Bappi Lahiri Didn't Said No To Amitabh Cause Of His Weight

The composer of the singer will not participate in reality TV. Here's why ... Bappi Lahiri is on the list of all the people they want to see on the reality show Bigg Boss. The composer of Roly-Poly was offered the show twice, but he refused on both occasions. One reason to say "no" is its perimeter. We learn that the Bappida need help getting dressed in the morning, and other normal activities that most people manage to do. The singer has a 24x7 boy home to help. And since he can not take a portion of the show, it will never be seen on this subject.

Entertaining
Bigg Boss in the house, each prisoner has to do its work and is useless Bappi himself, so he does not want to be on the show. The producers of reality shows are eager to have Bappa on board, as it would be very entertaining with their jewelry, extravagant costumes and "Hindi Bengali. Lahiri, who is away in Dubai for a show, he said," do not program has nothing to see with my weight. I lost so much weight today. I'm not like the stars who need their children to put their shoes and tie their shoelaces! Yo I can wear. "Father," and adds: "I do my son who is with me all the time but is more of an assistant / helper. So I'm very attached to my family and can not stay without them.

I also took my son Santosh, Guy makeup, dress man, my bodyguard and manager. I need around me all the time, because if I go work on the main hoon usske ghuss ice and this prevents me from distraction! "He continues:" I'm king of my house! My boyfriend makes me drink water. I can not make a cup of tea, let alone cook, why should I go to BB to make food for myself and others? "However, he claims to have been invited to attend the exhibition.

"I was invited to be part of the first two seasons of Bigg Boss, but I could not go because I have no dates. I have my shots, two films awaiting release, shows and live recordings. I can not drop everything and t be locked in the house. Now my show in Dubai, I'll fly to Los Angeles for the release of my album on Michael Jackson - a tribute to MJ Not known say goodbye. My life is very busy and it is impossible for me to assign dates of three months of BB. "Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Aamir Khan Turned Down KBC 4 & Big B Accepted It

Allright! He may have said in an interview to a news channel that he was never offered 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 4' in the first place, but it's no secret that Sony Entertainment Television and BIG Synergy were keen on working with Bollywood's Mr. Perfectionist, Aamir Khan.

A prominent Mumbai tabloid had first reported on Aamir Khan being offered the show. Producer Siddhart Basu was quoted saying that Sony Pictures, which owns the format, might have had an initial discussion with Aamir.

The actor's spokesperson too had neither confirmed nor denied the story. In another report, Basu claimed that Aamir is one individual who he would like to work with.

Just few weeks back, the buzz in the air was that it will be Aamir who will make his TV debut as the host of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 4'.

Rumour has it that a popular news channel was even going to go ahead and break this news. However, everyone was shocked when it was learnt that it won't be Aamir but Amitabh Bachchan who will host the show. We were the first to report this story.

Well, it just wasn't the public, but we too were taken by surprise by this development. Earlier, we'd broken the news of Khan being offered two projects – KBC 4 and orginal concept. However, it was KBC that he was expected to sign. So what went wrong then?

A industry insider says, “Look while there was no formal offer, top officials from Sony did meet the actor. As always, Aamir takes his own time to respond.

Unfortunately, for Sony, Aamir turned it down. He felt that doing TV is an enormous task. Aamir was simply of the view that he's not ready to take up such big responsibility as yet. Besides, he didn't have the time as he'll be busy, looking after his home productions.”

Second choice simply doesn't exist in the Bollywood superstar's lexicon. After reading all about, Khan, why did Amitabh Bachchan accept the show then?

“If it's KBC and Big B, there's simply no question of a second choice. Let's not forget that it's Bachchan who had propelled the show both in season one and two. Besides, I don't think Mr. Bachchan has any airs. Sony is confident that with Bachchan back as host, KBC will get the same numbers as it did for Star, ” added the source.

Well, speculations, comparison, and theories around KBC won't end. Now that Bachchan is back at the helm, the viewers will simply say, “Let's play' Kaun Banega Crorepati'!

Amitabh Bachchan's Apologise About Aishwarya's Pregnancy

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is in no mood to forgive and forget daily tabloid Mumbai Mirror for allegedly invading the privacy of his daughter-in-law actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and for claiming that she can't risk pregnancy due to stomach tuberculosis. He has demanded an apology from the newspaper.

Amitabh said if anyone spoke derogatorily about her, he would fight till his last breath.

"I am too incensed and angered by the contents above! Not a single portion of the article is true...I am the head of my family. Aishwarya is not my daughter-in-law, she is my daughter, a woman, a lady in my house and home, " Amitabh posted on his blog site.

"If anyone will speak derogatorily about her, I shall fight for her till my last breath. If you have something to say to the men in the house, Abhishek or me, I shall bear it. But, if you shall make injudicious remarks on the women in my home, I shall not tolerate it, " he added.

"The unprofessional and slanderous nature of this article in such an esteemed and respected newspaper as the Mumbai Mirror is deeply disturbing. It brings the author of this article into disrepute.

It brings the editor that published this article into disrepute. It brings this particular newspaper into disrepute. It brings the profession of journalism into disrepute," Amitabh posted on his blog.

"This article is in violation of the journalistic norms of conduct as published by the Press Council of India. Beyond your own disgrace, you have caused grievous distress and harm to the Bachchan family," he added.

The article in question, "Pregnant Pause - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan", was printed in the Thursday edition of the tabloid and alleged that Aishwarya is suffering from contracted tuberculosis of the stomach and as a consequence of this disease and its treatment, she is unable to conceive.

The article also said that Amitabh has been pressing the duo for a grandson and was "therefore gender prejudiced".

The 67-year-old has written to Meenal Baghel, the editor of Mumbai Mirror.

He posted: "Due to the illicit nature of this slander, I request a retraction and full apology.

The full apology comprises the names of the individual journalist and chief editor, the journalist's and editor's unqualified retraction and refutation of the contents of the article, the apology should be addressed to both Aishwarya Rai Bachchan first and specifically, and also to the Bachchan family in general.

"The apology is to be printed on the first page of the entertainment section of the Mumbai Mirror on the same page, in the same size print, and including the signatures of the aforementioned journalist and editor and an immediate donation of a sum of (amount to be decided by members of my extended family of the blog) to a national charitable foundation of your choosing that supports those who suffer from tuberculosis and an article in your newspaper highlighting its work."

Aishwarya had written to the tabloid Thursday asking for a denial and apology of equal prominence. The retraction was printed in the next edition.

Amitabh Bachchan Ko Gussa Kion Ata Hai?

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan brought back memories of his 'angry young man' days when he came here Monday for the promotion of his upcoming film "Teen Patti" in a visibly upset mood -- for reasons unknown.

Clad in a white pin-stripe black suit, white shirt and pink tie, the 67-year-old, who is known for his punctuality, was two hours late for the promotion of the film.

The actor entered the event with a noticeable miffed look and picked a seat not meant for him.

When a PR agent informed him that he was to be seated in the centre where his nameplate was assigned to him, he asserted: "Just change the card".

Asked by a scribe how he maintained his innocence despite his success and whether it was courtesy the values inherited from his father, Big B who was trying to answer looked at the gawking male debutants from "Teen Patti" and said: "What are you looking at?"

He then answered: "People like these (pointing at the audience) keep me going."

The 67-year-old was at the Gold Souk mall here alongside the cast and crew of the film which included producer Ambika Hinduja, director Leena Yadav, R. Madhavan and newcomers Siddharth Kher, Dhruv Ganesh, Vaibhav Talwar and Shraddha Kapoor.

A source who was present at the event said about Amitabh's mood: "Amitji is probably angry because of the questions he was asked by a TV journalist...."

Releasing Feb 26, "Teen Patti" is about greed and deception with the background of high-stake gambling. Apart from Amitabh in the lead, it also stars Sir Ben Kingsley, Raima Sen and Saira Mohan in important roles.

The film also boasts of special appearances by Ajay Devgn, Jackie Shroff, Mahesh Manjrekar, Ranjeet, Shakti Kapoor and Tinnu Anand.

Amitabh Bachchan Was One Of The Pioneers Of Satellite TV?

Amitabh Bachchan, who plays a media mogul in his forthcoming film Rann, says he is well-versed with the business as he was among the pioneers of satellite television in the West, many, many years before it came to India.

"I was one of the pioneers of satellite television in the United Kingdom and New York. We ran Asian television there. We were actually the first ones who did that many, many, many years ago before satellite television came here. So, yes, I know how it works and how it functions," Bachchan told in an interview here.

"But now, of course, it has become a huge industry. It's a very intricate process, a very difficult task and extremely competitive. I have been to some of the (news) studios and I have seen how they function - (it's) a massive task," he added.

Bachchan had endorsed one of the first satellite Asian TV channels in Britain in the early 1990s - TV Asia before it was taken over by ZEE Network.

The megastar clarifies that "Rann", which releases Jan 29, is pro-media and not at all about media bashing as has been reported.

"It's a little premature for the media to think like this, but you know 'Rann' is a very pro-media film. In the film what I do as part of the media (industry) is nothing dishonourable. I (have been) put across as a very honourable person and whatever I do is very pro-media."

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, "Rann" is about business and consciousness in electronic media and the moot point of the film is what edges the other.

"Whether business wins over consciousness or otherwise, that would always depend upon the owner of the channel and that's the crux of the story. It's a battle between business and consciousness.

"Does Mr.Vijay Harshvardhan Malik (played by Amitabh in the film), who is a symbol of purity and integrity, succumb to things like 'I don't care about business, I want to keep my consciousness' or 'to hell with conscience, I will have to save my business'; that's what the story will be," said Amitabh.

The actor also said that he didn't borrow any mannerisms from media personalities like Prannoy Roy or Rajdeep Sardesai.

"I don't try imitating any particular action of anybody. I try to be myself," said Amitabh, but added Ram Gopal Varma might have taken inspiration from the two while creating a character.

"These are elements which we see every day. Yes, when we are making a film on electronic media, it is very difficult to ignore them (Prannoy or Rajdeep) or not be inspired by them."

While Amitabh appreciates the positive impact of the media, he maintains that it is not flawless.

"Media is a very powerful medium. It's the voice of the nation. It informs and also forms opinion. It has the power to be able to influence you in forming a decision. It has a power to change governments... Now, when one entity has so many powers, are there any drawbacks? Are there any loopholes there? Do people use them or misuse them? These are some of the issues that the film deals with," he said.

The actor, who recently criticised the paid news syndrome in an interview, said the media is not solely responsible for such practice where the source of information is kept under wraps.

"Somebody has to bring the concept. You are the medium and they have to publish it or broadcast it. It is your decision whether you want to do it or not. One doesn't mind provided there is a disclosure. Disclose what you are doing, then it is fine. If it is made transparent, I don't see any harm. Let everybody have some kind of transparency."

Amitabh Bachchan`s Wished List For The New Year?

Amitabh Bachchan is in quite an upbeat mood as the year 2009 comes to an end. The happiness stems from the success of ‘Paa’ his last release for the year with beta Abhishek Bachchan. “What a fantastic gift our well-wishers have given us. Our home production Paa is doing very well. And we have a lot to be thankful for.”

In the same breath he reveals his New Year wishes, “In the new year the entire Bachchan family is hoping to do the kind of work that would please the audience and carry the company forward.”

Not only on the work front but the family has lots of New Year wishes for everybody. “May 2010 being peace and wellbeing. May it fill us with pride as a nation. May our glory spread further. May we progress in all walks of life.

And may the year keep me alive to witness the country, the film industry and my family prosper and progress! What do I look forward to in the coming year? I want the year to pass peacefully. I am looking forward to each day” concludes Mr. Bachchan. As for investigative shows CID is still going great guns and continues to impress audience. Sahara One’s ‘Mr. and Mrs. Mishra’ has pulled up its sleeves to attract audience with its share of crime solving cases.

As the year came to a close ‘Raaz Pichle Janam Ka’ and ‘Bigg Boss 3’ had caught the fancy of the viewers. While ‘Big Boss 3’ was eagerly awaited due to Amitabh Bachchan and the finale saw Vindu Dara Singh as the winner, ‘Raaz …’ caught the attention of all due to its past life regression therapy which everyone found very interesting.

Here, comes the end of year 2009 and TV made the audience sit glued to their sets it with its colorful shows on different subjects, whether fiction or reality. So, less tears rolled down the viewer’s cheek and audience loved it all the way!

Bollywood's Best Salesmen Amitabh, Shahrukh, Kareena or Katrina?

With ‘Rocket Singh –Salesman of the year’ paying an ode to the oiled, over-the-top and dramatic tribe of pushy ‘Salesman’ we do a round-up of the superstars who with their perfect set of white teeth, flawless skin and oodles of superstardom have pushed the poor fashion models to the background and taken the onus of selling us products that we never thought existed or wanted either!

Crisscrossing from the boundaries of cinema to television we had the man- the Mard of Bollywood ahem!

Mr. Amitabh Bachchan selling herbal oils, the possession of which was usually frowned upon as the indulgences of hoi polloi by the elite class.

But apparently, after the blessings of the Sarkar this relatively Lawaaris oil brand was lapped up in numbers and occupied the much-coveted space on the toiletries shelve with the imported shea butter creams.

And while we were still rubbing our eyes on how the Big B can be all thand thand coolum coolum amidst the eyesore garish backdrops, he made us do a double take and left us Nishabd with promises of miracle churan to cool the Toofan of gastric flatulence.

Well this was just the trickle, the flood of cinema celebrities on television has arrived and how! Taking over the cheesy brand ambassadors, ‘stars’ replaced them with even oilier smiles and taller claims. This new breed of ‘Star’ salesman left us gaping at the undue credit to shady products, stuff you know for sure won’t be around 200 feet of these ‘stars’ under normal circumstances.

Feeding a breed of star-starved nation the ad-man found the perfect savior to bail out a market fed by Chinese products. Roping in the badshahs and shahanshah the average Joe was short changed into believing a complexion makeover of the sort Michael Jackson had by none other than Shahrukh Khan.

Borrowing catchphrases of eunuch beggars, the ‘Fairness cream for men’ ad had overbearing lines like ‘Hai Handsome!’ where Shahrukh preens, pouts and saves the day of a ‘black boy’ while simultaneously skyrocketing the stock of the cream that promises to blur the racial divide with its ‘imported’ ingredients.

Well this ‘Salesman’ might have burnt a hole in the company’s budget with his over-the-top endorsement fee, but hey! Who said the world is ‘fair’!

And now, when we are talking of fair it would be highly unfair to leave the fair maidens out of the ‘salesman of the year’ race.

Who else but Asin could have coaxed you to shell out exorbitant sums of money for something you could have easily picked up in the basket sale of Fashion Street.

Here a special mention goes to Salman Khan for his vest-ed interest in Dollar shop stuff. Sallu shows the world that you can get away with anything- including running with kids in a race and beating them to the finish line, is all perfectly fine, as long as you have the right brand of baniyan. Moving on to his ‘Lady love’…

Well one could have never thought that ‘Lady’ Katrina Kaif will be scrubbing clean with a piece of soap that was best left back at the store shelve.

But Katrina convincingly demonstrates the wonders of a low-budget soap that will give a clear complexion to a fairly large family. Waltzing between the bathtub and jungle Katrina finds the answer to all her beauty queries and in the process puzzles one and all on her highly questionable choice of bath soap.

Speaking of bathing choices, Kareena Kapoor has nailed it; playing dirty with chocolate this Kapoor kudi sold the dream of a beautiful skin to millions looking deliciously dirty.

Who said soap could be sold off only by playing bubbles in bathtub…Kareena proved them wrong by dunking in a bar of dark chocolate soap, which by the way, is way cheaper than an average bar of chocolate.

But that certainly will not qualify Bebo for the salesman of the year award as we yet have to explore the potential of Virar boy, Govinda, and his magical smile, which was never put to adequate use by the dant manjan companies.

Nevertheless Govinda shone bright selling hair oil, a match made in heaven only to be destroyed by the Big B. The guy was in his element before Big B stole his show and hair oil.

And for that Big B ends up with the salesman of the year award too, after all, credit does go to him for educating us on the power of a certain washing detergent that makes a white shirt whiter-er-er-est…

Shahrukh Khan & Amitabh Bachchan's Cold War Ended?

Amitabh Bachchan’s character in ‘Paa’, Auro, is already a hit among children, even before the film has released. The film’s premiere tonight will be attended by all the big names in the industry, including Shah Rukh Khan and even his kids.

Shah Rukh Khan, who was attending the event anyway and had some passes, called up Bachchan especially requesting for extra passes after his children, Aryan and Suhana expressed their desire to watch the movie.

The kids loved the promos of the film and are very excited to watch it. So, SRK called up Bachchan, actually to speak more about the film and to ask him about his character during which Bachchan asked SRK if he would like extra passes to which SRK said he would like five more as his kids want to watch the movie.

However, Bachchan sent him six passes and personally asked SRK to attend the premiere. The kids are now looking forward to watching the movie tonight.

The news was confirmed by Amitabh Bachchan who said that he has also sent six passes to Aamir Khan, who wanted them.

Amitabh Bachchan's Compliment Left Vidya Balan Blushing?

It is learnt that since the time, Amitabh Bachchan had said that Vidya Balan reminded him of his favourite actress Waheeda Rehman, the actress just can't stop blushing.

The senior Bachchan had said in a recent interview that Vidya "has the grace and beauty of Waheeda Rehman". He had further added that Vidya’s Indianness reminded him of the star with whom he worked in his earlier films like Trishul, Kabhie Kabhie and Adalat.

A pal of Vidya’s reveals to us that Vidya is extremely delighted by the superstar’s compliments. "What more she could ask for. She is deeply humbled and at the same time dumbfounded.” The pal tells us.

Vidya has stated in this regard, “It was very kind of him (Amitabh Bachchan) to say something like that. Waheedaji was known for her beauty and grace and being compared to her is like receiving a great award. Amitji has been generous with his compliments. I’m speechless.”

She further adds, “I got the opportunity to work with him and Abhishek and it has been a great experience. I sincerely wish I get more roles like this in the future.”

Amitabh Bachchan Told Abhishek Is Maturing

Amitabh Bachchan says "Paa" was crucial for his production company AB Corp and says son Abhishek has done a remarkable job as a producer by wrapping up the film within a Rs.15 crore (Rs.150 million) budget.

"Any film that a producer makes is crucial for him financially. And we completely recognise that. We can only hope that 'Paa' does well. This time Abhishek has managed all the production hassles and I am glad he has done it with a high level of maturity, " Amitabh told in an interview on phone from Mumbai.

"We had set out to make the film within an estimated budget of Rs.15 crore and Abhishek managed it in Rs.14.75 crore. This, in times when movie budgets are soaring to Rs. 50 crore.

"I think he has done a remarkable job. I give huge credit to him for making the film without compromising on the quality or the shooting locations. God willing, it will pay off well, " he said.

The real life father-son duo star in reverse roles in the film.

Amitabh says he was "quite well-behaved and obedient" on the sets unlike the "troublesome child" he was called by Abhishek who plays his father.

"Abhishek must have been fooling around when he said I was a troublesome kid. In fact, I was quite a well-behaved and obedient child (on the sets). I followed all instructions of the script and did as much mischief as the script and director Balki required from me. It was all in good fun, " Amitabh said.

In "Paa", Amitabh will be seen as Auro, a 13-year-old suffering from progeria, a rare condition which causes premature ageing among children. While Abhishek plays his dad, Vidya Balan essays the role of his mother.

Amitabh, 67, had to wear over eight pieces of specially crafted clay pieces designed by international make-up artist Stephan Dupuis for his role and says he was pampered well during the entire process.

"I was quite pampered on the sets. Actually they (unit members) were more worried about the makeup as it was very tedious. I used to have a lot of problem in breathing, eating and used to feel itchy - but everyone was extremely courteous.

"I couldn't eat properly, couldn't speak and liquid supplies were given to me using straws. Everyone was quite nice to me and pampered me, " he said.

But isn't he pampered much at home as well?

"Well! Of course, I am. But for 'Paa', I was really pampered like a kid, " he quipped.

Asked about the experience of playing his son's son in the film, Amitabh said: "It was fine. It wasn't tough. Actually, once you decide that this is a role you have to play in a film, the father-son relationship takes a backseat.

"We just played our parts. For an actor, I think it's all about catching the right attitude of his character and that's what we have both tried to do."

Amitabh is all praise for Abhishek's acting skills.

"I think Abhishek is maturing with each film. He really suited the role he has played in 'Paa' and I must say he has done a marvellous job."

Amitabh is being lauded by film critics and industry members for his portrayal of Auro. Many have called it "awesome", "amazing" and his "best performance till date". But Amitabh said humbly: "I'd rather wait for public opinion."

After "Paa", which is releasing Dec 4, Amitabh will be seen in Ram Gopal Varma's "Rann" and Leena Yadav's "Teen Patti".

As of now, he can be seen as a host on reality show "Bigg Boss 3", which airs on the channel Colors.

Amitabh Bachchan Told Shahrukh Is A Funny Man

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says Shah Rukh Khan left him in a jovial mood after the latter called him to confirm his presence at the premiere of upcoming film "Paa".

"Shah Rukh has remained with me in the late afternoon. He is a very funny man and shakes me into joviality when I inform him about the premiere and his absolute presence there. He tells me, 'He is already there, black suited and with anticipation of seeing 'Paa'," Amitabh posted on his blog.

"Aamir too communicates today and confirms his presence," he added.

The cast and crew of "Paa" - including Amitabh, Abhishek and director R. Balakrishnan have major plans for the film's premiere Dec 3 in Mumbai.

Amitabh plays a 12-year-old progeria patient in "Paa" and he had to stick on several pieces of specially crafted clay to get the right look for the movie. The disease causes premature ageing among children.

International make-up artist Stephan Dupuis designed Big B's look and the megastar had to sit for five-six hours for the make-up.

The 67-year-old says he is now anxious about how the audience and critics will react to the film.

"Slowly but surely the jig saw puzzle will begin to unfold. The test of all our hours and hours of effort at the film shall now be up for scrutiny. And within two hours and 14 minutes the verdict shall be passed. Once passed, shall remain passed. Such is the destiny of those that participate in this wondrous game of filmmaking," he said.

The film is releasing Dec 4.

Big B Caught On Camera Doing Moneky Dance?

About 40 unsuspecting passersby and strangers of all ages on the streets of Mumbai were captured last week trying to ape Big B’s zany ‘Monkey dance’ steps on ad- maverick turned first-time filmmaker Balki’s new music video, which hopes to promote the by-now popular dance step from Paa among kids and grownups alike.

Apparently, it was Paa producer Abhishek Bachchan’s idea to just go out on the road and capture people aping the Monkey step, expertly and clumsily but with genuine feeling.

Reveals Balki, “The idea to record random people on candid camera doing Auro’s steps did come from Abhishek. And I liked the idea immensely. Much better than getting a rehearsed group of enthusiasts to do the steps.

We went out with the camera and found a surprisingly large number of people who were trying to do the Monkey Steps. We have them on camera as part of a music video we’ll air on television soon. We’re hoping they wouldn’t mind being caught with their guards down.”

The genesis of the Big B’s Monkey Steps is interesting.

Says Balki, “I wanted Auro to have his own peculiar dance steps, with King Kong’s beating of the chest, etc. Our choreographers Bosco-Caesar came up with the perfect little jig for Auro.”

Interestingly Shimit Amin’s Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year has its own little jig billed as the ‘Rocket Step’ for Ranbir Kapoor.

So this December it’s the 67-year old Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Monkey Steps’ vying for dance space with 27-year old Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Rocket Steps’.

Big B Is The First Child Of Vidya Balan?

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who is playing Amitabh Bachchan's mother in her forthcoming movie "Paa", says that now she can proudly tell everyone that the 67-year-old megastar was her first child.

"After this role, I can proudly tell my children and grandchildren that Big B was my first child. Not even in my wildest dreams had I thought of playing mother to the living legend of the industry, " said Vidya Balan.

"It was an humbling experience to work with Bachchanji. This is a very special movie for me, " she added.

Balan is paired with Abhishek Bachchan in "Paa", which is an emotional story of a father-son relationship. Amitabh will be seen as Abhishek's 13-year-old son Auro who is suffering from a rare disease progeria, that accelerates ageing.

The film is schedule for a Dec 4 release.

Amitabh Bachchan Is Still Strong Or Only Alive?

You recorded with the legendary Ilaiyaaraja recently?
Yes I was in his divine presence for just a few moments.

Another birthday recently went by….
Yes it was just another day another year. I am grateful and feel blessed that it means something special for those around me. The Almighty and the prayers of my loved ones and those of the millions that have supported me are to be thanked. It is because of them that I breathe and exist.

67 and still going super-strong... Would you say that's a good signature tune for you?
I do not know if I am still going strong, but yes I am alive and I exist. I have never wished for any signature or tune or any fancy recognition or accolade.

I am grateful for the jobs that I get and am thankful that I am given opportunity for work.

How do you assess the year that has zipped by? To me looking at it from the outside it seems as power-packed and activity-ridden as all your other years.
I really have no recollection of what went by. I know what I am doing now. Age does have this adverse effect on one and I am no different from any other. It may seem power packed for you but for me it is just another day, another job. I endeavour to do what is assigned to me to the best of my ability.

What according to you, were the most significant occurences in your life this year?
That I am still alive !

Significantly you took two months off to be with your friend Amar Singhji in Singapore. How rejuvenating and introspective did that time-off prove to be?
Yes I was with Amar Singh ji during the time he was in Singapore under treatment. I was aware that he would be going for treatment and I was aware about the amount of time he would require to recover, so I had planned all my work in a manner where I could be free to be by his side.

I finished all my pending work by June and did not take up any assignments after. When his condition had improved I accepted the COLORS offer for BB3. I was in Singapore not to rejuvenate or to introspect, I was there for a friend, a member of my family while he recouped.

My time there was spent being with him and monitoring his progress.

You seem to be taking time off from your movie assignments at the moment. What are your plans regarding more offers? Is it true you've decided to do only one film a year?
Because I was uncertain of how long Amar Singh ji would take to recover I did not accept any offers for film. I did not want to commit on a project the timings of which I may not have been able to adhere to. Yes, I do wish to do films and yes there are interesting offers, which I shall consider. And no it shall not be one film a year. I am not that big or important to make such decisions. It is a wonder that I am getting any offers at all.

You are back on television after creating history in KBC. How does the home medium and this new experience with Bigg Boss feel?
The experience of Bigg Boss 3 has just begun. I have been with it for too short a time to be able to completely describe its experience. But yes it is different from KBC and it gets more intricate as we move along.

All I can say for the moment is that it has been a hugely exciting revelation for me. The medium and those that are attached to it, work diligently round the clock and it is a marvel to see the amount of thinking and labour that goes on behind the scenes to create something like Bigg Boss.

I am most impressed with that. The co ordination and the management need all the praise there is for their unfailing effort and commitment. I am merely a tool that follows instructions, but what goes on beyond me is what needs to be recognised and appreciated.

How comfortable are you interacting with the Bigg Boss housemates?
It is good. You would need to ask the channel or the house mates what they felt. I just feel very saddened when I have to announce the person who has been voted out by public and in house processes and then later to spend time with them after their eviction. Its much like what I used to feel when on KBC I had to inform the participant that his answer was wrong.

You've another release Pa lined up. Would you say Paa and the earlier Aladin are challenging roles?
Yes both have been very challenging. Both have been very demanding physically. At my age it gets tough.

Paa offered you a unique chance to play a child. Did you relive your childhood through this part?
Not so much my childhood, but the childhood of my children and my grandchildren. A lot of my interpretation has been picked up from what I remember of Abhishek when he was that age and from my grandchildren now as I see them grow.

Your thoughts on self and the world around?
I wish, much like all else for there to be peace and harmony. For humans to understand that we are all one and that we all have common characteristics. To understand that all faiths need to be respected, for none of them are different in their beliefs.

That we are one nation, united by our independence and our sovereignty. That this world we live in belongs to all of us and we need to protect it for its survival. That a kind word and a smile never did harm anyone. That a fragrant flower decorates our lives more than the vicious odour of hate.

Shahrukh Khan Gave Cold Shoulder To Amitabh Bachchan

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he is still awaiting an acknowledgement for an SMS that he sent to Shah Rukh Khan on his birthday over a week ago.

"Nov 2 was Shah Rukh's birthday and I may have been the very early wisher to him, but he still has not acknowledged, " Bachchan posted on his blog.

" (His) mobile must have crashed with the number of wishes he had continued to receive throughout the day. Maybe I should send him a reminder. (It is) most unlike him. I wished Gauri and him for their anniversary a few days back and they responded. But why not now?"

The actors have featured together in films like "Bhootnath", "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" and "Mohabbatein".

Earlier, cricketer M.S. Dhoni had ignored Amitabh's congratulatory message when he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award.

Amitabh Bachchan Is In High Demand?

A ghost, an eccentric theatre actor or a flamboyant genie, Amitabh Bachchan has done quite a few over-the-top roles and not delivered big hits in four years. But for filmmakers, the megastar is still a phenomenon they can't wait to sign on.

"I would love to cast him for all my films. I just hope that I keep getting ideas where I can fit him, " said R. Balakrishnan, director of his forthcoming film "Paa".

Relasing Dec 4, "Paa" features Amitabh as a progeria patient.

"Amitabh Bachchan has crossed that mark of a hit or a flop affecting him. He is a phenomenon. He is the first veteran where stories are written keeping him in mind. Whether or not a film works is besides the point. He is not competing with anyone here, " trade analyst Taran Adarsh told over phone from Mumbai.

"Every director wants to work with him at least once in his career. They've grown up watching him on the big screen. He is an encyclopaedia on acting. He has a different range altogether. He is a superb actor...and we can't deny that fact, no matter what the fate of a film, " he said.

Some of the 67-year-old thespian's films have turned out to be over-hyped in terms of both content and characters, with the recent one being "Aladin" that was declared a dud on the first day itself. Amitabh plays a flamboyant genie in the movie.

Even his special appearance in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Delhi-6" early this year, as Abhishek Bachchan's grandfather, could not save the film from sinking. But he still rules the desire list of filmmakers.

"He is in demand because he is Amitabh Bachchan. He is a cult (figure). He has worked very hard and given success after success earlier. After his comeback from a break a few years ago, he is now having fun with cinema, " said film critic Omar Qureshi.

"And he can afford to do that even if it means doing a crazy character in 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag'. He is doing roles that he finds interesting. If the film doesn't work, that is not his fault."

And cinema too has undergone a sea change with time.

"Take his characters in 'Nishabd' and 'Aladin'. No one could dare do that earlier. He is just going with the flow. His performance cannot be doubted. He is too good as an actor, " explained Qureshi.

While Amitabh featured in duds like "Family", "Darna Zaroori Hai", "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" and "Baabul" in 2006, a string of flops followed in 2007 too with "Eklavya: The Royal Guard", "Nishabd", "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom" and "Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag". Two of his outings the same year - "Cheeni Kum" and "Shootout at Lokhandwala" - were critically acclaimed but were not money grossers.

Last year was again disappointing with commercial failures like "Bhoothnath", "Sarkar Raj", "God Tussi Great Ho" and "The Last Lear".

But writer-turned-director Rumy Jafry has no regrets for the failure of his film "God Tussi Great Ho" because it starred the Big B.

"It's a dream for every director to work with him. Despite his age, he still works as a student and is completely a director's actor. Neither does he interfere in anything. Look at 'Paa' for instance. He sat for close to five hours just for the make up and that shows his patience, " said Jafry, who cast the Big B as God Almighty in the movie.

Jafry can't stop praising the veteran's professionalism.

"The whole world knows that there is no bigger actor and star than Amitabh Bachchan. There is no star in the industry more disciplined than him. Even if he was 10 minutes late, he would make sure to inform, while there are actors who are over two hours late without any notice, " Jafry told.

But Bachchan prefers to be modest and says he is just a character artist nowadays.

"May be in the early years, they (audiences) came to watch my films because I was in it. But now I am just one of the credit titles. I am not that important, " Amitabh had told in a recent interview.

"I am a part of the crew and the cast. Even in my early years, I used to think that. I think the product itself is more important. It's the film that is going to make you or your name or give you visibility. If that goes wrong then everything goes wrong. So one must work as a team so that the product works, " he added.

The star is still on a signing spree and has four projects lined up - "Paa", "Teen Patti", "Rann" and "Johnny Mastana".

Amitabh Bachchan's Sting Interview?

In his latest blog, cine icon Amitabh Bachchan has criticised a prominent tabloid for not doing justice to an interview it took with him in the first week of his 67th birthday.

According to Bachchan, the Executive Editor of the Mumbai tabloid Mid-Day, Abhijit Majumder had sought an interview with the actor to mark his birthday, his 40 years in Bollywood, and the launch of Bigg Boss 3.

Bachchan, says he was initially willing to do an interview only by e-mail, but relented to give a face-to-face interview.

The interview was published and, Bachchan complains on his blog that "it did not do justice to the responses I had given".

What was surprising, says Bachchan, is that a video clip of the interview appeared on Mid-Day's website.

He Writes:

"I had never expected either the paper or any one else to have posted something which I would be unaware of. Now realise why Mr. Majumdar wanted a personal meeting.

He had placed a small "sting" camera on the table in front of me, without informing me that the interview was being video taped as well. He never told me that they had a video net facility in operation and that the recorded interview would find a place there."

Bachchan accuses the editor of dishonesty and says the reason he had sought a one-on-one interview was with the "malafide intent of recording the interview to be used as a live input on a video electronic facility medium that your paper runs."

Majumder has hit back in the paper, printing a photograph of the actor sitting comfortably in front of the "sting" camera, and charging the actor of introducing a new word into journalism: a "sting of one's own legitimate interview".

Majumder says he had mentioned to Bachchan in the presence of the paper's photographer and two unknown gentlemen who also seemed to be videotaping it, that the interview would be recorded on audio and video; that he had asked the actor's secretary if he could bring along a photographer and somebody to video-record the interview.

'Either you are lying or I am. I would like to believe it is neither; it's just your memory playing tricks at twilight,' Majumder said.

Amitabh & Amar Accused A Rs. 500 Crore Scam?

Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan and Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh have been accused of involvement in a Rs.500 crore money laundering scam, according to a complaint lodged with Kanpur police.

Lodged by local businessman Shivkant Tripathi late Thursday, the first information report has charged the two well-known faces, who are close friends, of being involved in a major fraud through money laundering.

"The complainant has accused Amar Singh of floating half a dozen companies in which 43 companies were amalmagated allegedly with the intent of siphoning off tonnes of black money," Uttar Pradesh's additional director general of police Brij Lal told reporters here Friday.

"Amitabh Bachchan figures among the key stake holders in most of the companies, while Amar Singh's wife Pankaja Singh is shown as a partner," he said.

According to Lal, "The companies, mostly registered in Kolkata, were identified as Eastern India Chemicals Pvt Ltd, Sarvottam Pvt Ltd, Pankaja Art and Credit Pvt Ltd, EDCL Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, EDCL Powers Ltd and Energy Development Company."

Cases were registered under the Money Laundering Act as well as Prevention of Corruption Act.

"The provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act could be invoked in view of Amar Singh's then appointment as chairman of the UP Development Council," the official said.

While complainant Tripathi could not be contacted, cops were not sure how they would proceed with the case.

"A case of fraud has been registered with the Babupurwa police station and only after preliminary investigations are done will we be in a position to affirmatively comment on the actual extent of the alleged fraud," he pointed out.

Amitabh Bachchan Became Of 40 Now

Saturday October 10, hours before the Big B brings in his 67th birthday, a unique never-before-never-again homage to the super-icon has been planned by the co-producers of Rann.

40 Bachchan fans who also happen to be actors will be dressed as 40 of the Big B’s most memorable characters from his films to celebrate 4 decades of the icon’s existence in the industry.

Giving out details of this unique homage Sheetal Talwar says, “In every sense Mr Bachchan’s 40-year journey in Hindi cinema is exceptional. He started in 1969 with Saat Hindustani, and that’s where our staged homage begins. The first Big B clone for the evening would represent a character from Saat Hindustani.”

The homage would go through 40 celebrated Bachchan characters from Zanjeer, Sholay, Deewaar, Amar Akbar Anthony…. Black, etc. The homage will conclude with a junior artiste dressed as the Big B in Sarkar.

Getting 40 actors who were Bachchan fans was easy.

Says Talwar, “It wasn’t difficult at all. We let it be known in the industry that we were planning a clones’ tribute to Mr Bachchan for his birthday. We were flooded with requests from dozens of artistes who wanted to play the various characters in front of Mr Bachchan.”

Talwar and his business associate Madhu Mantena sifted through the legion of applicants. “We finally found the fortunate 40 who fitted the Bachchan bill, ” says Talwar happily.

These 40 Bachchan clones would take the stage in front of the super-icon from 7 pm onwards at the PVR in Juhu tonight (Saturday 10 Oct).

“Mr Bachchan thinks we’re inviting him to an event related to Rann. He doesn’t know about the homage, ” says Sheetal Talwar happily.

We hope Mr Bachchan isn’t reading this.

Happy Birthday To Amitabh Bachchan

By Subhash K Jha

Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan drove from the location of Mani Ratnam’s film Ravana to bring in the family’s patrirach’s 67th birthday.

The Big B would have it no other way. If it’s a family celebration then it has to be spent with the family.

Big B in the middle a dozen commitments said, “I was with my family in the night to bring in my birthday. Abhishek and Aishwarya drove down from location to be with me.”

The Big B’s close friend and adopted brother arrived from Delhi to Mumbai for the birthday.

“Amar Singh ji was here already and Anil and Tina Ambani and Aishwarya’s parents Krishnaraj -ji and Vrinda- ji, joined me. That was it. I am happy when family gets together. On 11th I was at home and a quiet family dinner followed.”

That apart the Big B insists the birthday would be just another day. “Yes another day another year. I am grateful and feel blessed that it means something special for those around me. The Almighty and the prayers of my loved ones and those of the millions that have supported me are to be thanked.It is because of them that I breathe and exist.”

Looking back during the year the mega-star says he has no thoughts on the year that has gone by. “I really have no recollection of what went by. I know what I am doing now.

Age does have this adverse effect on one and I am no different from any other. It may seem power- packed for you but for me it is just another day, another job. I endeavour to do what is assigned to me to the best of my ability.”

His birthday thoughts are more about the world around him than himself. “I wish, much like all else for there to be peace and harmony. For humans to understand that we are all one and that we all have common characteristics.

To understand that all faiths need to be respected, for none of them are different in their beliefs. That we are one nation, united by our independence and our sovereignty.

That this world we live in belongs to all of us and we need to protect it for its survival. That a kind word and a smile never did harm anyone. That a fragrant flower decorates our lives more than the vicious odour of hate.”