Posted on: July 16, 2008 - 5:43 pm
On board BA 99 London – Toronto July 16, 2008 7 pm London Time
Half way over the Atlantic Ocean. To my right Greenland, some distance.
Jaya, Abhishek and Aishwarya came in to London from Mumbai early in the morning and joined me at the Hotel in town, rested, ate, showered and are with me now as we head towards Toronto and the opening performance for the Concert Tour.
Much before 1981, Lataji and Felt Forum Madison Square Garden, New York, ‘Mere Angane Mein’ had a life.
I had as a kid been regaled by my father singing this very popular U.P folk ditty at family weddings and festivals – particularly Holi. A dholak would be rolled in, a table spoon to beat a rhythm on its wooden barrel and the men and women would gather around it sitting on the floor, palti maar ke to enjoy its teasing semi risqué lyrics.
When the parents were out of the house and I had been left to study, I would, very surreptitiously, try my hand at the dhol, desperately trying to imitate the beats I had been hearing and sing out the song to an amused bunch of servants that would gather round, ready to scamper away on hearing the horn of the car at the gate announcing the arrival of my parents.
Long after studies and college were over and independence had been secured through a job in Kolkata, the dholak and ‘mere angane mein’ remained an important ingredient in all our impromptu gatherings and the mainstay at all Holi celebrations. And sometimes very briefly at friend weddings for their ‘Sangeet’.
When Mumbai happened and in moments of solitude or in moments of patient struggle for work during the early years, a wooden table top and the hum of a running table fan would be sufficient incentive to reminisce those moments with Dad and the fun and laughter of song and festival.
Annu, Anwar Ali, Mehmood bhai’s younger brother and I had come close as friends. We had met for our first film, ‘Saat Hindustani’ and I had moved in with him in his house. Late in the nights we would be by ourselves and Baby Apa, Annu’s older sister and relive those songs.
At an event in the Brabourne Stadium for Bombay Dyeing staff and workers, Annu and I had bravely gone on to stage in front of the curtain, he with a chair base as drum, I with quivering confidence and sung this queer but likeable number, just for a lark to loud applause and cheers.
We drove back to Andheri that night thinking we had conquered the world. Our laughter and yelps of achievement ringing loudly among the puzzled onlookers on the Mumbai streets as we went by.
‘MAM’ had a few more unofficial renderings.
It entertained my favorite and most admired star, Waheeda ji, Waheeda Rehman, on the cool evening sand dunes of Pochina, Rajasthan, when we shot for my second film Reshma aur Shera. It gathered an appreciative audience on the lawns of Beach House, an apartment complex in Juhu where Jaya lived before we got married, during Holi.
And it got patented on the lawns of Prateeksha during several festivals when we moved in there.
It was here that Prakash Mehra decided on recording it and putting it to film for ‘Lawaaris’ and it was here that Yash Chopra first heard ‘Rang Barse’ and decided to record it for ‘Silsila’.
Both U.P folk, both brought down through the ages by my father and both today becoming staple diet for all my stage performances.
Folk music. Down through generations. Out living style fashion culture change. Out living taste and temperament. And classical music. Eternal. Unforgettable and young.
Classical – the notes which thread together that string, that rope, that wire to the Gods.
Folk – the notes which smell of the soil we were born in, our roots.
Nothing can replace them. No matter where you belong, no matter which form of music you contribute to or patronize, two forms of music shall always be distinctly identifiable and instantly admired. Classical and Folk.
What a volume of largesse left behind by my father. These are not the only ones. An entire chapter in his works is devoted to songs of the soil. Hopefully someday I shall try and do justice to them and bring them to you. For you to love and enjoy. For you to feel and smell the earth where we were given life.
Someday !!
I rest now a while. There is some distance still. Tonight in Toronto it would be back to final rehearsals.. and songs of the soil.
My love for you as ever.. warm and affectionate
Amitabh Bachchan
PS : In the room in a Hotel in Toronto and desperate. All my bags that I personally checked in and identified at the base of the aircraft in London, all lost ! This is the 18th time British Airways has done this to me and family. Do not be surprised Torontoans, if tomorrow morning you find me running somewhat temporarily clad, on the streets. LIVID !! More later. Love
Dear Sir,
Sorry about your lost luggage. I know how you feel.
I am sure all will work out well in the end and you’ll have a great show.
आपने जो लताजी वाले कॉनà¥à¤¸à¤°à¥à¤Ÿ के बारे में लिखा उसे पॠके मैं सोच में पड़ गया की अगर मà¥à¤ जैसा à¤à¤• वà¥à¤¯à¤•à¥à¤¤à¤¿ जो गायक बनने की उमà¥à¤®à¥€à¤¦ रखता है अगर आप के किसी à¤à¤• à¤à¥€ कॉनà¥à¤¸à¤°à¥à¤Ÿ में उसी सà¥à¤Ÿà¥‡à¤œ पे आपकी ही किसी फ़िलà¥à¤® का गाना गा सके तो उसे कà¥à¤¯à¤¾ महसूस होगा?
Now that would truly be “Unforgettable” for me, sir!
I met you once in Miami about 12 years ago and you told me to “keep pushing and keep your dreams alive”. Even though my career path took me deeper and deeper into engineering, I have always kept my dream alive of becoming a singer someday.
I know that the likelihood of me being able to sing one of your songs on the same stage as you probably zip, but one can dream, right?
If you read this and you think you can grant me my wish, I would be forever grateful! Just so you don’t have the fear of putting some unknown person on the stage, I would be more than happy to audition before your July 27 show in Oakland.
Here’s hoping…
Your fan & well wisher,
Asheesh Barman
asheesh@acutrack.com
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HI Sir,
I would request you to comment on below post I got from internet somewhere.
I am very much frustrated to read this.Please do a favor for me.
Please rethink about our National Anthem
We have always wondered who is the ‘ adhinayak’and’bharat bhagya vidhata’,whose praise we are singing.. I thought might be Motherland India ! Our current National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’is sung throughout the country.
To begin with, India ’s national anthem, Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka, was written by Rabindranath Tagore in honor of King George V and the Queen of England when they visited India in 1919. To honor their visit Pandit Motilal Nehru had the five stanzas included , which are in praise of the King and Queen.(And most of us think it is in the praise of our great motherland!! !)
In the original Bengali verses only those provinces that were under British rule,i.e . Punjab, Sindh,Gujarat ,Maratha etc. were mentioned. None of the princely states were recognized which are integral parts of India now Kashmir, Rajasthan, Andhra, Mysore or Kerala.
Neither the Indian Ocean nor the Arabian Sea was included, since they were directly under Portuguese rule at that time. The Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka implies that King George V is the lord of the masses and Bharata Bhagya Vidhata is ‘the bestower of good fortune’.
Following is a translation of the five stanzas that glorify the King.
First stanza: (Indian) People wake up remembering your good name and ask for your blessings and they sing your glories. (Tava shubha name jaage; tava shubha aashish maage, gaaye tava jaya gaatha)
Second stanza: Around your throne people of all religions come and give their love and anxiously wait to hear your kind words.
Third stanza: Praise to the King for being the charioteer, for leading the ancient travelers beyond misery.
Fourth stanza: Drowned in the deep ignorance and suffering, poverty-stricken, unconscious country? Waiting for the wink of your eye and your mother’s (the Queen’s) true protection.
Fifth stanza: In your compassionate plans, the sleeping Bharat (India) will wake up. We bow down to your feet O’ Queen, and glory to Rajeshwara (the King).
This whole poem does not indicate any love for the Motherland but depicts a bleak picture. When you sing Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka, whom are you glorifying? Certainly not the Motherland. Is it God? The poem does not indicate that. It is time now to understand the original purpose and the implication of this, rather than blindly sing as has been done the past fifty years.
Nehru chose the present national anthem as opposed to Vande Mataram because he thought that it would be easier for the band to play!!!
It was an absurd reason but Today for that matter bands have advanced and they can very well play any music. So they can as well play Vande Mataram, which is a far better composition in praise of our Dear Motherland India.
Wake up, it’s high time! Shouldn’t Vande Mataram be our National Anthem. Come Join together to put Vande Mataram as our National Anthem.
PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN…
Hope your comment soon sir …
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Hello Mr Bachchan
All the best to you for the opening concernt in Toronto!!!!
Love to you Ektaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Respected Amitabh ji
On Day 83, you replied well to SAHARSH.
You replied that “”Well unfortunately I have not married your sister so I am afraid I cannot possibly be your ‘sala’, and its probabilities in the future are also extremely remote.”"
On the other hand according to me, if you will marry to his sister you will be jijaji and vice versa that is if he marries to your sister will make you his “sala”. so, the chances are not remote, they are impossible.
I really appreciate the way you tackled his comment and replied tactfully, teaching all of us that we should not loose our control if other people are using bad tongue.
We know that we are doing right deed and should follow the same.
All the Best for your concert in Toronto, it will be the most memorable..
Regards
SM
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hyee….
man you are addictive…. got a lil sad when i dint see you post earlier
am i the first???
good luck for the performance….
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Hello AB,
Since you have never noticed me in your blog, I have finally decided to do some Gandhigiri. I will keep posting this same entry everyday till you see it.
The reason being that I had to ask you something.
I have been your avid fan ever since you came into movies. So when you were going to come to New York for your Book Signing Ceremony, I had flown in from Detroit to get it signed by you in person.
You might not remember, but when you were signing the book for me I had mentioned that I would want to name a STAR (up in the sky) after you.
I of course, did.
Since then I have been trying to personally give you the certificate for its registration.
I tried very hard too but since I had absolutely no bollywood connections, the only resort I took was to write to people to know if they could hand it over to you, instead.
Tried some newspapers, also tried to contact some people who had launched their movie sites. Finally Rohena Gera responded to me and I sent her the package to be passed on to you.
Then later on I heard that you were going to be there in New York for the Amitabh Bachchan Festival and I thought I might have an opportunity there. I contacted the organizers there but to no avail.
I flew into New York for the festival and was there for the dialog session. Since I was not sure I would be meeting you, I managed to hand it to Abhishek instead.
But there was a huge crowd and till today I have not been able to find out whether you actually received it or was it lost in the helter skelter that surrounded you.
My wish definitely was to personally hand it over to you and say that it was a “Star named after the Star of the Millenium”. But not every wish is fulfilled.
So even if I am able to hear a word from you about it, it would certainly put my anxious mind to rest.
Hope you read this entry on the first day itself. I don’t want the server space to be taken up by my same blog entry everyday.
But we’ll see……
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE READ THIS……….
Thank you so much and take care of yourself
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Dear Amitji,
I liked your description of UP folk song, and how it has been part of your life. Excellent songs- loved those. I am surprised to see that BA lost your luggage!!!! Is it not the most frustrating thing to see/ feel once you get to the airport from plane to find you bags are lost or damaged!! Hope they find your bags soon.
Ashesh
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Sir,
It is wonderful to know about both my most fav songs. Please do share with us more about your childhood and early days…it is wonderful to read about you any time. Hope you all have a great time in Toronto…and as for the luggage I hope u will get it soon…..
do take rest as needed please…
regards to Mrs Jaya Bachchan, Mr and Mrs Abhishek Bachchan
Luv
ur fan
Jyotsna Sreeram
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Hahahaha, ohhh, how many times have my family and I lost luggage due to airlines. It must be so much worse for you, jetting all over the world.
It’s great to know that you are in Toronto! Wish I could be at the concert, but I have a big exam on Friday. So while you’re working hard, I will be working hard too preparing for July 18th.
Best of luck to both of us!
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Hi Mr Bachchan
Glad to know you have reach Toronto and all the best to The Unforgettable.
Sorry to hear about your bags gone missing. Hope they find the bags soon!!!
Love
Ima
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There are a whole host of wonderful Indian stores in Toronto if you need to purchase anything essential before your Friday night bash!:) Maybe I’ll see you somewhere on the streets tomorrow morning on my way to work! Looking forward to a fun night on Friday!
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Dear Amitji,
I admire your admiration for folk songs..they are lively and truely you can smell your soil in the words. What I would like more to see are sayings of our roots that are true till time lasts to be more publisized. I have been hearing them from my parents since I was born and as I grow older I tend to find them more meaningful and true.
eg ” Jyon jyon bhige kanwari, tyon tyon garhu hot jai”
this is one in a million and I find it absolutely true when I kook at you. My father says he heard it from his father and I am sure I will tell my kids I heard it from my father. and I can say hundreds that I know and thousands I would like to know.
As a person who can reach millions maybe you could incorporate a few beautiful ones in your movie dialouges..I’m sure you have done a few already.
I would also like to apologise for saying ” your two pillars of strength ( abhi and ash) ” in my last comment…actually you have three ” Jayaji “.
I still remember ” Patience is a virtue ”
with warm regards
Chat
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Mr. Bachchan,
I hope that all your luggage will be with you soon. The show in Toronto will rock and yes, your dad has written some wonderful poems. I recall reading his work in my Hindi classes way back during my school days.
I do hope Jayaji’s mom is doing well. I know you are busy with rehersals and moving, but I sincerely hope that you get time to spend with your family. Good luck and make the crowd go wild.
Sujata.
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To add to that previous post….although I am sure that you have people taking care of your situation right now, you can also try visiting (or sending someone to) one of the area’s big malls - Square One (in Mississauga), Eaton Centre (downtown) or Yorkdale tomorrow to buy what you need. Hope British Airways gets your baggage in soon. Regards!
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Oh dear — ‘barefoot in the park’ again. I hope they work feverishly through the night to get you fully clad by tomorrow; wouldn’t like to see the headlines, “Indian megastar arrested for indecency.â€
Your reflections on your father were, as always, reverent and beautiful (and it so happens that I wrote the text below even before reading them). Of course, I loved the MAM story — I will think of it every time I listen to the song (which is often).
As to retirement — those whose self-worth and self-identity are closely tied to their work seldom enjoy being “out to pasture.†Rather, our generation tends not so much to retire as to restructure. So we are not asking you to go quietly into that goodnight but rather to awaken to a new dawning. For example, being more selective of fewer roles could work in your favor as long as you are proactive not reactive. The remaining time could then be devoted to activities in which you are more in control than controlled: the productive end of entertainment (which could help develop the face of Indian cinema without battering your poor body); further work with your father’s poetry; greater involvement with the UN causes; more frequent sharing of your experience with the upcoming generation of actors and filmmakers; and of course — WRITING (whichever genre lifts your heart).
And being far from your normal milieu provides an excellent opportunity for assessing whether or not you might be clinging to the routine of 40 years like a gerbil to its wheel. Yes, given past experience, it is understandable that you are loathe to risk losing what again seems secure, but let’s face it, the loudly trumpeted reports of your professional demise were, at best, “greatly exaggeratedâ€:-). Your choices are so many — you are far luckier than most; new tomorrows promise a fresh beginning, not the beginning of an end.
With love and prayers always.
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Airlines often delays our baggages but it is surprising that this happens to people like you too!!!!
All the best wishes for your tour, hope you get massive response. Was just wondering if there were any TV channel covering the show, either live or delayed.
regards,
Kaushik
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We guys are from Dallas, USA and are looking forward to your concert in Houston on Aug 2nd. I m sure you have tons of fans, but my wife will sure give them a lot of them competition. She will be 8 months pregnant and is willing to drive 4 hours to Houston just to see you, its her life time dream after all. There will be nothing more that can make her happy than to get a chance to meet you face to face. Is it feasible for us at all to get a chance at that after the concert, even if its for a minute or two? Our E-mail is provided in this reply, would feel ecstatic to hear back from you or someone on your team abt this !
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Amitabh Ji,
I was at the airport when you all landed. Welcome to Toronto. What a scene it was. You all looked wonderful. I was the gentlemen with the AB the Legend book and was hoping you signed it for me. But with the caos I totally understand you all getting out of there. Anyways I will be at the concert and have second row seats with my wife. I will have on a Amitabh Bachchan Shirt. Hope you get your luggage and enjoy the sights of Toronto.
Deepak S
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WELCOME TO CANADA!!!!
Sorry to hear about the luggage mishap. I hope they find your things quickly.
Only one day left till the show!!!
I’m dying of excitement, ahhhhh!!!
-Melanie
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Amitji, first of all let me say that I never expected in a million years that somebody like you who is an national icon, a proud son of india and some one who insipres millions and has been part of our lives alomost like a family member but invisible would share so much about your personal inner feelings. I am blown away by your candor and honesty. I only hope that i can imbibe even 10% of the wisdom and insight that you share, and I would be a very successful human being in life.
I am originally from Bhopal but now live in New Jersey (hope to catch your show in NY!). I somehow always felt that you and Jayaji are family and there is a good reason for that. I went to school in KV Bhopal and my english teacher was Mrs verma, I believe Jayaji sister! I must say we always used to feel very cool calling her our teacher.
Amitji, I have had the prilivege of watching countless bollywood and hollywood films and abviously there is a stark differece in the sensibility. Lately many of the latest bollywood films like “Chinni Kum” are so different. Do you think the audience in india is changing or just the finally bollywood itself is changing. I am sure for countless people in india the old “song and dance” routine is absolutely as entertaining as say a deeply touching scene from “Black”.
Amitji, One day i aspire to be a filmmaker and have started looking at films more from a filmmakers point of view. I was just wondering what you views are on the subject.
Please have a safe trip and look forward to working with you some day.
Regards,
-Krish Rajan
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I like to think that I’m the first one to read your blog always. The rationale being
1. There are never any comments left by any of your fans
2. You often write late in the night when its morning in Melbourne and I read your blogs diligently every morning when I get to work
3. Or perhaps there are lots of fans out there like me who read and feel they are the “first” to read but never leave a comment thinking how busy you are and it will probably go unread.
Hope your bags turn up soon.
Good luck with the tour and please make sure you come to Australia when you plan the next one.
Best,
Manisha
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lol, and we thought that this kind of stuff only happens to us. I always assumed that because of your “star power” you never went through these frustrating matters.
Welcome to Canada!
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Hi Mr. Bachchan,
Hmm.. you have lost your luggage 18 times!!!
Looks like someone working at the airport is personally interested in what’s in them.
Well, I hope BA soon find it and send them to you asap.
It is amazing how close you are to your father. In almost every blog you write,
you mention him.
I hope and i know that your tour will be a great success.
If you get a chance i would like to know the impact on your life after the loss of your close friends like Amzadkhan, Manmohan Desai, Mukul Anand, Vinod mehra, Raj kapoor and others..
Regards
Mayur
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Dear Mr Bachachan,
Though I’d heard so about about your blog,I’m somewhat technologically challanged and could never get around to it.It did’nt help that we were posted at places were there was no Net.Anyhow,read it and loved it.I’m from Alld too and love telling people that as the first image of Alld is ..You.All the best for your tour.
Priya Charmazel Dutt
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I am sorry to hear your bags were not there with you yet, but I hope they will be recovered very soon.
‘Rang Barse’ is one of my all-time favourites - both the lyrics and the melody.
Thank you for always adding new entries to your blog no matter how busy you are. As always, good luck for your performance. People in Toronto must be thrilled to see you.
Lots of love to you and your family. Do take care.
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Awww.. what an awful start.. I know the frustration of lost luggage.. But then things can only get better from now on & the rest of your tour will be hassle free.. Looking forward to seeing you “live” in LA.. & wishing you all the success that u have ever dreamed of during this forthcoming concerts.. & lots of love always, Archana, Detroit.
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Welcome to Toronto Mr. Bachchan!
They lost your bags? Yikes….that seems quite strange and frustrating! Been through this experience once myself–not pleasant.
Hopefully the airline will get your belongings to you by tomorrow.
That was an interesting tidbit about the history of those songs…and you are right, they are definitely evergreen and are enjoyed even now.
I’m assuming that you will be showcasing these songs during the show?
All the best and looking forward to a fabulous concert on the 18th!
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On my last trip to Jordan and Egypt ,BA lost the bag belonging to one of the girls who left from Manchester. At one point , they called her at 3AM to tell her that her bag was in Montreal. She had so much trouble dealing with them. She only got her bag the last week of the 3 week trip. She told everyone not to fly BA. That was my first thought when you said you were on a BA flight on a previous post. I hope you get your bags soon.
Right now I am sitting on a Greyhound bus bound for Toronto from NYC with my new laptop.I’m scheduled in at 7AM and am staying at the Canadian Backpacker’s Hostel a few blocks from the venue.
I never knew that song was an old folk ditty.
I better go; I didn’t bring the charger with me.
Maybe I’ll see you in the streets of Toronto.
Maybe you should try a different airline. Good luck with everything!!!
Love,
Rochelle
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Dear Amitji,
Welcome to Toronto,
I presume you are staying at the Royal York Hotel.
Enjoy your stay in Toronto !!
Thanks,
Subramanian Iyer
Toronto Canada
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Dear Mr. Bachchan
well I just felt,why has the baagage lost incidents happening with oyu…and as you said 18th times. …!
wanted to know,if you got back your belongings in last 17 Times or NOT ?
I guess, they are building a memorabilia and you never know if all your lost baggage is surfaced after it is sold to Southby’s for Auction with the Template “Belongings of GREAT AMITABH BACHHAN lost in TRANSIT”.
And no Prizes for Guessing…How many takers would there be all across the world for your belongings
Well on a serious note…I wish, you get your belongings Back soon.Please don’t get Temporarily Clad,although I am sure Many of your female fans would still love to see that:)
Reagrds
Amarendra
Gurgaon
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Dear Amitji,
Its wonderful to share your first experience and experiment with MAM when you started practicing the song and its music as a young child.
I finally got to read up to Day 59 yesterday on your blog and each time I was amazed and fascinated by what I read. There is so much to know about you as a person that we never get to know and understand from an interview. It’s like a daily journal or autobiography that you are writing. An amazing medium, a blog can be, a feeling so genuine. I read your blog the first time 2 days ago and since them have been glued to it. I guess there are few people who write so deeply about life. Also there is so much that you have inherited from your father in the form of knowledge, depth of thought and speech that makes you a better person, a person beyond the actor self that is seen through media.
I am working towards the deadline for my PhD. Its amazing, this small a word ‘Ph.D.’ and how much time and energy it costs! Its on Mumbai and the city it has grown to become today. I read through your blog and the experiences you discuss going through the suburbs, the wonderful variations and variety that you see on Bombay’s streets. It is still the best place to get ‘Pav Bhaji’, to eat ‘Pani Puri’ and enjoy some real nice ‘Masala Dosa’. One of the best things is to experience the surge of energy of millions who live in the city and thousands who come everyday and join them in search of a new life.
I remember I was still in architecture school at Bandra, when my friends and I would pull all nighters to finish our projects. That would really be the best time, because we would all sit in one room, have our drafting boards in front of us, watch some of the most fun movies together and laugh our way till early morning hours. There was a chaiwalla who would sell tea at 3.00 in the night to us and we would walk our way back, enjoying, carefree, learning and leading life on those streets of Borivali. The city giving so much to us without expecting anything back. Seeing us grow up and walk the same streets everyday, not asking anything, just being patient with all our wimps and worries.
It would be wonderful to hear your first stage performance, and what impact it had on your later life. Your initial years of struggle as an actor and what kept you motivated to go on.
Thank you for sharing all your life impressions with us, you are inspiring many as you walk your way.
Gandhiji once said ‘Almost anything you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.’
Take care, waiting to see you live in Chicago,
Krupali
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Dear AmitJi
Its always a pleasure listening to the treasure of thoughts of other ppl who ever it may be but more so and i am really pleasantly surprised to read your experience of beating the chair and table like a dhol and enjoying it thoroughly. These are real small pleasures that i miss now a days in my hectic life of job, meetings, home kids and all. I had a temperament to enjoy good music and to create rhythems but unfortunately never got any chance to develop my talent. May be i was not too courageous enough to take it up seriously. But yes even now i enjoy playing on desk or even on the dashboard of my car when i am enjoying any beautiful song either alone or most of the time with my Son Samridh and he too has picked up this of enjoying the songs with beats.
Wish you very best for your concerts and may God provide you with inner happiness and satisfaction all the time.
Lots of love
Naresh
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It’s ‘Torontonians’, actually
I’m sorry I will miss seeing you running down our streets, as I am stuck in Ottawa for summer school. Have a terrific time in Toronto, it’s a great city.
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“temporarily clad” hehehe……that would be a sight…
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Hi,
I am for Pakistan and been following your blog since its inception. Your posts are very incisive and your following in India is heart warming. I didn’t grow up on a staple bollywood diet, but I am sure you are as revered on this side of the fence. I read with particular interest the post mentioning hassan your f.friend. I went for a Mira Nair talk in Boston, at North Eastern university and found her very earnest and articulate. I read somewhere that you are doing a film with her. Is that shantaram? Would be great if you can talk about it a bit in your next post.
On another note, I was just looking up the concert details in new york and was very surprised to find it happening in Long Island and not Manhattan. Not to put down LI, but it is such a poor cousin of Manhattan. Just went to a cold play concert at the Madison sq Gardens and it was a treat.
Well, as clichéd as it sounds, hope you have a great tour ahead.
R,
Madiha
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Pray u get ur luggage soon…
Best of Luck…
Love and prayers for all…
Cheers
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Dear Mr Amitabh Bacchan,
I hope your show will be successful and whatever you do, you are always the BEST. I won’t be there. but I know you and the whole team of Unforgettable tour will give a terrific performance.
J’espère qu’un jour je vous rencontrais.
Ca va chauffer au Centre de Rogers avec votre performance. L’ambiance sera électrique. Même je ne serais pas la bas, mais je sais Mons Amitabh Bacchan reste le meilleur dans ce qu’il fait.
J’aimerais que vous parliez du changement climatique ( c’est déjà a l’agenda), les valeurs familiales qui existent dans la culture indienne, par exemple prendre soins des parents quand ils deviendraient vieux etc . La race humaine est la race qu’il bat entre eux, pour satisfaire leur ego au lieu de l’aider ce qui a besoin. Je crois que vous êtes la personne bien placé pour passer des messages importants dans la societé.
I don’t know whether you know French. I heard Abhishek Knows French.
Enjoy your stay in Toronto!!!!
Well take care .
Rajesh
Toronto
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OMG!! British airways has done tht to me twice. Wish you all the best!!!!!!!! sir
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you did best by starting this dialouge direct with people as they loved you always and beleived in you.
will you please allow us to put a link of your writings on the homepage of our site where we write?
you can check that before permitting on http://portal.sangkrit.com
your being straight and confident makes our people staright and confident.
it is really very important.
the worst thing from you was your fighting election on Congress ticket to divide your fans but the best thing from you is your connecting with us by writing on Internet.
Respectfully yours
Rajendra
+919212141857
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Hello,
Sorry about you bags…I really hope you can get them in time and that in the meantime you’ll find clothes to tide you over. I so desperately wanted to come for the Unforgettable Tour but you guys aren’t coming to my city, Detroit.
I even tried to buy tickets for the Toronto show a few days ago but TicketMaster was being a real pain in the…neck. I know you can’t possibly come to every single city but I must admit, it was a shock and a big surprise to see you guys wouldn’t be coming to Detroit. I wrote to Wizcraft requesting them to bring you guys here and I even wrote on you blog various times. But I know it is not your decision. However I must tell you, all the concerts and stars always come to Detroit for their shows. There is a big desi population here and other desis from Ohio and Indiana and other states also come up.
I’m hoping somehow I’ll have an unforgettable experience in my life watching this same Unforgettable troupe perform!! I really hope to be able to see you guys somehow performing…at some point in my life. Especially the Dola Re number with Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya and then the Kajra Re number with all of you! These dances really will/would be unforgettable and I hope I can someday catch them.
I hope in the future you can come to Detroit and that InshAllah, someday I’ll get to meet you. Ahh I do dream of that very often…meeting my favorite actors. I haven’t written to you in a long time. BEST OF LUCK WITH THE TOUR! I know it’ll be fantastic, InshAllah. And I know you guys took it seriously and worked hard to prepare. And I also hope Jaya Bachchan’s mother is feeling better.
Take care!!
P.S.- I’m leaving for Pakistan in a few days and really, really don’t want to lose my bags! A common factor that ties us all together! Take care! I hope we meet someday. And I must tell you, (I said this in another entry too)…yes, Hrithik Roshan and Shahid Kapoor are fabulous dancers. But I’ve always, always enjoyed Abhishek Bachchan’s dancing. I think he dances really well and he REALLY looks like he is enjoying himself and that the attitude and expressions are all his own. No direction needed. Please do tell him that. I’m one of his biggest fans and of his sense of humor as well! It might not make a difference but it means alot to me.
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I am in Toronto and I will be on the road and in shopping malls tomorrow looking for you. By the way, in which Hotel are you staying in Toronto. I would camp outside it to have a glimpse.
Thanks
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Hi GOD,
It was really interesting to know origin & journey to movies of the 2 very popular songs sung by you. Indeed Interesting !! You know what makes reading your blog interesting every morning is these valuable inputs that you give on what happens ‘behind the scenes’ because we would never in our lifetime get a chance to understand that.
Also all the best for your world-tour and may it become a big hit with jam-packed auditoriums. Just one advice, please ask Abhishek & Ash to control their facial expressions when they are performing. Abhishek though enjoys to the hilt when he is performing, please ask him to not give his ‘Sapne Ne Milti Hai (Satya)’ expressions all the time and Ash, please ask her to not giggle / raise her nose now & then.
I came back from Toronto just 2 weeks back and would really miss this show :(.
Love,
Parag - The Sacha Bhakta.
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Dear Amitji!
Aapko mere dil se pranam. It is nice to know that you and your family are in Toronto. I hope you all are fine in health.
Thanks for sharing with us your wonderful memories about former times. Your writing is very thoughtful. I read it with great interest.
One thing I would like to ask you… A few days ago I read on the Internet something about a stop in Berlin and Frankfurt for your show (End of August?) perhaps. I actually wanted one time still read that, but now I cannot more find this website. Is anything true thereon – is there a tour perhaps yet planed also in Germany????? When it really should be so… then I will be definitive in Berlin.
Please be so nice and give me a response to my question. It is very important to know that…
I wish you a fantastic time in Toronto and once again all the best for your tour. May God bless you and your family!
I’m waiting for you next post.
With love
Kajo
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Sr Mr Bachchan
Ironically my first encounter with Jr Mr Bachchan was at BA loungue when he was also waiting to board and I was yelling fr help on lost baggage !! I think that time Jr Bachchan was just stepping into the industry but boy he sure has an impressive personality !! My second encounter with him was on Mumbai-Delhi flight where he was non stop on his cell phone and i was sitting on one remote chair watching him.I wondered here is one man whom I remember seeing twice but he wont..And I was seeing reflections of you & Jaya in him..I m in awe of him so many ways…but at the same time happpy to be where I am ..mommy to my toddler !! Airlines not only connect destinations they connect incidental meetups also !!
Pallavi Garg
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Mr. B,
First, WELCOME TO TORONTO!!!! Second, the correct term for us is TORONTONIANS.
And no - we would not be surprised to see you running around town scantily clad! It is after all summer here and the temperature in the upper 20s with a humidity is REALLY hot for us so you won’t be the only one running around with not much on … LOL! I am sure you are staying in downtown Toronto - and if you really are in need to buy stuff while awaiting your luggage, just make your way over to Yorkville - an area fit for shopping by celebs like you!! I wish I could be in downtown tomorrow and just wander around hoping to catch a glimpse of you!!
BA is known for luggage issues but they somehow manage to find them very quickly as well - at least for the normal people but then again - if someone finds a bag with your name on it - don’t be surprised then that they keep it and then suddenly all your stuff starts to show up on eBay! I certainly hope the latter isn’t the case here.
Surprised to see you did not mention the name of the hotel you are staying at here … normally you always note that as part of where you are writing from. Ah well … I am sure you have good reason for withholding the name.
Hope you are enjoying our fair town and painting the town red. I was hoping that you would have more time to spend in our city. Tomorrow (July 17) is going to be an awesome day here weather wise so I do hope that you will take time to enjoy some time here and not just get roped into rehearsals only.
Be well.
/SherryBh
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amitji,your entry today brought back so many beautiful memories,especially the music of reshma aur shera.i am trying to get it from quite sometime but couldn’t.
i wish you all the best for your performances.
ps-it hapenned to many of us with ba
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Dear Mr. Bachchan, thanks so much for the insight into your thoughts. They are honest and thought provoking. It has always been inspiring to read your thoughts and to watch you as you make this journey through life. I consider myself fortunate to have met you a few times. I remember the first was on the sets of Akayla. You were shooting in Pali Hill and Ramesh Sippy was directing. As a young boy from Canada it was nerve wrecking to meet my idol but it was that moment and the very first time I saw you on screen that set me on my own personal journey. The last time I met you was at the Royal York Hotel when you were at the Toronto Film Festival for KANK. I have not yet had the opportunity to share with you my own personal journey but I hope to one day let you know how you inspired a young boy from Canada to follow his dreams.
Thanks so much for being you. I wish you & your team all the best in Toronto for the show. Hopefully, our paths will cross once again.
My close relatives are organizing the show in Toronto so I hope that I do get a chance to chat with you once again.
Rupinder
p.s. I hope you recover your bags. I do understand how frusterating it gets…
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Dear Mr Bachchan,
I think the MKD-Parkash Mehra-Yash Chopra Films with you were pure magic. I personally preferred MKD as a your favourite directors. I am little disappointed when the New Gen directors try to pay homage to MKD by means of some of their offerings. Sure these offerings have succeeded at the turnstiles, but does not even hold a candle to the master MKD.
There was enthusiasm, exhuberance, emotion, enterainment, a bit of message, great hit scenes, lovely songs, large doses of national integration, and last but not the least…lots of fun, and the best part…very little double meaning dialogues. I guess David Dhawan came almost close to it.
That reminds me…how about a sequel (sic) to Bade Miyan Chote Miyan…
Sincerely,
SK Anand
PS : British Airways have the worst system in the airlines to track passengers and luggages. they have now upgrades to Amadeus, but dont hope to much on effeciency. I am told Jet Airways - Toroto Service via Brussel is quite nice! In their freshly minted B 777 - 300 airplanes
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well actors 25 to 30 yrs younger then u r competing with u that too in indian films where songs n dance r most important then stories or acting
and with older age u cannot do wht they can but still desperately competing with u shows u have victory over them .this means u were victorious over ur age actors and over younger ones too.
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Hello Amit uncle,
me again ! I dont know if u ever read my previous comments….For a change it was good to get a small peek at your past :)…It would really get boring if u wrote about Abhishek and Aishwarya as we see them on the media as often as we see u. I would really like it if you changed the lines by your father on the home page image in rotation so that we get to read more of them..Good luck !!!
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mr bachan i wish you good luck for your unforgatable tour i wish you and your family will rock
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oh my my very sad n so sorry to hear about ur bags… Gosh really sorry to hear about ur bags… as I work for British airways in toronto and USA branch at a very good post n will be sure able to help you BIg B… you may contact me if you like at world.usa@hotmail.com or else still feel very sorry to hear that… as this may look little strage to drop you a mail this way tryingto reach some help out but hey if i can be of any help sure why not, right??? rest hope you enjoy ur stay in Toronto n USA pls if you need any help shopping pls you may contact me… I have given u my Email ID above just a mail away… thank you and have lot’s of fun and Enjoy ur trip in toronto n USA… will try to catch on to one of ur concerts in Canada or USA when ever I will be off from work… Take Care n be safe… Rinku
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BEST WISHES FOR THE TORONTO SHOW. I AM SURE EVERYTHING WILL GO GREAT. BAD THING (luggage getting lost) IS NOW OUT OF THE WAY.
SEE YOU IN HOUSTON
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Dear Sir
british airways is a piece of shit! But pray why didn’t you try and get a Virgin Atlantic booking. But even in suc trying and desperate situations, it is wonderful to see your sense of humour standing up.
Well, how about this for a conspiracy theory - the British Airways has always had a deal with local fashion outlets to cause this discomfort to travelling personell. And if the problem persists, i’m sure the Bachchan family would’ve made a few fineries their own in Toronto?
Presto! Who benefits?
Elementary my dear sir…
But for the time being i hope you rule the Toronto streets with your zest.
cheers
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OMG ! What a nightmare ! If it happens to BigB, all that I went through after my travel by Cathey Pacific is miniscule !
Your situation will be always on my mind, constantly keeping me worried. Put-in a word to calm my restlessness as/when you locate your bags !
Lots of love and all the very best wishes,
Lydia
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Hi BigB,
This is the first time I am replying to somebody’s blog. I don’t know why i am doing this could be because my father is one of your million fans, or may be because my birthplace is Allahabad or may be I have always admired the way you have portrayed yourself to the world. I firmly believe that you are the perfect mixture of Modernity and Indianness. I can’t think of anything else to write but to wish you all the very best for your unforgettable tour
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Dear Mr Bachchan, Welcome to Toronto..!
I hope U locate your bags soon.
Here it is summer time, we do see lots of ppl running topless….it is perfectly legal too, designed for all those who can’t bear the scorching heat …lol…no not a fashion trend availed by most social bollywoodans in ure neck of woods who resort to skin show in the name of western gear. So looking forward to seeing U on our streets …ahem temporarily clad like U have so eloquently worded it
I had decided not to go see a Live Show again but I am gonna make an exception. For U..Sir! U truly deserve the love and respect of every single cinefan out there bcuz U are there for us too ….day in and day out sharing so many wonderful thoughts and memoirs with one and all. Love is indeed a Give and Take. Thank U for being here.
No autobiography can capture all of the info and the daily input, nor do justice to the memories that U have chosen to share with us. I gotta agree with U after reading so many of your ure blogs, I think they would definitely beat any book hands down. Best Wishes on your World Tour. May it be the biggest and the Best Show of the year. Good Luck.
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heaven can wait… we can’t!
with due respect, you are pardoned for six weeks (til ur thru with this tour) … after that- no excuses!
we want it… and please not ’someday’ - we want it NOW!
looking forward to the great legacy translated thru “your sound” of music!!!
best regards!!!
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hiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!
there is no holi song like … RANG BARSE !!!!
some other day i will love to watch abhi perform on the same
british airways ….. ple tell dem they had lot (stolne) taken off frm india nw y dey r troubling mr big B !!! 18 times u lost ur bag’s ….?
any way my best wishes to ur opening peformance … love u ….& ur family
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kya yaar bigadda walon ko kaho mere do din purane comments bhi aabhi tak nahi aaye says its on moderation though they were good . this is not good .
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Sat Sri Akal,
My mom is a huge fan of yours, she even tells my dad to keep a goatee like yours and she watches Baghban all the time! I am going to be surprising my mom with front row tickets tomorrow and I know for sure she will be very overwhelmed.
She has an exact suit that was in Veer Zara in the Lohri song worn by Hema Malni. I am going to be making her wear that suit for the concert on Friday and I am hoping you will be able to see us in the masses and give a wave to my mom, I know she will be thrilled if you could do that (if its even possible!).
Anyways, my mom is a great cook and you could come for dinner…maybe teach my dad how to keep a goatee like yours as well!
Thanks for your dedication to your fans, it is really appreciated.
Wish you all the best for the tour, may God bless.
Pawan
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How annoying ? Best of luck and have a great opening. Lots of love to your family and please tell Abhishek, he has the most endearing smile.
Regards
shreya
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Dear Amitabh,
Mere Angne Mein …. and Rang Barse…. always existed in UP - but it was your rendering these in your films that gave them a sort of cult status. They became party items.
Also, it was your screen persona that gave the word Bhaiya a respectable status.
Earlier, the word Bhaiya to Bombayites meant only Doodhwala! People used to giggle when North Indians used this word in Mumbai!
Regards,
gul
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its ‘PJ’ time!
imagine what would be newspaper headlines when you lost ur baggage?
“AB BAg lost on BA”
ha ha ha… sorry- couldnt resist this one!
ps– but hope u got em back by now.
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Dear sir,
I hope you have a backup stock for all your medicines.
Take care.
Regards
Monideep
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Hello Amitji..& …company
can’ t stop laughing. Did u get your bags back..wish so…
Take care
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Stupid BA, well now I know that BA does not discriminate while offering its bad services…even the famous suffer!! Sorry I just had to say it, good luck for the 1st show, I know you are going to ROCK IT!
See you in Chicago
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Mismanagement!!!!
Feeling bad,hope you have some other arrangements…Take care
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Respected Bhaisahab!
Sadar Pranam,
I am bemused to read the vivid and clear account of your childhood. You do read my posts even if you don’t knowingly or unknowingly you are answering all that I really loved to know of you, your childhood, your parent love and the education you received from them. That you too like us enjoyed Holi as much as we did during our childhood beating teen ka kanastar in our case and thumping on your two or more great numbers. I would say you have immortalised the folk number, though once upon a time i was too shy to sing it in public or admit that I liked it very much but in the modern times I realise there is nothing obscene in the number itself. Obscenity comes from motices or otherwise.
I am actually thrilled to read your comments would be an understatement, mujhe apane naam ki nahi aap ki peshkas se matlab hai. beleive me or not you are going to be of great value to many things India should love. Its tradition, culture, integrity in diversity and facets which can only be understood by those who wish to attempt to understand india, for me it is a feeling that if Indian subcontinet could ever be reunited you would have a great role to play!
Now, I am sure you would be very much busy with your rehearsal and buying few dresses for yourself. I hope you get your baggage is time, it might have had special costumes and parapharnelia for the unforgettable that could be very important to the scheme of things at present moment.
Bye for now, I too have many more things to exchange like I am getting more and more inforamtion of my buddies from Port Blair when I was but 13 or 14 year old. God has been kind with me but for Gisele, I do not get to hear from you and without VoIP working i am not able to get in touch with her over phone, how badly i wanted to tell her that you have already kickstarted your tour at toronto!
Best of luck and best wishes!
Abhaya Sharma
PS I have not been addressing all the rest of the members of the crew of the unforgettable. Please convey my best wishes to Abhishek and Aishwarya, Priety and the rest. I think Shiamak Davar and Vishal Shekhar are going to have very busy schedule. Give everyone my best wishes!
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Hi Amit Ji.
Good morning-
Have a Nice day. and hope to get your baggage back.
All the Best For the Tour.
With lots of love
Sunil.
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have a nice time AMITJI
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Hello Bachan Sir.
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