Big B

Only when my colleague and friend Devasena reminded me did I even think about it! The 'IT' here being this blog. Because unlike Amitabh Bachchan I dont have exciting stuff happening mornin', noon 'n' nite for me to keep updating this post. And neither is the world interested in knowing about MY mornin', noon 'n' nite. Hmmm... AB!!

Amitji's writing is so on the mark - his astute mind is a delight to unravel! Please note his time of entry for his posts...it is quite inspiring! Guess he hardly sleeps but is always on time for work, as he writes in one of his posts about how the film unit in Nasik gears up for the day's shoot. A frenzied account that's marked with his trademark, wry sense of humor. And his digs at media and retorts to Ramadoss are by now familiar, but it is a treat to know what makes each day work for a man like Big B! I mean if he can continuously do so well, what he has been doing for so many years...what are we complaining about working for our daily life?

This is what I keep telling my dad all the time. My dad's tryst with life is no mean achievement. He is just 3 and a half yrs older than AB and like him is still running the show at home and in his office - the only thing he values as dearly as us, for the last 30 odd yrs. Something more than just money must be the motivating factor behind these many years of hard work, dont you think? Something extra that makes people like AB or my dad or anyone you know who is 60plus and still at it - still going strong, handling day to day tensions, everyday hassles at work, monthly and annual financial hurdles, family matters that only get complicated with time and never once settle down (as you grow, those that you know are also growing up you see!) ... Phew!

Psst! Did you get the idea that I think of AB like my dad? Good, I did'nt think so! Because... Amitabh Bachchan is the sexiest 60plus Indian Actor alive! In fact, I hated the idea of Aishwarya playing his daughter in Mohabbatein. This was thankfully negated a little with Kajra Re, but to my dear misery, they have now become dad-in-law and bahu in real life!! Tch..Tch! To me, watching AB in Aks was an unforgettable experience... his seduction of Raveena Tandon was a class apart...(he should play these 'shades of grey' roles often)...! AB's zest for life is evident in him changing flights between Bangkok and Nasik covering a press meet at London en route, all within a span of 4 days! Despite his physical weaknesses, there is a huge force working for him in the form of his sharply honed IQ that comes up with an answer for every query/comment. How else do you explain the various 'things-to-do' that he so perfectly goes about doing in his span of 24hrs?! His energy & dedication to give each shot his very best is so there, even in the Dabur commercial, where despite the flailing dhothi, Amitabh Bachchan stands tall-er!

And all this is from someone like me, who re-started to notice her Icon-actor Amitabh Bachchan from, no...not Black but Dev and Virudhh. Yup, I've seen every one of AB's films including the Kaalias and the Toofans...so please save yourself the impulse to take class on one of the (few) actors, who have given me many a celluloid dream...and if I may add, because of whom I'm even part of this wonderful process of film-making! This re-invention of himself that Amitji did, is no mean achievement. He rose like a phoenix and is now here to stay, giving every young Khan his run at the box office! To have roles written for you even when you're a character actor; to take on as many assignments, stay in the public eye yet not diminish in star value; to make as many personal decisions yet manage a public life that's the envy and aspiration for many - AB's stock rises with every line you read!

No, I did'nt reckon with Brand Bachchan in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham but I did relish his performance in the other K film where he appears in surprise intervals with his by now in vogue,black 'n' red shades. Amitji's Sam had so much panache' that it puts to shame Jack Nicholson's playboy act in Somethings Gotto Give. And...the name of the film springs up just when I'm winding up this post... Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna...!

And that's just what I (we!) wanna say to Big B anyways - Never say Goodbye, Mr. Bachchan!