Posted on: July 11, 2008 - 11:45 pm
Prateeksha, Mumbai July 11, 2008 11:33 pm
Rajdeep Sardesai, owner, senior columnist and anchor, driving force behind CNN/IBN, writes an article in Hindustan Times, of this morning on Amar Singhji.
I post it above for your reading. I read it twice. Marked it and stored it. Sent an sms to the author and complimented him. He thanked me. Now and then we exchange our immediate thoughts. Today was one of those days when I did. Normally its been him that does it. I liked what I read. Not because it was about Amar Singhji, family to me. I liked it for all the other reasons. For an honesty and a candidness seldom seen. For telling the world at large what political ‘nudges’ and ‘winks’ mean and the brave manner in which he exposed the functioning of political operations. Matters discussed and whispered behind closed doors and pulled curtains, out in the open arena. Factual, straight without blemish.
There is a quality in forthright honesty. All arguments stop. No pros and cons, no defense and offense. No hedging, no ducking. Just stark simple truth. Why do they always refer to truth as ’simple’ ? Because that is exactly what it is - simple, always. It never requires any dressing. No proclamatory announcements, no fanfare and drums. Truth just casually lies there. Unobtrusive almost abandoned and alone. Waiting to get picked up to be noticed. To be brought to use.
But the takers are few.
Rajdeep did when he wrote and so, has my admiration. He must have slept well tonight.
Lighter in burden of carriage and demeanor. Lighter in soul.
Would not the world be lighter in weight if all of us were to shed our burdens. Burdens that conceal truth !!
Amitabh Bachchan
Yes, he is one of the gem our nation has produced, that so he has honoured prestigious civilian award this year, but he’s one of my favorite.I have visited his last blog post on politics, yeah, he loves politics and cricket.
(Report abuse)
That was a really good article Amit Ji! Ah…you always seem to post the best ones
Just wanted to ask you something that I’ve been wondering about,do you read other blogs of your colleagues from the industry for instance,Amir Khan or Karan Johar?
(Report abuse)
You devote a whole blog to praising a journalist who wrote an article you admired - in addition to complimenting him personally by SMS.
Perhaps you could have added even one line tonight thanking the 900 plus devoted readers who have responded since yesterday with suggestions for a new name for “Shoebite”. I am sure you will be dealing with this matter in a subsequent blog.
(Report abuse)
Loved the article.
(Report abuse)
Dear Mr. Bachchan
I am a bit disappointed, it seems that you are agreeing to the fact that “OPEN” and “VISIBLE” dirty politics is OK. I really do not know if I agree with it. As
Mr. Sardesai comments, Gandhiji had relationship with rich people but his focus was on social justice, is it the same with Mr. Singh? I am out of Indian politics but whether Indian or American politics, lobbying which caters to social justice is good, but lobbying just to fulfill their individual politics and “POCKETS” is “dirty” no matter if it is done in the open or behind closed doors, and just because it is done by “ALL” does not make it “right”.
Lakshmi Jag
(Report abuse)
A valuable piece here that also offers a corrective in many ways. I have often detected a hypocritical condescension towards Amar Singh among many of the urban chattering classes. People who cannot believe that an Amitabh Bachchan, considered the epitome of culture in so many ways, could associate with a supposedly ‘hinterland’ politician like Amar Singh. What lies beyond this ‘consternation’ is class politics at the very least but also a complete misunderstanding of what Amar Singh represents. This article goes some ways towards addressing precisely this. But leaving this aside there is always contempt among the bourgeois ‘English-speaking’ classes for the likes of Mulayalam Singh or Amar Singh or the ‘lowest of the low’ (in their distorted view of things) Laloo Prasad Yadav. First off there is a complete misunderstanding here. Yadav (laloo) for example is actually a very astute and rather well read politician. He could give lessons on many things in life to quite a few urban and supposedly ‘urbane’ politicians. But let’s forget this also. The urban classes are apparently quite comfortable with political leaders who instigate pogroms! Need I mention them here?! Narendra Modi… Bal Thackeray… and all the Congress cohorts who indulged in anti-Sikh pogroms following the Indira Gandhi assassination! But no matter. Because what ‘we’ are always more interested in is ‘corruption’ and ‘good English’. What ‘we’ are always ashamed of is a state like UP or a state like Bihar. How dare these states and those politicians get in the way of this smug self image of the ‘new’ (if not quite enlightened) India?! We have even banished these states from ‘Bollywood’ (when we do represent them we do so as ‘heart of darkness’ places in caricatures like Shakti, not Ramesh Sippy’s God bless him!). Still a Yadav keeps showing up on the news! So these English speakers of India are often as comfortable with fascists as they are with newer computer technologies! Unfortunately I am terribly disturbed by the ethics implied here. I would take corrupt politicians any day over pogrom producers. One can say a lot about Laloo and Mulayalam but one cannot call them exterminators of any minority, in act or in desire.
But finally there is also the attempt to deconstruct Amitabh Bachchan. Let’s attack everyone close associated with him from Amar Singh to Ram Gopal Varma. The media often plays this game and I have seen the same played out on various blogs by people otherwise claiming to be Amitabh bachchan’s greatest fans. If someone has a problem with everyone from Varma to Amar Singh to Abhishek I start getting the impression that you are what is the common link! You have enormous prestige and cannot be deconstructed but these others can in various ways.
I am often disliked in various quarters for saying these things. One must never utter the truth!
(Report abuse)
Its just extremly hard for the common man to trust a politician. Or any political party. I feel they are just hustlers trying to control people, frighten them into submission and make their money at the end of the day. I’ll never vote for any political party.
Every party has a few good men overshadowed by the bad ones.
(Report abuse)
Dear Amitabhji (GURUJI),
Love you !!!
Yours
Neal
USA
(Report abuse)
may be you have a journalist in you who is crying for the truthful and sensible media contributing for the cause of the society. Some day people at large will appreciate and will be concerned about it.
(Report abuse)
I read that article in the newspaper this morning and my first thought was……hmmm..most ususual take by a journalist on this matter….not at all what we are used to in their description of politics or politicians!
(Report abuse)
Nj, USA,
Dear AB,
There is a wide spread observation about India that there is no democracy but there is hypocracy. One’s pride & origin wants to defend it but truth can’t be denied. The role of the lobbyist here in USA has been legitimised but in India people are reluctant to admit their presence. Unfortunately it’s not only in politics but this hypocracy is spred all over in society. Indian film or entertainment industry is also not far behind in this malice. KJ (Karan Johar) has put his observation on his blog about same. I think not only Rajdeep but U also be applauded for making this available on your blog and applauding Rajdeep. It requires courge to do so for a person like U who is not in politics.
(Report abuse)
SirG,
Truth meets Truth. Sincerity compliments sincerity. An honour a reward that comes to anyone once in a life time to get recognised and complimented to standout in the crowd of remote controlled mannerisms.
Is this the effect of MARS and SATURN conjunction? Who can challenge the will of the Gods but the strength and purity of sincere thoughts and will power.
Sacche ka BOL BALA juuthe ka Muuh KALA !!
Your self crowned CHELA,
Vinod Agarwal - (Aspiring Assistant Producer Motion Pictures)
(Report abuse)
what is this that your comment is awaiting moderation. This happened sixth time
(Report abuse)
Thanks for posting this — this is a welcome piece indeed. While I do not agree with Sardesai’s view that our new political class is “de-ideologised” (I would argue that its politics tend to be more effaced), he is right on the money as far as the hypocrisy of the intelligentsia when it comes to Amar Singh. I am no fan of Amar Singh, but he comes in for more flak than some of the most unsavory politicians in India! That’s absurd, and suggests to me that hostility to Amar Singh is often a stand in for a generally dismissive attitude (increasingly apparent in India’s “major metros”) towards “the heartland”. Our films barely acknowledge U.P. or Bihar even exist, and are far more likely to be shot in Sydney than even mention the word “Kanpur” [one of the reasons I had a great weakness for Bunty aur Babli, or, to a lesser extent and more recently, Tashan, was precisely because of this acknowledgment of that which is all too often buried], and increasingly in my experience, urban “upwardly mobile” Indians appear just as reluctant to engage with (e.g.) U.P. politics — except through the prism of caricature. The issue isn’t one of solidarity (I’m not from U.P.), but of justice — this article is a small step toward that end. Thank you.
(Report abuse)
Respected Sir,
This is so rare now a days and should always be applauded.
As all Good work should be. Rajdeep Sardesai is one of the young media personality we have today and we should acknowledge the efforts he has made to bring balanced news to the viewers.
We all know how much money various business houses dole out to different parties before the elections, thanks to the RTI - Right to Information Act and a few noble souls who are keeping us enlightened with their truth. Thats why we as Indians should be aware of our rights and duties towards our nation.
I would also like to request you to project somehow from some medium, maybe through your blog that voting by one and all - whoever has Voter Card, should be made compulsory. This shall definitely improve a lot Indian politicians and they would become more responsible.
And Sir, I know that you are away from politics but this is no politics just plain simple “Indian” speak!
Sincere Regards,
Rakesh
(Report abuse)
Good morning Amitji.
Awesome pen. I loved it. I always have admired Rajdip Sardesai. He is a man, who has seen India in very open eyes and trying to do his best to provided best information without getting into reporters blues.
Well appreciate you for your interest in everything around without just indulging in your job.
Respects
Gita
US
(Report abuse)
i like u a great deal more so after the blogs cos u seem to be a man of principles, conduct yourself so well despite being an extremely popular actor, the popularity has not gone to ur head, maybe it did when u were younger, maybe it didn’t, the point is that now ur nice and set a good example to the youth and seniors in India that we should always keep working as long as we can, increase productivity and does well for the nation, too. The one thing i don’t like is that Amar Singh always behind u, i mean literally, he may be family, but need u be followed by family all the time? Where does he have the time i wonder, if he’s in every film function, everywhere u go, where does he have the time for his own family. what is he doing for his state if he’s following u around everywhere. He seems to like hanging around with you and you seem to like powerful people around you, yes-yes men, you both may have lots in common, he may have been responsible for ur being in the state that u r today, but still………… it seems odd sometimes, irritating as well. not that u care what i think, its just a thot wanted to pass it along.
(Report abuse)
You should be careful about directly posting a newspaper / magazine article. They may press you charges of the copyright infringement.
(Report abuse)
Y one has to be a filthy rich person to be your friend.Some one with political contacts ,influence……..
right from indra gandhi to ambani to this amar singh.
you will feel lighter if you meet simple ordinary people more frequently
love
imran malik
(Report abuse)
This is actually first time I liked what Mr. Sardesai wrote.
-sd
(Report abuse)
SIR, I THINK.. THE NAME OF UR FILM SHOULD BE…. “THE ULTIMATE LOVE”
(Report abuse)
Behold the truth Sir as you have always done and sleep well and that is how you do away with so little of sleep.
Manish Patwari
Boston
(Report abuse)
Hello Sir,
Just now 2mins back only, I read this column in Rajdeep’s blog on CNN IBN website and opened your blog and surprisingly I found the same here also.
Yes, Rajdeep expressed his views correctly how the politics work in “corporate” style.
Thank You for acknowleding the same here.
Ram
(Report abuse)
Dear Mr. Bachchan ,
The political atmosphere in this country has become so elusive, that its difficult to make out as to who is right & who is wrong.
Its like that shepherd story , where after a series of pretentious alarms the people fail to believe even the truth!
i hope what Rajdeep believes is true & We , the people of India can regain the trust over politicians in the time to come.
Regards,
Amit
(Report abuse)
hmmmmmmmmm……….not sure how to read such small font… work arounds hain… yeh article search karo aur than study… but painful hain.. for me at now.. so just read what u have written… though could not comprehend… nyways…. keep blogging..
(Report abuse)
hi Mr Bachchan
I understand your weakness in necessity for sticking wiht Mr Amarsingh, who stood by you durng your hard times. But I feel Mr Singh’s party’s new found love for congress party is only opportunistic, not value based, and any chance of pulling the support if it is benefecial to them or their party, they will be doing it.
I hope evry politician specially MP in India laves party politics, and comeout to either support or oppose Nuclear treaty based on what they understood and what they beleve in . and I hope their belief is based on larger interest of people of India.
It would be wonderfull to aim for full stomach, security, shelter, roads and round the clock electricity for our people, and not just the vote during next election
sincerely
Dr Girish
(Report abuse)
First off, I must introduce myself. After all, when one starts a conversation (that too with someone of your stature) one must introduce one’s self, courtesy beckons it.
I am Ashutosh Desai, living in Chicago over a decade now. A huge movie buff, and love reading and keeping myself up to date with the film fraternity’s whats what. Since this is my first response to you (for that matter to anyone’s blog) let me say that I am HUGE fan of yours.
Now we come to your blog. I read it, and as you said, I read it twice. But nothing clicked. I mean, I do not understand what you are trying to tell me (a reader). Obviously the columnist didn’t need a justification from anyone, not from you, otherwise he wouldn’t have written it without prior *consultation*. I am sure he cares less. So when you put it on the blog stating that you read it and you like the truth, are you trying to tell me that you agree with what he wrote? I don’t want to sound like someone who believes in these “conspiracy theories”. I don’t. I like to believe I am a well read person with good logic (I guess it has something to do with me loving Math!), so I don’t take all the hocus-pocus written by media. However, let’s admit one thing: when someone is in news for accompanying Mr. Bachchan, and when one has to really master Google to figure out what, as a politician, is this person trying to achieve, one must stop and take a pause.
I understand it is the privilege of the rich and the famous to say “Oh this car is mine, it just happens to be brand new, it just happens to be at my dearest friend’s house, it just happens to be right when his son is getting married. Of course he is free to drive at his will, of course I will never drive that car.”
I also understand that some politicians can do expensive alterations at their *official* residence; otherwise protected by law. The worst that can happen is a few days of news footage, publicity (negative, but publicity nonetheless) and then as Mr. Karan Johar states in his blog, our 14 minute span of thought dies down.
When you say that there is a quality in forthright honesty, which requires no defense, I would like to say that just stating that is not merely enough. I understand he is a “family” nowadays. However, the truth that politicians like Mr. Amar Singh who doesn’t really do anything for their country except befriend a top star is known by most. Okay, so many he does do money laundering for the big-wigs. Still, guys like these become politicians, then…nothing! His resume has “The Bachchans” written all over it! Nothing else, nothing more! Your saying that you liked the truth in the article is understating the fact. If he is a politician, he is answerable to people. In fact any public entity is, including you, Sir. So I ask you this, how can a politician afford things that Mr. Amarsingh can? I wonder if Shri Lal Bahadur Shashtri could ever afford a Bentley??? Forget the Bentley, an honest politician couldn’t even afford to pay the 100% custom duty on that car, let alone buy that car from London!
While I respect the Bachchans for their integrity, their sophistication, their cultured behavior to the elders and to the people in general, I do want to say that the phrase “A man is known by the company he keeps” pops in every time I see this “extended family” of yours with you. Maybe he should worry more about serving his country rather than try to adjust his dates so that he can be at the award functions next to you.
I have tried to be really gentle, this being our first interaction. Once I warm up, I am sure I will be more “open”.
P.S: On a side note, since you are one of my favorite film actors, I would like you to do more “centralized” roles than say like in Mohabbatein or K3G. I think you said it a few times that Mr. Dilip Kumar has had a great impact on you as an actor. I think you too should follow him when it comes to taking roles like he did viz. Karma, Vidhaata, Duniya, Saudagar,etc etc.
Please don’t tell me that Amitabh Bachchan can’t get a role that suits his caliber. Why be someone’s lonely baap when you could be like the main hero of the movie? If I were a writer (I just write fictional books, none published!) I would do something like a grandpa whose family has long parted ways and who now trains the covert as a consultant. This time around, they need him in the middle of action since only he knows the cultural stuff rather than today’s computer training…something of that sorts…
Hope you haven’t taken to offense to anything I have written. Knowing you a little (from what I read, otherwise Jayaji says *NO ONE* knows you besides you) you won’t write that to me…
(Report abuse)
Yes, open and brazen. Openly playing caste and religion based politics. Serenading the Thakur samaj and the Minorities. Even openly placing advertisements in newspapers for that. This is what politics has been reduced to. Is this the time to sleep light?
Hiding behind a great scientist and brain like Abdul Kalam to use only his religion to justify flip on stand. This has been the ex-president’s public stand for over an year, in case they need to be reminded. Open and brazen politics!! Don’t shut your eyes and imagine that the world sleeps with you.
I have been a very ardent fan of yours and have posted regularly to your blog. But it is best that this column not be used as propoganda tool for SP which has and should not have anything to do between your fans and you.
(Report abuse)
Amitji,
I have been reading your blogs from the time you started but this is the first I am time writing to you. It is such a joy to read what you write, that I hate going back to work, for which I am employed here at a NY office. I have always been a huge fan of yours, however not more than my husband and now my young son, who will is eagerly waiting to accompany us to see your stage show in NY.
I really liked your performance in “Cheeni Kum” apart from the million other movies that we loved you in. My husband’s memories of childhood are to date copying you run in Deewar.
I also want to add here that I am an equally big fan of Jayaji. There are scenes from a few movies of her’s like Parichay in which the innocence and beauty of her face leaves one fascinated. She looked very elegant recently in a family picture at IIFA wearing a saree.
Waiting to finally see you in NY.
Regards,
Geet
(Report abuse)
I have read this article in morning. Very appreciable and thanks to Rajdeep for this. It is true that Amar Singh represrnts the new beed of politicians who gave new definition of politics.
vinit utpal
(Report abuse)
My dear Mr. B.,
The last sentence of the article is more true than even the most concerned of us realizes. Once money becomes the only moving factor in politics, the plight of ordinary people becomes dire. The vision the author speaks of isn’t just an option, it’s a necessity for any society to survive.
Naturally I don’t understand all of the article. Some of it is known to me through my reading about India for the last few years; however, living in another country, I don’t see the day-to-day operations of the government or the people. Forgive me for my commenting at all on something I don’t fully understand.
But I’ve seen readers here refer to Amar Singh as evil. I don’t know why they would think that. I know you would never have an evil man so close to you that you would call him brother. He must be a good person. If all they have against him is that he’s close to power in the government and industry, it’s not much to judge him on. Or that he mixes his life in politics with ordinary life and enjoys it.
I hope you’re having a good sleep … it’s nearly noon here in Hawaii, so it’s the middle of the night for your household.
Have a happy day when you waken.
Aloha from Hawaii …
Love, Dorothy
(Report abuse)
Dear Sir,
I agree he may have written the truth but I wish the people who they are writing about are also innocent and just have no selfishmotive for themselves than the country. I just cant come to the fact that the SP have joined the party without selfish reasons. I belive if a politician really wants to serve the country he can fight for justice without compromising. I just cant take the SP party on face value and do you really belive they are always truthful ask your heart sir plsssssssssssssssss
WE are unfortunate that now are country doesnot have a Gandhi or a Sardar Patel.
At the same time I am amazed in such a big country the congress hasd to make an Italian lady to rule the party I wish we could find a Indian leader I am sure we would find many.
I am sorry If it has hurted you , but I just had to write as none of these politician even know the meaning of truth, even a lay man can understand that nuclear deal is just a reason they are all trying to get their selfish motive across and time will tell us that.
Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee i love you and would request you to be careful
love renu
(Report abuse)
Mr. Pachan, Good evening:
As Abhishek is your son, and Aishwariya is your bahu, so I’d like to ask u the following question ( nothing relates to the above post)
Is it true that u didn’t like the new version of Umrao Jaan?! a commentator on Indicine website told me, while asking him about the movie and the reason that the movie didn’t work at the box office although, in my opinion, it’s much better than the original, said that u didn’t like it either! So I was surprised that the movie was a flop although nothing lacked in terms of direction, performance, the cast, the music, the costume, the production, etc. and Aishwairy perfrormed well specially in the last scenes of the movie, she made me cry.
When I asked him to mention some negative reasons, he said: Nawabs never grew beard! there was no desert in Luknow!! The team of the movie didn’t work at their best!!!
Concentrating on minor stuff and forgetting the majors! That’s how some people are!!
(Report abuse)
Dear Mr Bachchan
Have a good night sleep and good day tomorrow.
M xx
(Report abuse)
Dear Mr Bachchan
Hope you had good day but I am sorry it was a long one though!!!
Have a good rest.
Lots of love to you
Ekkieexxxxxxx
(Report abuse)
my dear
ur r right ur country need such example !!!!!!!!!!! in politic it is too difficult to say the truth …. better thing above all that that u didnt continue in politics
sweet dreams….
(Report abuse)
Dear Mr Bachchan,
In your blog of 10 July a 12.39 you wrote:
“On set still.. Hungry.. Cannot leave as they light me up.. Intro of the Genie. Interestingly called Genius in the film.. Ha.. Presumptious. !”
I was just wondering why the directors dont use ’stand-in actors’ for lighting etc as they do in hollywood productions? surely, the real actors could use that time more constructively!
(Report abuse)
A very well written truth. And as you said Simply ‘Simple’
(Report abuse)
my dear
did u choose yet the title of the movie? or may be ur too exhausted and u need some rest now… tomorrow dont miss give us ur opinion about the suggested titles….waiting to know who is the like one u choose his title!
nighty nighty
(Report abuse)
Sir….I respect you…..for what you are,what you do,what you write,what you intend to do ,or any possible iff and but…..fact remains that I respect you like millionss,but please don’t misquote me…..i liked amar singh also just because he stood by you in thick and thin…apreciable…but then one fine day i got one file saved in my friends laptop…..in which his converstions with
-Top Industrialist.
-Leading dusky actress
-Irritating punjabi tv editor.
-Chairmen of smaller business houses.
-Lady from south,acted with you now in parliament.
After listening to the files……..i had to change my opinion…….though all that was personal….but you don’t respect/like a person only for what he is in public…and personally has so many forehead wrinkling issues!!!
Comming back to titles….i had suggested some…any one finalysed…..wish you luck….goood night sir!!
(Report abuse)
Whatever you say, I don’t trust Amar Singh ‘ji’
(Report abuse)
A friend of mine ( she’s Indian) told me sometimes ago, while talking about Umrao Jaan that the original is a much better movie, so I asked her the following: Did u see the remake? She said: No! then I asked her: Did u see the original? She replied: not either ( as she’s only 26 years old therefore she didn’t see the original) Then I said: On what basis then u judged the movie? She said: Fathiya.. that’s what everyone says!!! ( what everyone says.. what everyone mentioned on websites, what reviewers and critics said so they ruined the movie.. killed it.. and barried it!!) She asked me: did u see the original? I said: no.. I heard about it long time ago that it’s a very good movie, so I’ve to get it and compare it with the new one.
The next day, I went to a video shop and got a copy of the old movie, in the evening I played it and watched till the end. Mr. Pachan, the remake is much better than the original which had some flaws therefore I didn’t like it, and the director of the new one rectified those mistakes and they are as follows:
Rekha in the original isn’t playing as an innocent girl who grew up in a good family and was kidnapped and lived lateron in a filthy society but as a prostitute who doesn’t mind sleeping with the guy who flirts with her (Naseeruddin Shah) and receive some golds in return! So.. she’s a prostitute and not Ameeran who’s suppose to be an innocent and a decent girl and no one touched her except Nawab who was her first love and last. So the director of the new UJ rectified this mistake and Aishwariya was playing as she’s suppose to be, ameeran who came from a good family and was kidnapped but refused to behave like a prostitute.
In the original, when nawab tells rekha that his mother wants him to marry another girl, Rekha doesn’t mind and doesn’t even show any jealousy or anger!! and she accepts the fact. When Nawab knocks her door one day to invite her for his wedding, she cries and hit him with her both hands as he will betray her and marry another woman!! But in the new one, Aishwariya shows her jealousy and disapproval.
That’s the difference between the two and the remake is much better in terms of direction and production and even songs.. I loved most of the songs in the new one and just one song in the old, which is the last song.
I still don’t understand on what basis some people judge some movies?!! And how come they never noticed in the original all what I mentioned now and loved the movie and was a super hit?!! It worthed to be a flop!
(Report abuse)
Pranam Sarkar,
If every one on the planet feels the same like you to speak truth in whatever we do,act,speak… the planet would turn to Heaven and we all become angels. Give a thought
(Report abuse)
Oh.. I forgot Mr. Pachan to say my opinion about Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na which I think is going to be a blockbuster, or a super hit this year:
( good for cats & rats to watch it!!)
(Report abuse)
hindustani time wrote:-
Amitabh refuses to comment on Congress-SP tiesAds By Google
)Last Updated: 22:53 IST(11/7/2008)
Press Trust Of India
Mumbai, July 11, 2008
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Friday refused to comment on Samajwadi Party moving closer to Congress to support the UPA government on the Indo-US civil nuclear deal issue.
“This is a political question and I do not know politics. And I will not be able to answer this,” Bachchan said when asked about his reaction at a press conference on “Unforgettable Tour” which starts from July 18.
Amitabh’s wife Jaya is a Samajwadi Party MP and SP General Secretary Amar Singh and Bachchans are close family friends.
Also, the split between Bachchans and Gandhis, one-time close friends, is wide open, especially after Jaya taking potshots at Sonia Gandhi on more than one occasion.
The Samajwadi Party has decided to support the Congress-led United Progress Alliance Government on the N-deal issue after the Left withdrew support.
my dear
sorry for this post i copied from hindustan time i felt angry from their comment regarding not answering on such political question..
i dont know what the writer want to prove… being just actor make them angry talking about politic make them critisize u ,,, when u r silent they dont like u ,,,
oh god being such famous not that easy
God with u my dear!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Report abuse)
Hi,
Yes, I appreciate his reporting.
AS I repeat my favorite cliche, “Better Late Than Never”
But it’s you who has my admiration.
Totally, unquestioningly, unstintingly, for now and always!
FOR
Removing the dark glasses that these journalists used to wear. (I trust it’s used to!)
Only you could do this sort of a thing!
And I don’t hint on anything remotely resembling ‘wink wink, nudge nudge’!
For years now, Rajdeep could have written this, why didn’t he? What stopped him?
BUT THEN,
I think we all know he’s Congress. No secrets in his affiliations.
HOWEVER
We have a pact being worked here between the two parties
SO
Even if there’s a reason for his writing thus, it’s all for the good.
FOR
Didn’t Ayn Rand point to this very fact when she talked about the Virtue of Selfishness!
It’s agreeably noble that he, Rajdeep, finally wrote this, and outed himself too in the bargain as an unbiased journalist. Hope he sticks to it.
I wish others will take a leaf from his book, and write clear and honestly from now onwards.
Please DO take CARE of YOUR Health
Good wishes and Cheers
gilga
(Report abuse)
Dear Dr Bachchan,
By mere coincidence or what, it is difficult to say; I have bumbed on, thats the right word, bumbed on Amar Singhji on 2 occations.
Once when he was at Sahara Sadan, Kolkata. I was passing through its passage so just out of a bit disgust, (like everybody else I thought he was shoddy) I put my hand on his his shoulder and patted and said “guru sahi ho?” or something like that. He was annoyed, but by the time he could realise, I went my way.
Next time I saw him a year or so back at London Airport with Vinay Maloo. He had lost his weight and was looking very sick. I was tempted to enquire if he was keeping well. But due to some other pressing appointment, I did not. I dont know, maybe I am much older and wiser, I felt a definite appreciation and sympathy for him.
So may I ask you Dr. Bachchan if everything alright with your friend Amar Singhji or does he have any serious ailnment? Just curious.
K
(Report abuse)
Hi Amitji,the article was actually a refreshing love and regards gurpreet
(Report abuse)
Dear Amitji,
Amar Singhji - hmmmm…. The forbidden chapter …. PLEASE READ
Be interesting to see the viewer feedback on this post. I am not sure if you are aware of the apprehension(anxious, uneasy, worried, fearful, concerned, nervous) that your fans and the world in general has to your affinity with Amar Singhji. And one can understand this stemming from a natural feeling of envy - but that is not the case here.
Here are the reasons for that:
1.) He represents hard-core politics that you disavowed. Again not to say you cannot have politician friends if you leave politics. But it does connect you nonetheless to politics and your actions will easily be misconstrued.
2.) He is everywhere where you are(Awards, Cannes, etc) - and probably crude but best defined by the cliche - “begani shaadi mein abdulla deewana”
3.) Personality - he does not carry a big smile and affable personality for cameras. Again maybe he is one of the most warm hearted person - but clearly does not come across as such on camera.
4.) Your unconditional support to him - without much media mention of the history behind your relationship. Again that is very much your private matter, but you cannot blame public opinion for something that is not explained by you.
I am confident that your devoted fan base and the world in general would remove any/all apprehension about Amar Singhji and in fact start loving him as much as you do - if you can share some part of that relationship. I know its a unfair position to put you in. However - hope the posts to this blog confirm my courage in telling the perceptive truth or I can held accountable for stirring an imaginary controversy.
You are the Best!
Dhiraj
(Report abuse)
अमरसिंह–”मैं ढोंगी नहीं हूठ। यदि अमिताठबचà¥à¤šà¤¨ और अनिल अंबानी मेरे मितà¥à¤° हैं तो मैं इसे दà¥à¤¨à¤¿à¤¯à¤¾ से कà¥à¤¯à¥‹à¤‚ छिपाऊं ? ”
हिंदीà¤à¤¾à¤·à¥€ साथियों की सà¥à¤µà¤¿à¤§à¤¾ के लिये शà¥à¤°à¥€ राजदीप सरदेसाईजी के उपरोकà¥à¤¤ लेख का हिंदी रूपानà¥à¤¤à¤°à¤£ (दैनिक à¤à¤¾à¤¸à¥à¤•à¤° रायपà¥à¤° में पà¥à¤°à¤•à¤¾à¤¶à¤¿à¤¤) पà¥à¤°à¤¸à¥à¤¤à¥à¤¤ है । http://ptanwani.blogspot.com/
बचà¥à¤šà¤¨ साहब ने सच ही कहा है–सच हमेशा सीधा और सपाट होता है, जिसे सजाने,संवारने और छà¥à¤ªà¤¾à¤¨à¥‡ की जरूरत है वह सच नहीं ही होगा ।
आपका अपना à¤à¤¾à¤Ÿà¤¾à¤ªà¤¾à¤°à¤¾ (छतà¥à¤¤à¥€à¤¸à¤—ढ) से पà¥à¤°à¤¹à¤²à¤¾à¤¦ तनवानी ।
(Report abuse)
Rajdeep is reporting in an english medium style of upfront “honesty”, but when the personal and political meet as in the case of mahatmaGandhi then the jain definition is more valid,, which says that reality is composed of multiple points of view: ie 50people will have 50realities. What is the Validity of his version of honesty and what is the level of it is very important for knowledge.
(Report abuse)
Hypocrisy at its best…Does Bofors ring a bell???
(Report abuse)
Namaste Respected Amitabh Uncle,
It was difficult to muster the perfect words to write to such a maestro as yourself, but I have tried my best.
My name is Nancy Noopur Satsangi. I am currently a University student, long-time resident of San Antonio, Texas, but a true Lucknow - Kayastha gal at heart.
Although my family left from India when I was only three, I have always felt a sense of pride and attachment to our beautiful home country. My parents have always instilled the values of our society, the teachings of our scripture, and anything and everything about our amazing culture. And so at a tender age of four, I begin my journey into one of the oldest art forms spawning from India, Bharathanatyam. Dancing this once-ancient art form planted Indian roots in me forever and I am continually growing and learning. I finished my arangetram five years back and along with this I have also spread my branches into Kathak, some different American dance-styles, and, of course, some semi-classical Bollywood dance as well, mostly Aishwarya Ji’s dances. I even had the pleasure of meeting and dancing at a local television station for Hema Malini Ji when she came to San Antonio to raise money for AAPI.
But despite such opportunities, I have yet to meet one of my and my family’s biggest idols - you. I’m sure it isn’t a big surprise that we all look up to you… you embody India at its purist and best, and for generations to come this shall not change. Actors come and go, but greatness never dies.
It is my deepest wish to meet you personally, Amitabh Uncle, and to get your aashirwad, if I am ever that lucky. My parents are trying their best to get tickets to your August 2 Houston performance, but I am unsure if we will.
I hope that one day I will be able to meet you.
A response would mean a lot to me.
With regards and love,
Nancy Noopur Satsangi
(Report abuse)
Careful, my friend (if I may call you that). The last sentence may lead to people making confessions on your blog. hahaha.
(Report abuse)
Thought you might find it interesting that two major U.S. news institutions — the Congressional Quarterly and the St Petersburg Times — have put up a Web site named PolitiFact.com “to help [voters] find the truth in the presidential campaign. Every day, reporters and researchers from the Times and CQ will analyze the candidates’ speeches, TV ads and interviews and determine whether the claims are accurate.†The site uses a Truth-o-Meter — “[liar, liar] pants on fire, false, barely true, half true, mostly true, true‖ to signal the veracity of each candidate claim and has linked pages to “Candidates,†“Attack Files,†“Our Rulings,†“Issues,†“Articles,†“Chain E-Mails†and “Fact Sheets.†Available at:
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/
(Report abuse)
Thank you for the article. Your entries for the past few days make me think a lot about truth and what we do with it.
I agree that not everyone is keen on hearing the truth. Most simply want to hear what they want to hear, and anything less that that will be unacceptable. This is perhaps the reason why people stop speaking the truth and adulterate it with the audience/listener’s expectation instead.
But then again, truth can also be very subjective. Not everything in life is easily explicable in a straightforward way. We think something is true, but because we see it through our perception it has become only “our” truth. Others may see what we see differently. I find the older I get, the more elusive “truth” has become. There will always be different version of “truth” no matter how objective you think you are.
I hope you have enough rest and are excited (but not nervous) about the unforgettable tour. I think the secret of getting rid of stage fright is to BELIEVE that we all love you and expect nothing more than your company. It gives us great joy already just to be closer to you. Thus there is no need to fear you are not going to do well enough. Just being you is enough for us, so let your hair down and have fun!
(Report abuse)
i dont agree amar singh is better brother for u than your own brother ajitabh–
amar singh is more crooked– pl let us know how and what service he has done for u to become your brother.
(Report abuse)
Hi Mr Big B,
Why so distressed endeavor to broadcast and appreciate you’re so called solidarity with Mr Amar Singh. We all are acquainted with the fact what kind of person this manipulator Mr Amar Singh is. It disgusts me even to say his name cos he is the same guy who with Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav went on an schema claiming U.P is safe despite the fact that my state was ruled and governed by criminals. Fine we all are allowed to have friends and near ones as we wish but Mr Bachchan I am distressed and flabbergasted to see that you coming from such a illustrious family would keep such a preposterous company. I challenge you Mr Bachchan to invite Amar Singh to an open medium where I can address the issues that were pertinent during there government and I also know what he was doing during that term. Please don’t foam to such things where you are trying to show some good articles written by your good friend Mr Sarsdeai for another social criminal Amar Singh. Its like a blind guiding another blind through the way. It’s a remorseful situation to see that you by means of your blog are trying to prove a point to rationalize the fact you are Amar Singh’s friend for right reasons. Shame on you and would you have some guts to come on open forum with Amar Singh and Mulayan Yadav and answer some of our questions about U.P during their tenure and what they did. I am an I.A.S officer from U.P and I resigned out of disgust during Mulayam’s tenure cos I couldn’t stand the red tape bureaucracy of your so called brother’s government and to be honest I don’t even care what he or you do but please stop propagating this dim-witted agenda of your brother. The raison d’être people like SRK compared to you is cos you and your family or friends seems to be living on thin ice of artificiality and you are surely getting paid for this blog..
Anyway don’t foam to levels where you even cannot communicate to yourself cos of money and power…….I KNOW YOU WILL NEVER COMMENT ON THIS COS ALL YOU CAN DO IS COMMENT ON SOMEONE LIKE VISHAL WHO CHALLENGED YOUR CHARITY AND SO CALLED NOBLE DEEDS WELL REMEMBER BOFORS
Take care
(Report abuse)
BOSS GET A BREAK AMAR SINGH IS A BIGGEST SCAMSTER AND MANIPULATOR IN INDIAN POLITICS . TO TOP IT ALL MR SO CALLED EDITOR MR RAJDEEP SARDESAI YOUR SO CLOSE FRIEND WRITES A COLUMN ON SO CALLED FRIEND AMAR SINGH…
NEEDLESS TO SAY I M GONNA REQUEST TO ALL READERS OF THIS BLOG PLEASE POUR IN YOUR COMMENTS ON THIS CRIMINAL AMAR SINGH COS HE IS THE BIGGEST BLACK PATCH OR BLOT IN THE POLITCO ARENA IN INDIA, GOLD BLESS INDIA SINCE WE HAVE SUCH LOSERS IN OUR POLICITICAL SYSTEM
(Report abuse)
The question is not about what Rajdeep Sardesai feels Amar Singh should be accorded with. Your personal opinion matters more here. It’s your own blog, and most of us look at you with very high regard. Less due to your celluloid image, more because of your gentlemanliness. Despite having had such a celebrated life, you have led an amazingly composed off-celluloid version of yours, which is not a small thing. If you applauded Rajdeep and Amar Singh, we would respect it too.
But, the same may not be said if the this was to be some other forum. Both Sardesai, and Amar Singh belong to a particular polity and public domain in India that regards itself as final truth, despite of numerous holes in their standing. A growing number of Indians do not feel impressed at it. The analysis about a growing role of lobbyist in the Indian politics is appropriate in the article. Not the analyst and the subject of analysis itself. A great unsavory show taking place at the center right now. Will it help the nation in anyway? The past experience suggests, it won’t take anybody else to anywhere apart from the people mentioned in the article, and the writer himself. Sardesai recently won Padmashri from the same power arrangement, he often stands side-by-side in the wider political debates.
(Report abuse)
Is this man the same who shares the CNN-IBN with that lady barkha dutt.
I must say that he has most biased opinions Sir. I am not against Mr Amar Singh and have my whole hearted supprt for your friend but your comments on Mr Sardesai are not JUST.
Recently he did full coverage of amarnath shrine board trouble in kashmir and more or less supported the agitation by kashmiri muslims.
whereas when the hindu organisations opposed it the same news channel projected it as GUNDA GARDI of BJP and ALLIES.
If that is not biased opinion then I dont understand what it woulod be. he is doing this for getting your attention once again. After all the media people also needs same.
(Report abuse)
I didn’t kno abt Amar Singh tht much as i don’t live in India. Nice to kno abt him.
Thanks Sir for adding this article.
Take CARE
(Report abuse)
Well said Rajdeep, I like your article. Thanks to Amit ji for posting a nice text.
Best wishes,
Pradeep
(Report abuse)
Hi Amitji
Such power politicians are needed for India!
Regards
Vijayashankar
(Report abuse)
Oh Kiddddddan? Mi d 1st 1 to post here?
(Report abuse)
Oh!! AMit G About Politics!!!
Could you answer 1 of my question on tht?
I have been waiting for this answer for a long time.
People accused you to be sympathetic towards RAJIV when Indira died and not towards SIKHS who were killed in large number?
They said tht Amitabh was equally angered and frustrated as RAJIV was..
Indira is the mother but SIKHS r nt ur brothers?
(Report abuse)
Morning 06:45, in train, somewhere near to Bhopal
Hi,
Very Good Morning!!!
I hope u must be in Gym.
Wasn’t got any comments for the title of ‘Shoebite’??
Ya that HT article is seems to close to honesty.No doubt we expect the same frm Mr. Sardesai.
I was waiting to see Amar Singhji in ur words, which was sound earlier.My wait ends with nice conclusion.
Regards,
Nitesh Nema
(Report abuse)
Good luck for your US visa process.
(Report abuse)
I am not gullible enough to be swayed by such articles about politicians. Politicians are liars and will remain as such because that is what’s required to be a politician. A politician is never for his country before he is for himself. I wouldn’t think twice about anyone praising a politician for his so-called “honesty”. Such a concept strikes as ridiculous.
(Report abuse)
hiiioiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i will just sing a song for u bhoth …. ” YEAH DOSTI HUM NAHI CHOADENGE …..CHOANDENGE DUM MAGER TERA SATH NA ….!!!!” wat ever u say’s but like that just bcaz that was abt mr.amar shingji & he is family….. !!!!
some other day i love to read on ur blog abt Mr. Amar ji …. bcaz der is so many many quetions abt frindship b’win u & him … if its persnal than im SoRry that ask u otherwise ple post someting abt Mr. Amar ji
(Report abuse)
Respected Amitji,
I have read this article only say appropriate Title Should be “Black and White”
-A party “Black and White’
-A person “Black and White”
-A writer “Black and White”
-A addmirror “Black and White”
-A Friend “Black and White”
Everyone have two shed’s can take which one to describe and suitable for you.
But for ethical and fair comment on any,you have to neutral in your statement.
Rajdeep have wrote this article very nicely, Ammer Sing Take it as appreciatio,beacuse a well know Journalist writing every political party having these type of person (but they keep hidden).Readers take it as Rajdeep commenting on Black side of Amer Sing.NOT FAIR AT ALL.
Very Sorry to say you are also taking this for yours convenience only.
Both are very POLITICAL.
It’s all DHOKH to all there Voter’s have not voted for this action for only there personal benefit’s should be criticized only by hard words and opinion.
With regards.
M.S.Bohra,
Jodhpur.
(Report abuse)
I respect you as an artist and as a gentleman. I also respect your opinion on political scenarios of this country.
However I would say that by putting this article on your blog, you have let people put a negative spin on things and create one more controversy. I am just worried that this will be blown out of proportion and you have given your detractors fodder to chew on. I just hope and wish that I am proven wrong.
By the way you look great in Talisman trailer.
Good luck with your career.
(Report abuse)
respected sir
a probable title for the movie
zaraa jeene de…
(Report abuse)
If you want to talk about the truth, why don’t you talk about Rekha then.
Better still, why don’t you do your two cents in the larger interests of our society by suggesting your ‘younger brother’, Mr.Amar Singh that he and others like him conduct “ethical” lobbying?
After all, what goes around comes around.
Better still, why don’t you support the cause of honest journalism by associating yourself with some award / fora that honors and appreciates ethical journalism such as those exemplified by Rajdeep’s article posted above?
You vacillate between being a muted observer of society to proclaiming yourself as a member of the privileged section of Indian society who tom toms about his contributions to such a society, depending on your priorities!!!
(Report abuse)
Amitji,
When do we get to see your live concert in Mumbai and other places in India?
I am sure all your fans would love to have this privilege soon.
Cheers
Vaibhav
(Report abuse)
Dear Amitabh Bachchan,
Thank you for this most elegant & yet simple ode to truth.
With love.
Tatiana S. USA
(Report abuse)
hello amitji…dont know much abt politics..but the articles and peoms u publish on ur blog are really an inspiration atleast for me…plz keep it up..
thnx…..
(Report abuse)