several countries that made attempts to invade Poland and indeed Krakow. I have the pictures taken by my ever efficient daughter Shweta, who is quite an enthusiast when it comes to imagery.

The description of the visit in detail shall be incomplete and devoid of any soul, if I do not have the pictures to back up my writing, so we shall allow that to pass to another day.

So after a series of heavy media following, some of them from India too I was whisked away to the Palace of the Festival for one on ones and a quenching by hot lemon dipped water and biscuits of various sizes and shapes.

I think the people following around grew perhaps in a manner that seemed to threaten the activities scheduled, and so an escort police car took over and guided us to the various other locations.

The Mayor Palace was just around the corner and in this ornate and well maintained building, the Mayor welcomed me in his Polish translated address, at the end of which he presented to me the ” Key of the City “. This is a humbling moment and I thank the dignitary for considering me for this honor. He has, by honoring me, honored my country and my fraternity, of which I am a proud individual.

It has started to rain and an overcast sky greets us, as we step out onto the cobbled pavement to travel to that other wonder for the day - the Alvernia Studios, a half hour drive from the city center. This is a unique studio complex built by a man that stared off by running a small radio station and when its numbers went up, sold it and put his entire stake in this facility.

This Alverna is so futuristic, so complex, so advanced in thinking it has to be seen to be believed. Its ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ meets ‘Star Wars’. And that is, unfortunately, the best description that I can give at the moment.

Away from futuristic to natural reality was our next escape - the Salt Mines !

Now … it is not something that I would like to mention in passing. It would require more time and space to fully absorb first, the idea of the mine, and then be able to recreate it on paper. I shall therefore beg to be excused, with the promise that I shall deliver the ‘goods’ by the morrow !!

I sleep now a man possessed with the stunning visuals of the day, of an experience that has never been witnessed by me before and with that one singular promise that Krakow shall most certainly be visited again …

Sleep well my dears … I certainly shall …

Love

Amitabh Bachchan

BigB at work Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap Movie on the streets in Lokhandwala

A higher vantage point was the only way to circumvent a security cordon to capture him


The tip-off: That Amitabh Bachchan, Sonu Sood and Sonal Chauhan were shooting for Puri Jagannath's Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap on the streets in Lokhandwala, Andheri, on Friday.


The scene: It required the Big B to drive down in his car, step out, look at Sonu's bullet-ridden body, appear shocked and run while a weeping Sonal looks on.


Security cordon: There was a heavy security cordon around the area. The security folk tried to prevent me from taking pictures. I reminded them that it was a public place and everyone had a right to click away but they kept harassing me to move away.

How I got the pictures: I looked around and realised that if I had to get my photos I would have to take them from a higher vantage point. Actor Ronit Roy's office on the seventh floor of a building nearby looked like an ideal spot. These pictures were shot from one of his office windows...
news mid-day

A smooth and comfortable ride over most of Western Europe BigB

A smooth and comfortable ride over most of Western Europe

Krakow, Poland        Apr  10,  2011       Sun  11 : 45 PM  local time

A smooth and comfortable ride over most of Western Europe, over the Channel and vast fields of green and minute cities in France and Germany and into Poland and then Krakow through a few dark clouds and high winds. It is cold on stepping out on the tarmac, but the warmth of the reception is comforting and affectionate.

Its a small drive from the airport to the Hotel and then immediately to scheduled programs. The city important persons have given a dinner in honor at the oldest restaurant in the city. We are warmly clad because it is biting now, the cold, and then rushed into horse drawn carriages. They are smart and white, with all provisions in place for a comfortable ride over cobble stones. I suddenly feel I am in Elizabethan era, sitting with dressed and glamorously gowned ladies with hats on them and the countryside passing by.

The Great Palace, a huge and picturesque structure lies just in front of the hotel we are in. It is awesome and inspiring. Other old buildings slowly pass by in glimmer and old world charm. There is Italian, and French and Gothic and other important features that have gone into the architecture, in making the city it is. Most of the city was left undamaged during the War - Hitler wanting to make this his base city, spared it from any destructive operations. Over dinner there is protocol and discussion on various topics. The history and culture of the place has given us an entire meaning of what Poland is all about. Dinner is elegantly served and below the first floor where we dine, hundreds have come out in their numbers, darkly dressed holding candles and a prayer in their voices. There is a certain discipline and grace about what we see from the window. A short walk later this walking candle holding congregation, kneels and prays …

It is the first death anniversary of their President, who as you may recall died when their plane crashed on its way to Moscow on this very day a year ago. A respect for the departed leader and a deep sentiment expressed by the people of Poland.

There is opportunity for some great photography and I shall indulge so it can be shown to all EF. But I believe a Tv team follows wherever we go. It could be a Tv Channel - input but so long as its noticed that is fine with me.

Tomorrow they take my hand prints to be preserved and kept secure. The keys of the city follow and then perhaps a showing of ‘BLACK’ LATER ON AT THE FESTIVAL .. There shall be a visit to the University and the awe it would give me on knowing that many there speak Hindi. During the early years, so the expert translater informs, sanskrit used to be taught there at the University. And soon I shall be going there to officiate the best foots forward.

I tire now … i must to bed.

I shall fill in more by tomorrow …. usual time ..

Amitabh Bachchan