Posted on: May 4, 2008 - 4:07 am
Prateeksha, Mumbai May 4, 2008 4:07 am
A more comprehensive retort to Minister Ramadoss -
I appreciate your concern for the general health of our nation, particularly so as this is your professional remit as minister. Indeed, I admire and encourage your speaking out against addictive and dangerous substances that cause early mortality and violence by their abuse.
However, these addictive substances are structural aspects of our economy and it is in this manner where government action would be most effective: penalties for their production and sale would convince an electorate of the serious intentions of your administration. Due to the intimate relationship between a healthy and dynamic democracy and education, punitive financial measure MUST be allied to better public health campaigns that do not merely pronounce upon behaviours, but actually inform and persuade.
Nevertheless, it is without question that in a democracy, treating citizens as autonomous individuals capable of rational judgement and practicing self-government in their own choices about how they lead their lives is actually of greater importance than the specific concerns of any particular health campaign.
It is the duty of a democratic government to provide its citizens with adequate information from which to make their own informed choices about life style, within the context of legislation that prohibits those individual choices from causing general harm to others.
It is the duty of the citizen to inform themselves of the nature of their private choices and practise responsible judgement. Any other arrangement produces a citizenry of children. Good parenting demonstrates that to make an individual more responsible, one must give them individual responsibility.
With regard to the use of alcohol or drugs of any kind in films, you seem to misunderstand the medium. It is an art form. Good art only flourishes in freedom. Legislating against the use of particular props, such as alcohol or tobacco, in films is a direct attack on such freedom. As an art form, it is not the business of the film industry to promote government agenda. If made so, then it is no longer art. It is mere propaganda, no matter how worthy the cause.
With national suicide rates soaring, would you strip Hamlet of his bare bodkin? Would you ban his immortal lines whether to be or not?
May 4th, 2008 at 4:09 am
wow we are on the blog at the same time…you are posting while i am reading…it feels too great..
anu from beijing
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:11 am
Dear Amitji,
While I can not claim any exclusivity for being a huge fan of yours, there are a few little stories of my “Amitabh Quest” that you may find amusing.
In the 1990s I spent a good amount of time working in Bombay and had the occasion to see/meet a lot of film industry people. But the one person I was desperate to meet was you. As luck would have it, I met almost everyone but you.
Determined to do something about it, I once came all the way up to the gate of your home in the hope of catching a glimpse of you. Not knowing any better, I hung around and even spoke to the security personnel over there on the pretext of finding an address (which btw, was really obvious anyway…he must have figured me for a moron!)
Soon after, I also went to your office at Ashoka hotel (I think) and left my resume there for a position with your company. It was a wonderful surprise when I did get a positive response some time later. Unfortunately I had moved out of Bombay by that time and had other professional commitments.
A couple of years ago, while applying for admission to a US Univ I was asked to write about one person who I would have liked to spend an hour with and why. I wrote a 1000 word essay about why I would like to spend the time with you and my reason was not the fact that I am a huge fan of your screen persona, but the fact that you have led an extremely exemplary life particularly in dealing with adversities, overcoming them and yet letting your work speak for itself rather than trumpeting your achievements. You would be happy to know that I received a full scholarship to that particular University.
I consoled myself thinking that maybe one day I would get the chance to share these stories with you, but had no idea how it would happen. Until now, when we see you in your new avatar of a blogger. Being able to reach out to you like this has finally allowed me to share these stories with you. And I thank you for the time you spent reading my post.
Also, thanks to you blog, your fans have come to know you at a much more direct and personal level. It is refreshing to read your viewpoint directly about so many issues and also know that what is reaching the readers is not tainted or blurred by the voice/bias of the media. While I understand why a lot of readers feel you need not justify your actions/statements to the press I also agree with your stance that you should express yourself.
Finally, your blog has also allowed us to know you as someone extremely adept at putting thoughts into words. This is one talent of yours that I’m sure the huge fan mass of yours was unaware of and I’m very glad we are getting to know it now.
I look forward to your upcoming tour to the US this year and hope to finally see you in person on stage.
Wishing you all the very best, now and always.
Rajesh
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:11 am
Sir with lots and lots of respect— you are right about this whole issue, clean your own house first ……… Its all make believe world, if he is so concerned , he should start from the government first.
I love the way you express yourself and your take on these issues , keep writing Sir.
Sir – friendly reminder about Dilip’s saahib’s letter………request from my post few days ago
With lots and lots of respect, Deepak from Vancouver ( Canada )
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:15 am
Dear Amitabh Bachchan ji
i dont know how to write on your blog but i found this to convey a message which i wrote to President of India.
With Respect
President of India
i am living in London from last 5years but i always watch Indian News channels. I am very hurt and sorry to say that the kind of Politics or say the coments politicians are using in theri speech hurts every true Indian and make them feel Shame.
this is utter nonsense which Raj Thakre is doing in Mumbai, he is showing Racism against Indians only. India is one country we do not have any different parts of India, yes we do have different States in india to run the country smoothly.
i do agree that we do speak different languages and we do have different culture in different parts of india, but this is because of the size of country we have and this makes us unique and colourful in the world.
the way Raj thakre is commenting on Shri Amithabh Bachchan ji and other people is absolutely wrong and unacceptable. Amitji is a star of India who has given a lot of things to our country and a recognition of Hindi Cinema internationally.
my request to you is to take some strict steps to stop all this illogical, unethical probably illeagal comments.
kind regards
saurabh agarwal
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:19 am
Dear Amitji,
Impressive retort! I have written to you on this issue elsewhere on this blog. I will always defend the right of people of the arts to express themselves.
As a doctor I am very skeptical of the way youngsters in the West are going downhill succumbing to to lures of the bottle. And do wish the children of our country would have more good sense than to ape their foreign counterparts. Yet, education and awareness is the ultimate solution. One cannot roadroller a nation into accepting government dictat. And to drive good sense in one cannot be dictatorial, forgetting that we live in a democracy.
If one wants to smoke or drink away his life, go ahead. But I guess there are far easier ways to die than to chose something so slow and painful. Use the film medium to show the effects of abuse. But to choke it is this manner is perfectly idiotic.
Wish Dr Anbumani Ramadoss would look at basic health including sanitation, clean drinking water, diarrhoeal diseases and malnutrition first. It is shameful to see people dying of lack of basic needs in what is now called a developed country.
Anshu
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:28 am
Hello Mr Bachchan
Thank You for sharing. Its great.
You are the best Sir, take care and keep going on.
All the best
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:31 am
Beautifully said!!!
I have been writing the same to various editors who’ve run his proposed banning of smoking and now alcoholism in films. I just don’t get it. Why is he the Health Minister if all he wants to do is play the blame game. Does he think that surveys are only done in India on how young people get addicted to smoking and drinking, etc.? It’s an internationally based social problem. Smoking and drinking isn’t only on the rise in India. Its on the rise within the youth of America, Europe, etc. Its prevalent throughout the world.
True, he doesn’t care what steps other countries are taking, but you know what, as a capitalist nation, the U.S. believes that Freedom of Speech should be upheld regardless of health. It is the user’s freedom to do whatever he/ she wants with their health. All the Federal Government (heck even State Governments) can do is educate the youth of the nation against the perils of smoking and drinking.
Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the parents to safe guard their children against such debilitating evils. Why is he not reprimanding the parents of these youth? Is it because these youngsters are hiding from their parents and taking up these propagations for an unhealthy future? If so, then they already know that its wrong. So, why blame the film industry and why institute a ban.
If you ask me, and I don’t smoke or drink (I consider it a sign of weakness), banning smoking and drinking on screen isn’t going to do any good at all. Ever heard of peer pressure??? Gosh! I wish I could speak to this man and hammer some common sense into him. I can’t stand ignorance of any sort. He should first educate himself and then blab to the media.
Sorry, I just had to vent. He’s really pissing me off.
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:33 am
Dear Amitabh Sir !!!
Balanced , Logical , Reasonable, Thought Provoking , Encouraging & Honest response to advise extended by Honourable and Handsome Minister of Health, Mr. Ramadoss !!!
Though Mr. Ramdoss did not state illogical too… but probably.. not in right perspective ….
Mr. Ramdoss in the whole process is silently….becoming popular in film industry…..
No Wonders….Mr. Minister (Who looks nevertheless a film Hero) wishing to persue his next career in films by advicing (attacking) prominent film personalities……
Regards
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:34 am
I would like to add that to some extent, movies show what is somewhat prevailing in society! If more movies show politicians, judiciary and police as corrupt in India, as compared to them being honest and brave, it is a clear reflection of what are ground realities. Viewers have a discretion and they usually discard the movies that look too unrealistic! So, if you show the politicians as corrupt and that’s too far from reality, people will definitely not like it. How many american movies show the general law & order as corrupt? They do not as it is not prelevant. In addition, in my limited experience, I’ve seen that usually Hindi movies portray the hero to be kind gentleman (or god like) not chewing tobacco, drinking in bar or enjoying the vulger dances! It is always the bad people shown linked to all these things. If you really remove the link between bad elements of society and these substances, it will blur the line that demarcates a good guy from bad guy in the art form such as TV and Movies!!
Similarly, even though you can ban liquor, tobacco and related products in advertisement, unless sale is restricted, how can you stop it? Due to this corruption prelevant in our law & order that there are tobacco and liquor shops close to school and colleges! School children can easily obtain these products. Can we have the government to focus on such ground issues rather than criticizing the art forum/ surrogate ads which may or may not have direct relationship with tobacco/ liquor use! It is really frustrating for me as an Indian that Govt. wants to force others to follow the rules and doesn’t want to do enough to cleanse the internal working!!
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:38 am
Dear Sir,
what are you doing there, still awake after 4 am? Don’t you think it’s already too late for a “more comprehensive retort to Minister Ramadoss”?
Too late also because your first one already made the rounds on the internet, being published (in excerpts) in online newspapers, forums, and other blogs. It’s so witty and spot-on, the online media lapped it up and you can’t take it back now, to exchange it for another version.
Still, this new one has its merits. For foreigners like me, it’s indeed more comprehensive (if less entertaining), and as a part-time screenwriter I agree with your definition of films as art. Films have been used for “education” (or propaganda) before, even in my country (Germany) - but not by democratic governments.
So I hope God (and good sense) will save us from films
- with only politically correct and mentally stable characters, who don’t smoke, or drink, or flirt, or have depressions and other personal crises, or eat unhealthy food;
- with only veiled and chaste heroines who stay at home and obey their parents;
- with action heroes who are not allowed to drive too fast or to do dangerous stunts.
The health ministers of this world would be the only ones to applaud. In empty cinemas all over the planet…
Sir, I hope you’re fast asleep by now - it’s 1 am even in my country now, and I will switch off my computer now, to start to dream of better (and more exciting) films…
With love and regards,
Elisabeth
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:42 am
Quite appropriate comment. Ramdass is afflicted by the same disease as Arun Jaitly - arrogance. Give him a long rope and he will hang himself.
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:50 am
Dear Sir,
I have written to you many times and i check my email everyday o see if u have replied.
Please do help me.
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:50 am
Bonsoir Monsieur Bachchan,
Je suis admirative de voir de quelle façon merveilleuse et harmonieuse vous conciliez votre vie d’artiste et de politicien. C’est très admirable!
C’est une des raisons je pense pour lesquels vous êtes largement admiré par tant de personnes venant des quatres coins du monde.
J’espère que vos actions en tant qu’homme politique et artiste aussi feront avancer un merveilleux pays tel que l’Inde où subsiste encore tant de misère et d’injustices, à côté d’un univers aussi glamour qu’est celui de Bollywood.
Bon courage, et que Dieu vous vienne en aide….
God bless you and your family, take care….
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:58 am
Hi Amitabh Sir,
This is the most prolific blog of yours…I could appreciate it to greater extend as I have been thinking over this for quite a few days..
Actually I am working here in Germany these days..and observe the difference between our own country and these developed nations,..
And the difference as I could see is not just because of wealth, the average income, the population..but there is a significant difference in general attitude of people..there view on the way of living a life..
You can watch cars stopping at each signals..no matter what time is it..it may be at the middle of the night..People never rush while boarding to Buses, trains..etc..everyone is aware of there responsibilities while leaving in society..
and here we lag behind..despite of one of the oldest civilizations…we have lost our virtue of leading the life with responsibility ..one of the reason I see for this is the lack of freedom..liberty which is being offered in our democratic country…compulsions..constraints on every new thing a person would want to try..everything has to be first gauge on the scale of public opinion which will of course be decided by handful of self-proclaimed intellectual brains..
We have made people of our country parasites simply by not trusting them…always being skeptic about what would they take from it..or how would they react…
Long live India..
Thanks and Regards,
Sachin
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May 4th, 2008 at 5:07 am
Good evening Mister Bachchan,
I want to add that I totally agree with you.(so i have to speak english, try to speak! :P)
In fact i think people are free to choose which is good or bad for them, we call it “freedom”, and it’s a great and indispensable principle.
However, it’s the duty of a democratic country to help people in their choice, i mean not to show what is really bad or not, but to show How it is bad or not.
All countries do not have to forget the principle for which the millions of people died, this principle called FREEDOM.
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May 4th, 2008 at 5:12 am
Dear Amitabh
I am writing on your blog for the first time. I am at present studying medicine in london. Came to know about your blog through a TV news. Its good to read your views and I tend to agree on some especially the above one.
I must mention that though I like you a lot but there was someone else in my family who was a bigger fan of yours. My brother actually changed his name from Amit to Amitabh after seeing your movies. He was studying medicine in Mumbai and was a Gold medalist throughout his education but left us as perhaps God needed him much more than we did. He was as full of life and as confident as you are, may be slightly more. Whenever I think of him, I also remember his love for you. Anyways, I am planning to name our new house as Amitabh’s. It’s still surprises me how someone can affect someone’s life to such a extent without even knowing each other.
Wish you Health and Happiness
Aashish
London
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May 4th, 2008 at 5:23 am
Mr. Bachchan, it’s high time you took an offensive on these MNS cockroaches. Petty politics is one thing, violent poison puking is absolutely another. Perhaps, you should request the Center (good luck) to get these monkeys off your back.
People like me, living comfortably in the States can’t do much for you but it’s a travesty seeing a gentle giant being push around like this for no fault of his own….I wish I could do something!!
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May 4th, 2008 at 5:34 am
Dear Mr Bachchan,
It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to write to you.For someone who has grown up on your movies,this blog is a heaven send opportunity for fans like us to communicate with you.Your blog has become a way of life for me for the past few weeks.Your posts convey that not only are you a great actor but also you are blessed with amazing clarity of thought and a wonderful ability to express yourself through your words and writings.It is always a pleasure to hear you speak, the latest examples being your speech at the Shobha De event and your interview with Barkha.I pray to god that you continue in movies for atleast another 2 decades.I always thought that I was the only one with such feelings for you but after going over the comments posted by other readers it seems there are thousands of others like me all over the world.
Believe me, it is a nice sunny afternoon here in california,perfect for lazing around and no other actor in the entire world would get me out of my bed right now to post a comment at a blog site…:-))….By the way,please keep hitting out
at folks like Salim Khan and Shatru and show them their true place…..It is ironical that Mr Salim Khan is giving you unsolicited advice on how to conduct yourself when his son,Salman is a law unto himself… (sometimes, when he is not doing charity) and has among other things has been to jail a couple of times!!!
Eagerly awaiting your movies Bhootnath,Sarkar Raaj and hope you come to California on your “Unforgettable show” so that we can catch up with you…
Regards,
Nishan
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May 4th, 2008 at 5:38 am
Dear Amitabh ji,
It is an extremely joyous occassion in my life to be writing on your blog with the realisation that this will be a direct communication between you and me!!!! A very heady feeling!!!!
I have read all the entries on your blog at one go spending about 6-8 hours and just now heard on the NDTV about your response to Dr Ramdoss.
Technical issue first- I cannot access your May 17 blog entry even though May 16 and May 17i are both prefectly accessible.
If I start writing about my feelings about all that you have mentioned in the last 2 weeks it will become too long and probably no one will have the patience to read it all. so just to summarise, it is an eye opener to know that even the most celebrated and the most famous of the celebrities such as you also have the same problems in your day to day life as us- the common people. The same backbiting from others, the same petty politics of making mountains of molehills and the same sense of helplessness and distress at the machinations of the other shrewd people/politicians.
Actually these and some other problems peculiar to my state- jammu and kashmir were the reason for my moving to UK even though by grace of GOD I was doing quite well in my profession.
The reason I had to write to you today is to voice the fear of losing this precious portal of hearing your views and being able to communicate directly with you. As one can gather from your previous enteries and also from the problems with your various projects like Miss World, the powers that be have many ways of creating difficulties for you and I suspect the way your blog is becoming a roaring success, there would definately be some jealous souls and some scared souls and some miffed souls who would be looking for opportunities to put a spanner in the wheels and try to derail your blog. Therefore for the sake of your fans if not for your own sake, it is your formost duty, if I may humbly say so, to make sure nothing that you write here is used as an excuse by anyone to try and stop your blog. Take legal advice, or the help of some journalist friends or whatever else it takes, but please please make sure that whatever you write here is worded in such a way that it cannot be challenged anywhere- in the courts or the legislative assemblies etc. We just cannot afford to lose this portal of communication with you.
One more point before I close, I have noticed that your I’s are not in capitals which was the case with my typing when I started using the computer a few years ago- couldn’t be bothered correcting each I, did not have the patience!! but in your case I suspect it is the time factor. Maybe as you progress, it will be corrected. cheers.
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May 4th, 2008 at 5:41 am
By the way, Mr Bachchan, I know this is ridiculous but your acknowledgement of my comment posted earlier would really make my day….:-))
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May 4th, 2008 at 5:50 am
Hi Sir,
i hope billions will endorse your view & so do i.
Your fan,
Nimesh,raipur
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May 4th, 2008 at 5:50 am
Tackled in true AB style!! Facts stated in a neutral and respectful tone.
I hope they learn something from you. Silence should ensue and after some introspection, maybe the likes of Salim Khan and others will focus their energy and talents on writing some great works for you.
PS: I wanted to know if you have heard about ” A New Earth” by Ekhart Tolle. A great read. Would love to know your take on this book.
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May 4th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Oh my god!!!! don’t you ever go to sleep Mr. Bachchan….Please Mr Bachchan, since millions follow you, I don’t want the world to get ideas that ultra successful guys like you,are,because you sleep less..in this competitive world,i don’t want my peers to get ideas which will have a direct impact on my 8 good hours of slumber….
Nishan
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May 4th, 2008 at 5:58 am
Hello Mr. Bacchan,
I like reading the stuff posted by you….. typically I would not reply, but this time I would like to for two reasons -
First being that I agree to your comment on alcohol or drugs used in cinema. I think our ministers should understand that these substances are one of the most high revenue earnings for the government and if they are so concerned, they should focus on banning it country wide and rather ban in cinema.
Second reason is personal as I thought no one else had posted comments yet, and having an opportunity to be the first person to comment may gain more of your attention.
anyway… nice post,
Deepesh
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May 4th, 2008 at 5:58 am
Hello Sir,
In addition to my previous response, I cant behold myself from adding further to it. I am really amazed by the fact that how much committed you are towards your job. Its another aspect that we should take up from you. This platform has given us the opportunity to explore those thoughts which differentiate the personalities like you from us. But it has also made me feel that there is somewhere a hero within us as well. Its just that people of your caliber are able to implement them.
I hope that there is a lot more for us to explore and to bring us up to a better individuals from all these thoughts you share with us.
I hope that your blogs will certainly take much more out from me and would definitely help me develop as a better individual as I feel i have a long way to go ( since i am just in school right now ..:) ) . Thanks a lot again!
Take Care
Thanks and Regards
Sagar
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May 4th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Hello Amitji,
How are you doing?
Salute to your punctuality & enthusiasm for writing & to be in touch with us through this blog. It’s amazing to see your blog at this point of time, just after you reach home after mid-night.
But I hope you are maintaining your health as well.
And I am sure you are taking good care of it.
I have been writing once in 2 days to you hoping one fine day you will reply.
I have become a regular reader of your notes on this blog. And feels really great to know news about you directly from no one but “Amitabh Bachnan” himself.
Would you please inform us about the dates of your World Tour “The Unforgettable” in the USA? Or direct to any website/agency/company managing the event so that we can book our tickets in advance & block those dates?
You can reply if its still not official to reveal the details but otherwise would really appreciate if you can let us know the details.
Awaiting your reply till you get back
Yours truly,
Apurva Vaidya (appu_123@hotmail.com)
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Also , forgot to mention, It not good to keep expectations from any one and i truly understand that you cant reply to all individually, but being a human I still hope that one fine day, I will have a reply from you.
That will be the reward for me.
Take Care Sir
And keep all of us motivating as you always had!
Thanks and Regards
Sagar
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:05 am
Mr Bachchan,
I read somewhere that Sholay was to be offered to Shatru but ultimately went to you because Dharam paaji pitched in for you…In that case, can you please convey to Dharamji my eternal gratitude for saving the movie sholay from shatru….
Nishan
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:10 am
Dear Mr.Bachchan,
Absolutely right….But whom you are trying to explain this will never understand.They want publicity without working and I think what they dream in the night, tries to implement in the morning.
Well said blog…Keep on writing..
Dipan,CT,USA
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:13 am
Mr Bachchan,
Do you miss the privacy of your earlier days when you were human????
How does it feel being “God” for more than 35 years…Does the pressure of expectation get to you????….
Nishan
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:15 am
Dear Mr. Bachchan,
Hope you feeling better.
Your argument or objection against legistating the use of alcohol or tobacco in films is somewhat one sided. I agree cinema is an art form (most expensive as well most of the time “bakwas”) but you have to understand that it is the most publisized art. Whether you like it or not, a large part of kids or young generation at some extent influenced by it. If cinema industry want to enjoy the benefit of “freedom” and want to show alcohol or tobacco use in their films, they should also agree upon to rate those films as rated “R” adults only. Even the western country like USA will rate films with a little violence or alohol use as PG13 or R so kids not exposed to it. Will you agree to go on that path?
Love your blog. If you have an answer to the above question please let me know.
Love you.
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:16 am
If anyone had any doubts whether it was really BigB himself who was blogging, is cleared by following the timeline from where he is blogging. Surely, even for a well oiled empire like that of Mr.Bachchan, it would not be possible for him to get the technical/editorial support at the times that the posts are written.
The incomplete posts that sometimes turn up…..only confirms that for anyone who starts off a new venture that has technicalities attached to it…….sometimes errors creep up…as they are in this blog. (Like posting incomplete articless)
But dont you worry Sir, a fraction of all your loyal fans who read/respond to this blog ( I say fraction because even if 10-20% of all your fans were to access this site, the servers would crash
)never mind all this imperfections/glitches. It makes you more like one of us…….and we are all loving it.
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Hello Mr Bachchan, i’d just like to thank you again, for this amazing blog its phenomenal to get to know you in depth, its brilliant.
thanks again,
kind reguards,
Lorna in Wales
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Dear Mr Bachan saab,
I respect you alot as an actor. your Indian icon, But i somewhat agree with health minister. As people look up to you as an idol you have social responsibility more than an ordinary person. people might wanna follow you and specially kids you love you say hey there is nothing wrong in smoking after all big b is smoking. Its just my opinion. I am doctor, if i smoke how its gonna look to my patients. its all about who can influence people. I mean you are great icon in India you can influence whole Indian people. thats all i have to say. government should take measures from their side too. have a nice day
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Wow, you are up early. What a surreal medium this is. I wonder if you will even see this. You must watch out as must we all who log onto your blog that you dont get people feeling a false sense of intimacy. There is a fine line between hero worshipping and stalking as the recent Uma Thurman stalker case showed us.
As a journalist I couldnt agree with you more. Art and propoganda must not be mixed up although Indian films have been lets say, reflecting the ideal and false Indian family life for decades - ( foreign holidays, big homes, lovely dancing maidens who dont have to cook or face the trauma of dowries or abusive husbands, sons who fall at their fathers feet) but this is absolutely excusable because it trancends propoganda by providing much needed escapism to Indians. And as Indians we are generous. Even if we arent having a fabulous life we like the fact that others can portray it. My website if you have a secondis http://www.iramathur.org - I live in Trinidad and Tobago. Years ago you and the lovely Jaya ( who can forget her in Guddi?) stayed with my Inlaws in Valsayn. I wonder if you remember them, and their two sons? i married one of them. I know its tedious to be reminded of tenous links to you but like every other fan i cant help it. Loved you in Cheeni Kam. Now you need to make a film about an older woman who doesnt turn into an aunty the moment her children are teenagers. Did you ever see Bridges of Madison County with Clint Eastwood? I think you will enjoy it. Its a film about a housewife finding magic after years of domesticty. Stay in the light. Ira
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Dear Sir,
This is the first time that I am reading your blog after watching your interview on NDTV. I think its amazing and very sweet that you have started to connect with your fans and well wishers across the world using this medium. I am a huge huge fan of your pyaari si bahu Aishwarya Rai now known as Aishwarya Rai Bachan. I remember on the day of her marriage, I as a fan was soo excited that I even went to the extent of buying ladoos and distributing them out to all my family members including myself
My prayers are and will always be with her. Would you please kindly pass on this message to her:
“Aishwarya, you are an inspiration to me. Your craft inspires me to be a much better dancer, a much better actress and you yourself as a human being inspires me to become a better person. Its very hard to find words to say to you or describe you because you are worthy of something more. I was watching Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam yesterday and WOW!!! You delivered such a brilliant performance and my favorite scene in the film was the climax where you run to Ajay and asks him to choose a hand. It was very touching and your performance was very real and heartfelt. I have three questions for you.
1) Did you really eat the chillies during the restaurant scene with Ajay in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam?
2) Which is the latest hindi film you have seen?
3) What is your favorite breakfast meal?
Please do share some beauty tips!
I love you Aishwarya and you looked really beautiful in the Barso Re song from Guru. Abhishek looked too cute in the film. Take Care and I LOVE YOU”
Thank you soo much Mr Bachan Sir for passing on the message!!!
Take Care and God Bless.
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Amitji,
I think your response addresses fundamental aspect of liquor economics if it is appropriate to call that way. In general we tend to react to what is visible and often forget to analyze underlying complexities.
Time and again history has proved that anything imposed from above has often failed to yield desired results. Change has to from with in. Government of the day can facilitate this but cannot impose anything.
In general films tend to be the most visible and accessible medium for the expression of art and hence it is not very uncommon to be at the receiving end
of these overzealous defenders of public good. It is just not this single aspect of alcoholism but if we look at the recent controversies over sons of soil that borders on regional parochialism it is quite obvious that people associated with this art form are the easy target for them. These outbursts are antithesis to our
tenets of our constitution which they were supposed to protect and upheld.
Regards,
Raghav.
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Agreed! Just because you have a head ache you can’t just cut off your head.
But, Mr Bachchan, what would you say about the statistical fact that smoking and drinking in films inspires (a rather positive word) more people to indulge in these life threatening vices?
Freedom/autonomy without glass ceiling (seema) is a curse not a boon.
Liberty is something that god all mighty gave us not some book called the constitution of India! But what would you say when someone’s exercise of his/her freedom leads to some gullible dying of cancer? Surely the price of this pseudo-freedom cannot be someone’s life! Would you concur?
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Dearest Amitjee
Namaste, Kia Ora from Perdy in NZ
Gr8 to hear that u’r feelin’ better from asthma & u landed safely in India. Hope u had a successful trip to Thailand & London. U must be tired by now, wonder when u take rest. U’r AWESOME.
I fully agree with your thoughts that the govt. shd first chk their own backyard before attacking the cinema & the stars. The Minister shd know that films are not reality always, they r an art form to express ideas or portray some stories or a fantasy. As Individuals people make their own choices, obviously evrybody in this world gets influenced by someone, but’s that’s upto the individual, not to follow in wrong footsteps. As the flag bearers of Indian cinema, you r just trying to entertain the masses & not promoting alcoholism or anything like that.
Hope our politicians get rid of corruption etc & do sth concrete for the nation, rather than attacking the personal freedom of individuals.
Well I’m a gr8 admirer of yours. Hope u read my comments & do reply to me on perdy2604@yahoo.com.au.
Perdy Mohindru
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:55 am
Dear Sir,
you never konws,how much we love you.today I read a Bangladeshi newspaper,and we got a great news that we can see you as ruls of our great leader,nation father of Bangladesh,Bangobandhu sheik Mujibur Rahman(Poet of politics),not only you but also whole of your families is accepting this offer.
we are all Bangalies are realy glad and greatful to you.I think,you made a good job.you will be part of our (Bangalies)history.
we love all of you so much.thank you.
Linkon Mollah
Copenhagen
Denmark.
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Dear Amitji,
If the government wants to eradicate smoking, all it has to do is ban the sale of cigarettes and beedis.
Why cant the government do just that? It is the most obvious thing to do, isnt it? But they wont do it because they are getting revenue out of the sale of tobacco products. So the government needs the money they get out of it and hence they wont ban it.
That being the case, what is the use of trying to dissuade a Shahrukh or a Salman from taking a puff on screen?
Surely Dr. Ambumani is reflecting his personal view by such diktats and not the view of the government.
In Thamizh Nadu, the government has itself taken over the sale of liquor shops. If that is what the government does just to get a big bite of the money, then surely our governments are NOT AGAINST smoking or drinking. Instead they ENCOURAGE smoking and drinking. That being the stand of the government, Dr. Ambumani should use some personal publication released in his own name against smoking/drinking instead of using his office as a minister to propogate his aversions against smoking or drinking scenes in the screens.
That was a good rejoinder Amitji! Unless people like you respond to such diktats, the film fraternity will be taken as granted by such ministers like Dr. Ambumani who use their posts in the government to carry out their personal goals.
Regards,
Prakash
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:57 am
touché.. but would you also a put a word to the ill informed to take movies as just another story..a fantasy and not tread on the screened path..
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Hello Sir,
I am reading your blog everyday despite my exams and I find your writing to be just excellent.You have really got the “it” thing.Even though I never get response but I know you will read it.I don’t know what Mr Ramodoss is up to as there are more serious issues to be addressed as fake medicines and now even vaccinations.
I know you were also connected with climate issues.I will sincerely request you to be more on it as we need to educate people in India about recycling and environmental issues about global warming.Believe me word said by person of your stature goes long way.And seriously we are not aware of the consequences of global warming which is not less than ticking time bomb.
I would request you and your family to spread this message.
lots of love,
tania sandhu
NY
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:02 am
SirG,
As a student of cinema and as an aspiring producer I/We/All have to take and understand this matter much more seriously than it will be actually taken.
Madam Sharmila Tagore has already raised a voice against it.
Time and again the Central authorities have used cinema to being quickly popular and catch the HEADLINES. How easy it is.
How difficult it is to be at a responsible post and yet not get carried away, not being led to mis-use the power granted to you/us by default.
By default I mean the Political system where Regional Politicians have a greater and bigger role to play, in the changing scenario of Coalition Government. What they actually end up doing is polishing their own regional agenda. (Here I mean regional films too.)
You must remember Mr.Deve Gowda ex PM, Mr.Inderkumar Gujral, (can be anyone from any region), how he became the Prime Minister without ever imagining One night. After that and Now where his political career is?
Like our many regional films Superstars who came to the Hindi Film Industry and could not earn the love and affection of the Hindi Films audience but are Demi Gods in their own constituency (region) and with International audience too.
SirG, I know you dont want to get involved in politics but you cant deny to possess the memory of events year by year and election campaign and election issues one after another. You definitely know better.
Cinema as you know is growing to become Bigger and Bigger and I know you keep full updates on it.
Who doesn’t know the BIG plans Mr. Anil Ambani has to walk fast and quick and best in the Entertainment Industry.
Mr.Ramadoss’s Comments have come at a time when Cinema in India is looked upon by the people all over the world, and as you know very well how the industry is sitting with a lot of money for Films to be made.
And to remind you that you signed as a witness to the treaty between Producers Guild and London Films at Whistling Woods and I was fortunate to be present in the audience as a student. Which has now confirmed(Central Government) Treaty between EU and India.
With all the stories linked to these I may have missed a few in spite of that I try to gather and absorb to know and learn about our Film industry as much as I can there are new and more such out bursts about to happen.
There are people who are going to try and divide further and interfere to stop Indian audience enjoying films from all regions of the country. Not that it is not divided now. Now at such a time when the stories are being told all across the country in all possible languages.
We are building an all India panned audience, including the sensibilities of people all around us in our Business Plans , a mammoth task which our regional Politicians (incl. Maharashtra) are not going to like it soon.
Cinema and here I mean (you) BIG B and other Nationally popular Actors are going to bring India closer in sensibilities across all communities and may be the World like never before.
This SIRG, this is what is troubling the Politicians and in turn their mouth piece MEDIA. You have said it before the politics must be by representation of the people.
Sorry it may disturb you but you have given us the right to speak here at least on your blog and I have not read any thing before But if and IF there were to be a Presidential form of Democracy in India whom do you think people are likely to make their First president… penalise me for this if you like to but… AMITABH BACHHAN.
Pardon me for my grammatical mistakes and subtext if any.
Vinod Agarwal (finishing next month a 2 year full time course in Business of Films and Television at Whistling Woods International. Also launched a mobile application http://www.onkia.mobi (BETA) to VIEW UPLOAD SHARE and EARN from One minute Video clips on mobile. Exclusive content which cant be saved or transferred.)
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Mr Bachchan,
Mr Ramadoss seems to be an activist minister who has taken it upon himself to lend gravitas to his ministry by making the people of this country aware of the existence of his chair by his periodic outbursts against well known personalities like you.He does not seem to doing it for publicity though.He looks like someone whose got drunk on his own importance .This might be because some cat of a acolyte, to curry the minister’s favour, made him seem more important than he is by pretending to have undergone a life changing transformation like quitting smoking,drinking forever ,etc after listening to one of the minister’s private lectures,which I’m pretty sure he is inclined to give, given his outbursts in public.Will someone please tell him, that no one quite cares what the Hr Health Minister of India thinks unless his tirade his directed against AB…..
Nishan
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Aha Amitji,
You managed to do the impossible– make me turn to Shakespeare! I must confess that while I love reading, I have always been strangely averse to the Bard’s works. Perhaps because no one taught me Shakespeare in school. I have read prose versions of his plays and Charles and Mary Lamb’s abridged versions for children, but reading the original verse was simply not my cup of tea. No offence meant to the great playwright, but the language of that era went always above my head!
Thanks to you I just read Hamlet’s soliloquy on ‘To be or not to be’ and strangely enjoyed it. If you coerce me to read the original works of the Bard, it will be some achievement!
Good luck with you persuasion.
Anshu
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Mr. Bachchan,
Everyone wants their time in the sun, however ludicrous the idea to fame may be.
Choices and responsibility - the less said the better, all politicians are alike and a damnation to India’s moving ahead.
Regards
Riya
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:23 am
I have been constantly hearing about Ministers comments and his victimizing Filmstars.It is very interesting that we always tend to find fault with others-Films,western culture,economic growth.We as society and individuals need to stand up and take our own responsibilities.Alright,lets say for a second that people do get influenced by movies to smoke and drink alchohol but how about the diets we eat,lack of excersise,sexual practices.India is going to be highest in incidence of diabetes,coronary heart diseases and HIV/AIDS.How about using the influence the filmstars yeild on hoi populi to generate more awareness and work in unison rather than Minister stirring up this kind of antagonism.We really need some mature and positive leadership.
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Mr Bachchan,
I want my two minutes of fame by getting acknowledged by you in this forum.Please do not disappoint me.I’m a huge fan of yours.I know there are better ways of grabbing your attention by professing to be big fans of AB jr or your D-I-L(I’m actually their fans but I’m not claiming to be now that I’ve let out this trade secret ..) but unlike your other fans , I’m a person of avowed integrity and would not like to use such means for grabbing your attention.
-
Nishan
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Hey Mr Bachchan…!! you are simply impeccable with your style … not only on the screen but on paper (or should I say virtual notepad) too. It is a great medium to hear you and connect with you. I am a huge huge.. fan of yours. Not only me but my whole family just loves you.
My sister’s new born, Varun has just started sitting all by himself. The way he sits reminds us of your slanting shoulder’s & the joke here is that we call him the ‘Angry Young Kid’ of our family. We just keep waiting for your blogs , so please keep writing & touch our lives in this small way.
By the way , just out of concern… I think you should sleep a little more.
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Dear Amitabh garu (Amittab Ji)
Very Good evening ( its good morning for you as you are in Mumbai now).
Its been very good learning experience reading your blogs (Infact its my first series of blogs I have been following ever since the blog revolution has started even though many of my collegues and friends @ my film school have been advising me to read blogs of hollywood stars). I have been waiting for these momentes (to read your own feelings via your own words) and I am very very happy to start this with Great Amitabh ji’s blogs.
I completely agree upon your take on Mr. Ram Das’s comments and ridiculous bans on media to use Smoking & Amcohols in cinemas. I bet that he can’t dare to ban the use of Alcohols in their meetings with their delegates and their parties. I couldn’t resist to respond after reading your response to Ram das as I have argued the same with my friends 2 years or so ago when Mr. Ram Das has bannished the use of smoking. Why can’t Govt ban the selling of any Tobacco goods if they are so concerned?
Theyn just count on ther vote bank in some way or the other.
I also read Jackie chan’s blog to his response to Indian Media’s comments on his India Visit for Dasavatharam Audio function (I believe you both met there).
I am sure media has been projecting all your (Actors) vies in a different view than what you actually are telling them.
Now I believe that blogs of your (Actors and other famous personalities)all around the world can clarify those media’s bad projections.
Hope to learn more from your life’s experiences through these blogs.
Wish You a Very Healthy & Prosperous life. May God Bless you & Your Family and entertain us as many more years as possible.
Best Regards
Sreekanth Vempati
Detroit,MI-USA
10:02PM
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:31 am
dear sir,
you r a grate actor we all love you …..but don’t you think that smoking and drinking are bad for society and especially children are intimidating there role model like film stars or cricketers actions.i think that there is nothing wrong in minister stance except that he is politicking about this.
Warm Regards,
shashi kant suman
patna
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Hi!
Well dont know if you would read this or not but just found out about your blog from tribune website, very good way for you to reach out to the community in very true and close way.
Good work and good luck
My 5 year old just saw ur pic and i asked do u know who he is and she said with so much confidence “han he is sharukh khan’s dad”
Take care
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Dear Sir,
It is a great pleasure to be reading your blog. You are, in all truthfulness, one of the greatest icons of our times. You are THE most dignified personalities in the Hindi film industry. Your way with words, is truly amazing and I salute your energy levels and sincere words you write everyday, in spite of being such a busy person. Let anyone say what they want, the fact remains that Amitabh Bachchan is and will remain to be the favorite of millions and millions of Indians the world over.
Wishing for you and your family, the best of everything.
God Bless.
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Dear amitji,
I am a great fan of yours when i heard you r now on blog i just cant wait myself
how r u right now
i will be very happy if you replay me
thankyou
love you a lot
Afroz hussain
Durgapur
West Bengal
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May 4th, 2008 at 7:56 am
*****************************************************************
Dear Amitabh
Looks like your flight from UK to Mumbai made you little calm and your anger towards Mr. Ramadoss is cooled down, which is good. One must control their anger which may result in saying what you didn’t mean to say.
In previous blog you said “great” king khan about shahrukh. I liked that, as he likes to call himself king. He is idol for today’s kids who have “I am the best” attitude. God bless them.
Do you read my messages? I don’t know. But, I hope. Ummid par duniya kayam hai.
Regards,
Sanjay Sonar
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:01 am
I don’t think Amitji ever reads fan comments!!!
BTW, if you do happen to read, have your family members seen this blog? what do they think of it?
YOUR ROCK!
cheers!
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Smoking, Alcohol - What next?
Next will be: Mr.Ramdoss will ban ghee, vanaspati tel, fried foods, fast foods and all soft drinks. But all these things should have been banned before smoking and alcohol bans because a large number of people consume these things. So please advice Mr. Ramdoss to start right away in banning these aforementioned items. With this action he will make all Indians live to a hundred and more.
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Amitabha of thousand points of light,
Finally Charitable wind is here. fighting to reduce the immorality that is corrupting.
After all one with such illustreous name, cannot always be the poster child for all the angry people and all the ambition.
There is no finding middle ground in Madhu Shalas and Madhu balas. Need to find other middle grounds in resolving any kind of coflict.The globe itself is in warring mood. Better close the 24 hour MadhuShalas at least.
For a person who wants more, more, more and the best, best, and one who wants to conquer east, west, north, south,
Enlightenment has come.
Now that you were in supersonics and T towers, go down to the core and seek your name sake’s teachings.
Amitabha, of thousand points of light, forget the self, do some charity
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Respected Amitji,
I Agree with u on this issue……..
It totally depends on the mentality of the People who watch movies whether to Imitate the Actors/actresses in the movie or not to do so………
I remember when KRRISH was released a guy from somewhere tried to jump from a 9 storeyed blding just to blindly imitate Hrithik ROshans Moves!!! EH?
Now is it rite to Blame Hrithik for the acting in this movie???
IS HE ACTUALLY A SUPER HERO???Obviously not! so whose fault is it anyway?
It doesnt mean Such movies should be banned ! as its a great Entertainment for the Kids!!!
I would also like to share one more thing!!!
they have started playing our NATIONAL ANTHEM in the theatres these days before the movie starts , but i have seen very few people who stand up in their places to pay respect to the national anthem……….
whose fault is it?who is there to blame?
These Ministers just know how to give away Statements And blame Others for their mistakes!!!!:-(
Thats all for todays post sir:-(
take care of ur health & keep up the great work AS ALWAYS
Lots Of love
Swati
USA
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Dear Amitji,
Your response to the issue is highly enlightened and in good crisp words. It seems the government is attacking only the creative and innovative people. The real issues like corruption, MNS “Dadagiri”, all around poverty, food crisis in whole nation all are getting ignored and the bread and butter for such ministers is just attacking the celebrities.
I whole heartedly support your response and hope someday Mr. Ramdoss will come back to his priorities.
Regards,
Shantanu
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Well said, Amit Ji.
The visual perpetrated by “Hamlet stripped of his bare bodkin” illicted a guffaw from my lips.
As a budding short filmmaker and writer, I cannot but agree wholeheartedly with your words on censorship. This is not the first time, nor are you the first artist to be asked to alter their vision to suit someone else’s ideal. I’m equally sure you will not be the last. God give strength to the visionaries in the world, whose desire is free expression and to share it with the world.
Not to toot my own horn, but it would give me immense joy were you to peruse my blog. http://tallchickproductions.blogspot.com/
Thank you and good night from America.
Susan
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Mr Bachchan,
I must thank you for this.Today was the first day I posted on your blog and already its got me addicted.I must have posted around ten comments already.I have found a happening public platform to express myself and bitch about the universe in general… I’m also beginning to like guys like Shatru and Salim Khan as they are proving to be guinea pigs in my quest to use my inherent talent in sarcasm and derision to good effect on a public forum.May a thousand more Shatrus bloom so that we have guys to deride about , be “scornful of” else life would be kind of boring with only the good guys like us around….
Regards,
Nishan
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Loved your article.
It is rare to find someone from the indian elite question our democracy. Unfortunately just getting to vote(freely in most but not all places) doesn’t make a country a democracy. The mindset of the politicians and bureaucracy is still very colonial. This ‘mai-baap’ culture has generated a society where a handful think they can decide for a billion people. The sad thing is that they have got away with it for the last 60 year. The liberal ethos of the country is fast being eroded by petty individual, with myopic vision, in positions of leadership. India needs to develop a stronger civil society to achieve true democracy.
Keep writing.
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I agree with Minister Ramdoss when he says that watching hero on screen smoking is bad influence. So in a way he is saying smoking is bad or for that matter now even drinking is bad. If it’s so bad, why isn’t he proposing a law in parliament to ban it? Bravo, ambumani Ramdoss ji, be a true crusader table that bill. Let’s all see if you can get that approved. Please, please let your actions do that talking not your words. Thanks for the write up mr. Bachchan
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Dear Amitji,
This is my first visit to your page on the web. I’ve always loved u as an actor and have great respect for u as a person. I pray to the almighty to give u a healthy and happy life.
Rajeev.
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:52 am
I think the media and some politicians are targetting you all the time. It is for publicity or to forward their personal agenda - I think.
I dont think you should take it personally, Sir. You are great - even in your writings and that cannot be taken away from you!!
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:54 am
What you said is absolutely correct. Unfortunately our minister will not be able to understand (read, he dont want to understand) the logical way to overcome the issue pertaining to liquor consumption/promotion. His repeated attempt to target celebrities without looking into the issue deeper makes me think “when Indians will start electing sensible leaders”.
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Why the price of rice highly increase in Bangladesh market.
It is also against humanity.
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Hi Amit Jee,
I fully agree with you. India is democratic country and freedom is the base of it. You can not take the freedom from anyone. Moreover the art needs freedom to express the feelings. And I fully agree with you that they have already asked for ban on cigarette, tomorrow wine and then 3rd day there will be something else. I stand by your decision.
Take care
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May 4th, 2008 at 8:58 am
hello sir how are you i am hassan from pakistan and i am your fane
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:05 am
dear sir
i think enough has been said about the raj thakre in the news channel and some times on this blog, let us not equate maharastrians with Raj Thakre and give him a publicity, he dont deserves. you would find fools every where as we have a saying, ” kashi main be ….. ( buffoons) hote hai”
howver , I strongly feel that time for us come to raise our collective voices on environmental issues, thru films, thru personalities, thru blogs and all possible media channels,
You sir can play a very important role on the environment issues , pollution- all primary, sceondary and other kinds, uncontrolled consumptions and emissions, shall shorten either life or quality of it. Your voice behind it would raise the issue to our national consiousness that we sorely lack
regards
amit lunia
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Dear Amitji,
Pranaam.
Nice post.
You have chosen your words carefully. It is a shame that the current political system of this great country is in shambles. Ministers want to become celebrities and the easiest way to stardom (at least for 15 minutes of fame) is to create a controversy. Thanks to a hyperactive media, more and more people are indulging in this game of instant stardom.
We have had health ministers in the past and I am sure most of us have not heard of their names. Many of these ministers have done things that have actually revolutionized the health sector in India. The current minister, in my opinion, is a publicity seeker. The nation has no clue as to what posititve steps he has taken to eradicate or at least minimize the woes that plague the Indian health sector. All we know about him is that he has the knack to start a controvorsy, be it a tiff with AIMS, junior doctors going on strike, attacking the film industry for smoking on screen and now depicting drinking and so on. Attacking the film insustry has become his speciality J I sincerely hope that Mr. Ramdoss would read this blog entry of yours and at least ponder on it if not anything else.
With Love,
Santosh
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Dear Amitji,
Hope Mr. Minister wouldn’t issue a statement that you are sleeping too little and spoiling entire nation by providing a wrong example……….may be that’s next in the store……after smoking, alcoholics…….
Rightly said that in democracy one needs to have freedom to choose and that’s what it makes it working and beautiful. So Mr. Minister let people have peace and stop lecturing on what one should do.
And if you (Mr. Minister) are seriously concerned please stop the production of alcohol and all forms of nicotine, that’s where the problem lies not in movies or any thing else. On one hand you are providing a choice to people of having smoke and alcohol and on another hand you are trying to stop people in creative fields from using it in their creative forms.
Mr. Minister I would suggest a better place to start your campaign, use Parliament and Parliamentarians they are our representatives, ask them to give up smoking and alcohol (or for that matter not smoking or drinking in government provided guest houses and public places).
I think this is high time Mr. Minister to talk/do some sense.
Mean while its important people like you should speak out as you can see there are many fellow Indians and other nationals sharing your views on these issues. Keep going we need to put lot of things in order including our Mr. Minister’s thinking.
Regards,
Gopi
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Big B.
Don’t mind we are suffaring so much for food.
Because we are unable to produce our total budjeted
food.
I know you can not do anything about this matter but
you are friend of bangla,only for that reason i write
this mail to you.
Thank you if read this valuless mail to loss your valuable time.
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Dear Amitji
First of all let me take this opportunity to congratulate you for the stand taken against the so called Political leaders in Mumbai. What you mentioned is 100 % correct,in India we can move anywhere and live anywhere . Iam a Keralite ,i have born and bought up in Mumbai and now since the last ten years i have been working in Kerala . But my mind yearns for the Mumbai life,may make the switch back again,
Wish you and family all the best,Amitji..and take care..
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:20 am
i thnk differently here…….with all due respect …films do hav a hypnotic influence on the general public
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:21 am
HI Big B
good to see ur blog
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Agree with you. Glad to hear you have a blog now.
Look forward for more from you!!
Thank you
Rajesh
Dallas, TX-USA
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:23 am
I am from singapore ….and I hope you will vist my blog too
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Dear Sir,
I am a student of law and am a great fan of yours, like so many others! It feels magical to be able to write to you, hoping you will read me. But on the issue our minister Ramadoss has raised, I feel that media is to some extent responsible for the cultural degradation. Agreed, that the cinema is a creative art and only a reflection of the society we live in, but it is also true that the reflection of the object also gets a unique identity and intelligence of its own.(Like the moon of the sun).
The society portrays itself into films and television, but then these films and television get ‘artificially intelligent’, power borrowed form the society, and become even more powerful than the society they have risen from!! They start to control the behaviour patterns of citizens. Thus, is it not the responsibility, to some extent at least, of the censure board primarily, to regulate the upcoming cinema and television content??
Thanks for this opportunity!
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Time is over for being a silent spectator against all kind of abuse thrown at you by the vested interests. Stand up and remove the Politcal Mukhota of all these spineless puppets. We all are with you.
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Dear Amitji,
You have portrayed the Ramadoss Ambumani issue in the right perspective. Afterall individual freedom to choose the life style you want to lead is Democraacy and what India represents.
In your Blog and interviews to the mass media, I like the clarity with which you convey your views in no uncertain terms by projecting the issues without any whimsical prejudged notions nor prejudices. This is the very basic attitude to which the general public prefers to be in tune with.
As I wrote earlier in your Blog, we the helpless citizines, need and look forward to people with selfless concerns for general welfare of the citizens and bring burning issues to the fore, if not directly with the Government of the day to atleast garner public opinion through honest Blogs (as an Example) like yours where individuals can air their opinions. Honest Blogs such as yours are very effective in garning public opinion.
The need of the hour is a person who can insite public opinion to a level where the Government has to take notice on issues raised by the people or opinions voiced by the public.
Our mass communication media invariably lacks courage to highlight issues that do not help increase their TRP ratings or represent the actual concern of the citizens. They instead prefer to barge in Drawing Rooms and ‘B’ rooms to be in headlines and increase their TRP’s, needless to say there are exceptions but these are few and far between.
So at the end of it, all I would say is please Amitji you are doing the right thing through your Blog, portraying the right attitude considering all the past circumstances you had to undergo. Choice of friends is your personal realm where no one else has the right to comment and least to interfere. We look forward more Blogging from you on far reaching issues besides taking on Ramadoss, and rightly so.
I am sure majority of our citizens are with you in this to share your very balanced views, this was evident from your frank interview and replies with Barkha of NDTV.
We pray for your Good Luck, Good Health & God Bless.
Stmehta
Indore
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:33 am
A BIG HALLO TO U SIR IF IT IS U THAN WE CAN TALK. THIS IS NOT VERY URGENT BUT IT IS NOT EASY TO BILEVE THAT ACTUALLY I AM ABLE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH U . THANKS ANOOP
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Dear Amitji,
I just read your views regarding the comment of Mr. Ramodas on alcohol and actors. I understand that it is very important to spread awareness to prevent people from smoking and drinking. I think the govt should impose a very HIGH tax on tobacco and alcohol products. Everybody knows about the harmful effect of smoking and drinking on physical health. In fact, alcohol consumption may also harmful for one’s mental health too. So I think it is better to avoid those for mental and physical well-being.
As per as the effect of movies are concerned, I think Mr. Ramodas is correct upto a certain extent. If you travel through the interior of the country, you will see the effect. I have seen my friends during my teenage years, who tried to copy their favorite stars like anything! Many of them are BIG fans of you too! And believe it or not, they started drinking alcohol ONLY because you drank those in many of your movies and they wanted to act like a hero! In your movies the hero used to drink while depressed, and hence when they are depressed, they wanted to be the “ideal” hero of their mind and hence used to drink and tried to behave like the hero in your movie! There were a few people who were BIG fans of Sanjay Dutt! And they wanted to have eyes like him. Someone told them Dutt’s eyes are the special looking because of drugs. And believe me, some of them tried heroins (drugs) also to have eyes like him!! I have seen many people smoke and think smoking is not harmful only because S. Khan does so!!
Hence it is indeed true that you actors can really influence the way many people will live their life. I think you have acquired a great power. If people will not follow you, then why the ad agencies are hiring you to be their role model? And with great powers there comes great responsibilities. So please think about your role in determining the habits of the people again.
Best regards,
Sincerely,
Krishnendu Gongopadhyay
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Big B,
Fully endorse your view and Vir Sanghvis (HT Editorial today).Its time the Minister should stop trivializing Health and his Ministry by issuing inane comments about non issues.The publicity hound that he is looks like that after Dr Venugopal incident (AIIMS) he is agenda less.Kudos to the editor for asking him to shut up!!!
Dr Dilip Bhalla
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:35 am
SIR IF U REALY ARE THERE THAN A VERY BIG HALLO AGAIN I WILL SURE GET IN TOUCH WITH U ANOOP
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Dear Sr,
According to me if Mr. health minister is having any problem wid some celebritity in regards of their on screen smoking or drinking then he should talk to them personnaly. He should not comment in media as the repeated telecasts of his statements with footages is simply promoting the bad about which he is talking.
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:37 am
hiiiiiiiiiii sir
thats true sir….
as a doc i hav seen poverty during my rotatory internship…..
what this ramdoss doing or making quotes is ridiculous….
actualy i hav never seen live loksabha channel…but in recent time i hav seen once…n i think this cheap politicians really required PSYCHIATRIC treatment…
once rajiv gandhi told that “when i send Rs 1 from delhi. only 10 paise reach to required people..”
i thionk r8t now there is only 1 paise…
i think 2 party politics is best for india…which is in USA….this regional politics sucks…..what is ur view on this 2 party politics sir????
n i tink as a citizen of this country..v r not aware of our responsibility..
Dr Nirmit from GUJARAT
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Very well said!!!!!! Hats off Bachhan jee!!!!
I was waiting to see these kind of retorts to Mr. Ramdoss from big pople like you. He deserves even more harsh retorts. It is a shame for all of us (Indians) for having such a worthless, stupid, arrogant, shameless guy as a cabinet minister.
India is a haven for countless diseases and ailments. For example, More than two thirds of indians are affected by Tuberculosis (TB) and the multi drug resistant TB and extensively drug resistant TB are on the rise. The government is not doing any efforts in controlling the disease except implementing the WHO (world Health Organization) plans and receiving large amounts of money and medical supplies from WHO. Recently, WHO realized that the aid from WHO is not reaching the target population, instead the middle men are eating all of those help. This is only one we have lots of similar examples and the situation is almost the same with all the diseases.
One more startling news is that India is the number one in occurrence of AIDS cases. The minister should bring some reforms to his department and increase its efficiency rather than commenting on unrelated and unnecessary issues. He is forgetting that at some point, actually which is not far away, he and his fellow politicians may also get infected with the non treatable diseases.
This lousy minister also did a lot of nuisance and utterly insulted respected AIMS director Dr. Venu Gopal. Then onwards I started thinking that he is unfit for the medical degree has has and you might have noticed that I never used the suffix Dr. before his name.
I don’t compare Mr. Ramdoss even with a dog and degrade the species. He is jackass!!
Keep more like these coming against the lousy politicians and personalities!
All the best.
Patriotic Indian
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May 4th, 2008 at 9:59 am
sir
banning of sale or manufacture of tobaco or alchohol is only way to stop this evil( if u think it is eveil) There are VIPs who are chain smokers and drinkers. but Ramadoss’s party wants prohibition in Tamil Nadu. let hope he start with Tamil Nadu to implement things. Till such time no use of advice Good or bad
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May 4th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Dear sir,
I am very much get upset when some thing happen on caste, race and religion, specially when it happen in Mumbai.
I born and brought in Mumbai, never felt outsider, but now people like Raj Thackrey dividing the society. I do not know how to react or reconsole my self.
Dr. Subhash Yadav
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May 4th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Hello Sir,
Firstly, I hope you are doing well. I would also like to thank you on creating this blog and reaching out to your fans who respect you not only for the work you do, but also for the kind of person you are. I wasn’t thinking about replying or posting a comment, but after reading what you have to say I have an urge to spill my thoughts.
I don’t know if you will have time to read this, but nonetheless I am itching to share my point of view on what you have to say. I am nothing but a common citizen and a common man with a simple understanding of this ever so complicated world.
I would like to highlight on what you said:
“It is the duty of a democratic government to provide its citizens with adequate information from which to make their own informed choices about life style, within the context of legislation that prohibits those individual choices from causing general harm to others.”
You state that it is the duty of the government to inform citizens and show them what is right and what is not. Before the government can inform the citizens of the nation about the detrimental effects of drugs, it is important the government enforces its own rules about the consumption and use of such drugs. In Bombay, I was able to go to any club I desired at the age of fourteen where I would be able to consume an alcoholic beverage without being questioned. I am sure if I wanted to I could have bought an alcoholic beverage without any questions being asked. Yes, you could argue it would have been the responsibility of the parent to make sure the child would not do that. You stated that the nation is our parent and the responsibility of the parent is not only to inform and give us freedoms but also to provide us with borders that we don’t cross. When it does set borders it has to make sure it guards them, and in this case it didn’t really do its job.
This brings me to the point of barring alcohol consumption and tobacco usage in Indian movies. I would like to make it clear to you that I agree with you and I am staunchly against the barring of drugs in movies. In a sense, I do come from a very liberal society. But, for a second, I would like you to think about a child in the streets of our nation, who’s devotion is movies and the actors that he admires (this is not beyond the realm of possibility). He watches his favorite actor drinking and smoking, don’t you think he will think it to be “cool” to do such a thing? Not only kids, but adults at times are devout fans of actors and actresses and this is displayed in the way they react when they do see one. To people who are so religiously zoned into Bollywood, what does it matter to them what the government says to them? Even if the government comes out and says that smoking can kill you or quit smoking as long as they see their favorite stars doing it they won’t find anything wrong in it.
I can see where Minister Ramadoss is coming from, but it is important for him to understand that children need to be informed from a young age, barring it in movies is not going to do anything. The Educational ministry and the Health ministry need to work together to make sure they employ some health curriculum making it mandatory for all private and public schools to show the detriments of drugs. This needs to be shown to children at an early age maybe in the first few grades and continuing it till they get out of grade school.
One may ask, isn’t it contradictory for the children to see smoking and drinking in movies and then going back and learning in school that it’s bad? The solution to that again comes back to how our nation is our parent and until the child does not know how to exercise their freedom nor has knowledge of how things work it can’t really make a decision for itself. Here the country needs to step in and inform parents through a system of rating in movies what they contain and whether it is viable for the child to watch the movie. Instead of barring the use or disuse of drugs in movies, why not inform people what the movie actually contains before they bring their family into the theater?
I have brought this up and people have brought this up over and over again. I can only talk sir, but if there is anything here that you agree with it, it would behoove you to speak up and talk to people who can actually make such changes. I hope all is well at home and take care.
Prashanth Thakker
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May 4th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Dear Sir,
It’s 10am in the morning, I’m watching DON in Max (the original masterpiece from you and not the fakes) while writing to you. I wish you make a continuation of DON to help the world demarcate between the legend an the copy cats. Anyways, its again nice to see you clear up against comments fired at you. Our society has a habit to focus on irrelevant issues and not attend to the regular ones. According to a Times of India Survey, 6-7 lakhs of girl childs are murdered before they are born, and that is done by “well to do” families. but we only say our culture is getting hurt when cheerleaders dance in IPL. We are the biggest hippocrites in the world. By the way Sir, which is your favourite team in IPL? Keep us posted.
Thanks and Regards
Sayak Bose
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May 4th, 2008 at 10:09 am
sir
yesterday a doctor ina small town in Tamil nadu, and that too not ahighly qualified doc. today health minister and advicing all to do this and that. let him get cheap medicare to all. why not he make medical education free instead of our paying heeavy capitation fees? why not he make all hospitals private and public to treat the poor free? why not he fight with misnistries to reduce the tax on medicines and medical equipment? why not he make the medical insurance cheap? why not he ehlp appoint more doctors in rural areas?
why not he honour eminent doctors like doctor venugopal instead of driving him crazy?
let him do some thing positive.
let him first ban smoking and drinking inlegislarue, ministires and parliament. let him bar all drinkers and smokers from election
let him do all. he ahs powers, he can do
swam
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May 4th, 2008 at 10:15 am
DEAR MR.AMITHAB BACHCHAN,
NICE TO READ YOUR INTELLIGENT COMMENTS ON MR.RAMDOS.