Breathe in a bit of Gujarat

Bhuj , Gujarat           Jan  22 ,  2012                   Sun  11 : 15 PM

Come … ! Breathe in a bit of Gujarat !!

Taking some very pretty ladies for a ride …

…. and the personal convoy to work .. police escort ambulance and all .. embarrassing na ?

Early call tomorrow at 5 am … with the birds … the real kind !!!

Love and goodnight ..

Amitabh Bachchan

I do not remember travelling through a State as extensively as the one I work on in such a limited time

Junagadh , Gujarat                  Jan  23 ,  2012                  Mon  11 : 28 PM

 I do not remember travelling through a State as extensively as the one I work on in such a limited time. Gujarat has been a revelation to me of culture and dress and food and custom and wondrous stories of the times when there was flourish and pageant and ceremony. It is there still and in perhaps a greater awareness, but just listening to the old stories of the region as you drive and fly past has been most rewarding.

Th early hours of the morning saw us packing all our belongings at Bhuj to drive to a location with the back waters and the birds that have migrated from the Northern Hemisphere, due to the extreme cold to milder weather here in the Rann of Kutch. There were all kinds of them, silently floating about in search of food in the gentle and still waters that line and fill up the otherwise arid terrain, on either side of the carriageway that winds its way along the countryside for miles. There is no vegetation, just the wild 'babool' shrubs with the infamous 'babool kanta' – the babool thorns. The cattle around does not eat it, nor is it of any use for the habitation. But there is talk of gently burning the shrubs to allow it to be scorched sufficiently in order that they can be used for coal burning. We asked and tried hard to find out how the burning of these shrubs could possibly produce coal ? But the villagers around would not relent and went about demonstrating how it was done and how this waste product had now become an earner for the poor villager. So be it.

The birds of various sizes and hues was a magnificent site to see, except we had forgotten to bring our binoculars, and so could not see much, and worse were unable to have a powerful enough lens to film them for camera stills. But some of the crew said they got some rather interesting shots of them before we arrived on the location and they would show it to us, but none did. Also there, it was back to wearing a helmet and on to a Royal Enfield Bullet bike, a bit ancient, but such a loved and popular piece of machinery ! That done we drove another few hours to a handicrafts village where the most exquisite designed clothing with the special embroidery work is accomplished by hand from very talented locals, excelling in their craft through generations and for the sale of it through various foreign buyers. Fascinating absolutely. And the dress and demeanor of their clothing very close to those one sees in adjoining Rajasthan State. That done, it was back to the car and the massive convoy that rides along, for another 2 hrs to the airport at Mundra and quickly out on to the waiting private jet to fly to Rajkot. So after about 5 hrs of driving since the morning and working on different locations it was back to the plane and on to the next city. Several hundred kilometers were flown over in just 20 mins and on arriving at the airport drove straight on for another 3 hrs to Junagadh.

We are all sore and exhausted, but the company has been lively and educative and interesting, so one never felt the time passing by. Also, thanks to the most generous publicity done by some of the very large and kind media presence, all the villages that we drove through had masses of people lining up on the side of the street, cheering us on which was such a rewarding gesture !

The tourism campaign has been a massive boon to the locals and what they were going to earn with great difficulty in an year, they were able to get that within a month, during the festival times and the general increase of the tourist population. Tourism has been a huge earner for any country or city or place of interest. With the economic situation in the West at not its best a great amount of attention is being paid to India, and one way of furthering it has been the efforts being made to bring in greater amount of tourists. American tourism has dropped from almost 16%, to a meagre 7%. Spain is trying to boost its economy through the path of enhanced tourism, and here in Gujarat thanks to this wonderful campaign, the percentage increase as I said earlier is bigger than in any other part of the country, and indeed greater than the National Campaign of 'Incredible India' …

Landing at Rajkot and driving through the streets to our next destination was nostalgic. I had come here ages ago for the shooting of my film 'Main Azaad Hoon' and had faced the ire and wrath of demonstrations against me, because of the false allegations on the Bofors matter. Students and elders and society in general waved black flags wherever I went, painting me out to be a traitor of the country, without any justification. I was asked to go back. But we stuck in with our work and after completing it did we return. Today life had changed. We fought the accusations against us in some of the major courts of the world, won and proved to those that had accused us that they were wrong and we were right. The real persons involved were named by the courts after intense judicial and intelligence procedures and efforts are on still to proceed against them legally. Today the airport is not as unwelcome as before. Today the media generously waits to capture the moment of my arrival. There is jubilation in the eyes of the public and garlands and flowers and gifts in place of the black flags. It took a while, but it proved that justice done was correct and faultless and all prevailing. I do not and never shall look upon it as a vindication, but instead look upon it as a portion of the learning process that life has to offer. Yes the public has a right to express their anger, but they equally are responsible for showing love on realizing that the facts were incorrect. It is wiser to appreciate this than to sit on procedure or ego or any pride that may well be the norm in such situations. I could go round turning the town red by rubbing in my innocence, but other than giving me a sore throat and colored hands, it would do nothing else. For me my happiness is that I am able to share this moment with you who are my Ef. I would hesitate to speak about it elsewhere. It does not appeal to me of being the right ethics. I would much rather gain the experience as a learning than beat a hollow drum about it.

In Rajkot too, Jaya and I have initiated a Blood Bank, which has grown to exceedingly worthwhile proportions and its success and progress reflects in its enhanced existence. The foundation stone for that was laid by me in this very city and today that complex and structure which started off as a small facility has become one of the leading blood banks of the country. I would much rather be proud of that, than of the vindicated victory. What worth will it bring to me to shout out the wrong of the other and my own right. Nothing. Best it would be to take that in as part of my destiny, part of my life's learning and move on to the next challenge. It may not always be fruitful. There could be a moment when things could go extremely wrong too, but at least one must make effort to face it and fight it rather than give in tamely. " I would rather be a plucky loser, if ever I were to lose, than to be one suffering from abject retired hurt, or an easy giving in "

In life nothing is permanent and nothing without struggle. If you are not prepared for it, or think otherwise, you could not be a bigger fool ..

My love always,

Amitabh Bachchan

--
Mahi

I have finally discovered the joys of being pampered by a pedicure

Jalsa , Mumbai            Jan  20/21,  2012        Fri/Sat 1 : 32 AM

  

I have finally discovered the joys of being pampered by a pedicure and a manicure. I have finally discovered why the ladies spend half their lives in the parlor. I have finally discovered what an idiot I was in not succumbing to the luxury of pretty ladies looking after your feet and hands while you comfortably watch the Australian Open Tournament. And I have finally discovered what a fine art it is to get your nails in shape. All my misgivings far far away from reality. And so shall they remain.

Off again to Gujarat tomorrow and into the second phase of the tourism campaign, which I must admit has turned out to be a magnificent success. The growth rate in tourism in Gujarat has been bigger and larger than the Government of India campaign Incredible India and that has made all those of us that were involved in the working of it, very proud. All those that criticized, all those that raised objectionable content against me, all laid to rest. It is satisfying to see how the work you put in succeeds, but even more so when it succeeds despite heavy apprehensive motivations. It is not in order to talk about achievements. Achievements have a habit of talking themselves, so one shall not rub in the moment. But one cannot but lament the expense of such negativity, the energy wasted and the destruction of all the positive forces within. Its futility is a heavy price to pay. Better then to wait for results before pulling out the sword from the scabbard.

Nikhat Kazmi a generous film critic from the Times of India stable, has passed away after a long struggle with cancer. A buoyant demeanor and a genuine lover of film, she was never too harsh in her assessments and comment. She was also rather liberal with the stars that she assigned to the ratings of the films released and in general was a much loved person in the community. Our prayers and condolences.

Many readers and followers of stars and their fans, many non interested watchers, general public, have wondered why celebrities when photographed in their cars entering or leaving a venue or event, have such peculiar looks on their faces. Well the reason is the above ! The media blocks your vehicle, does not allow it to move, flashes the daylights out of you with their multiple cameras, and if you dare touch them while driving out, which you can well imagine would require some dextrous skills, they would create mayhem and their channels would only run that portion where the ‘journalist was manhandled’.

And Filmfare wishes to acknowledge two personalities that have contributed greatly to our Industry and they talk to me about them because I shall not be able to be at the function. It is a Lifetime Achievement Award for the music duo and the masters in their craft Laxmikant Pyarelal — Laxmi ji we have sadly lost. The other is for my very first leading lady Aruna Irani, a fine and most accomplished artist in any field of performance, one that began her career in the most humble beginnings and worked her way up to glory and fame. So proud of them all and the fact that they be honored thus.

Good night dearest ones .. will attempt to connect from the regions of Gujarat in the next days and fervently hoping that I am able to get internet connections in the remote areas that we plan to visit. I shall be such a lost soul if I did not …

Love

Amitabh Bachchan 

Fashion of 1970s is back Amitabh Bachchan

Fashion of 1970s is back: Amitabh Bachchan


At 69, megastar Amitabh Bachchan makes quite a style icon with his designer jackets, suits, sherwanis, kurtas and sometimes, also his casual look! But he senses that the fashion world of 1970s is making a big comeback nowadays.

"They say fashion repeats itself after some years, so if you have saved some of the clothes of the 1970s, it is very likely that in a couple of years, spending for new latest designs would not be necessary," Amitabh posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.

A style icon of his times, the tall and handsome actor, who used to wear bell bottoms, says he let go of some of his belongings of the era, sometime back.

"I threw away an entire bunch of my old sunglasses and the kids could have killed me for it! They are all back in fashion again," he added.

One with a liking for sunglasses and spectacles, Big B says he misses the shades he wore in the 1978 movie " Don".

"I met some friends of this generation at a social evening and they asked me where I had got those tinted glares I wore in 'Don'. I told them they were my personal. They yippied and yupped about it, until I told them I had thrown them away," wrote the actor, who still has a penchant for eyewear.

As I scan through the comments of the Blog today

Jalsa , Mumbai             Jan 19 ,  2012                 Thu  11 : 11 PM

Today … Epiphany .. the great orthodox Christian celebration day .. blessings sought and may they prevail over us all, in every which way ..

  

As I scan through the comments of the Blog today, I am overwhelmed by the sincerity of thought, the delicacy of expression and the warmth of affection that has been poured onto the millions of words flowing out towards the legacy of my Father, his life, his contribution and in particular his worth not just for me, but all that he left behind. My words of gratitude shall befall a terrible vacuum if I were to attempt to express them, but I must acknowledge the graciousness with which each one of you have provided solace to me in the various ways that you have. What a wonderful word devised by the English tongue – thank you ! Simple and meaningful without any alternative. This and the other – sorry !!

I realize that if I were to even attempt putting together something of relevance as far as a dedication to my Father was concerned, I would fail miserably. But all of you have surpassed that which even I could not imagine or think of. There is such a deep sense of togetherness within us. A sense of being one, to stand by, to assist, to encourage, pray, deliver, that which sometimes near and dear ones fail to accomplish. No one asked you for it and neither did any one ever compel it upon you. You did it on your own feel, instinct and desire. No obligations, no return benefits sought, just a genuine human feel of doing what needs to be done – at times even more than that …

Where does all this come from ? When I with pride describe to those that are not acquainted with our world, they express cynically the fruitless endeavor that I indulge in. They make a mistake. It is not an endeavor at all. It is one that builds on its own strength and exists and flourishes. No one taught the other. No one gave any incentive. Nothing was forced or conditional. It just built itself independently.

Such independence can never be built if there was not a sense of deliberation. Of want, of commitment. The beauty of its execution puzzles the world that lives in tattered circumstances. Tattered not in terms of poverty or in a description that envelops lesser means, but in a sense of their own scattered thoughts – irreverent and so full of their own misfortune of not being able, or should I say capable, of creating this wonderful universe !

I love such that describe us in baser means. I love their abuse and dislike. For in doing so, they so clearly demonstrate that they are incapable and inefficient in accomplishing what we have accomplished. It is a genuine example of what they lack and what we possess, when they throw unadulterated bumff at us. It delights me that they do. I wish they would do it more often – it measures our success when they do !!!

I am approached by a music company of repute. They wish for me to record for them my Father’s works all over again. They have the rights to one that we did, my Father and me, many years ago – Bachchan recites Bachchan ! Now they wish me to sing some of his verse in my voice ! They present me with some gifts. And I am amazed what it is. It is the old style record vinyl LP player, along with some LP’s of my films. They tell me that this is what is being made popular by the generation next. The world has come round they say in full circle and I am most intrigued. When digital prevails at such rapid lengths to convert everything and all of it on to your mobile phone, I wonder how this old world charm has resurfaced and gaining popularity. So what … ? do we dig back our store house and extricate those discarded LP’s of yore. They say fashion repeats itself after some years, so if you have saved some of the clothes of the 70′s it is very likely that in a couple of years, spending for new latest designs would not be necessary ! I threw away an entire bunch of my old sunglasses and the kids could have killed me for it ! They are all back in fashion again. I met some friends of this generation at a social evening and they asked me where I had got those tinted glares I wore in DON. I told them they were my personal. They yippied and yupped about it, until I told them I had thrown them away. I was standing by a swimming pool when I said this and I could sense that had I not discreetly moved away from the scene of action, they would have taken the liberty of dumping me, fashion clothes and all, into the water. Boy, am I going to hang on to every piece of material that I possess, unless it is required by the old age home or the leprosy center that we support !

The night closes in. Traffic outside smoothens. The enterprising shall pull out their magnum bikes powered to the limit and roar down the streets. The sports models, low and aggressive looking, almost always inspired from the speeded animal species, shall most elegantly slither onto the main concourses and the almost with an expression of sudden freedom explode into the distance, leaving a few wide mouthed by standers, grabbing on to their clothing lest they loose them !

I shall now saunter down to my bed, warm my feet with the traditional and old world ‘hot water bottle’, perhaps catch a losing cricket game against the Ozzies and turn off the lights. My dreams these days are most vivid and of great intense visual value. But never strong enough to allow me their remembrance when I awake ! Strange, but sad too in a way.

The mobiles shall be put on charge next to me, an alarm for the morning gym shall be flashed and then after a thorough search as to which pillow shall be the coveted companion for the night … shut the eyes and hopefully the world !!

Time now ..

Amitabh Bachchan