The Big Blog

After Aamir Khan, it is none other than the grandest man of Indian Cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, who has set his blog rolling. I think it is great to have public figures taking to blogging as a means of direct interaction with the people. And going by his posts, it is clear that this is also a medium for him to make his stand clear on many issues that are inseparable from the life of a celebrity. If you take a glance in his blog, it will be clear how much time he has to think about allegations levelled at him for myriad issues. Despite a routine that hardly anyone of his age can maintain, to stand 'tall' amidst people ranging from politicians, media, intellectuals, artists, NGOs and so on, requires a determination, and patience, that very few can preserve.

In all probabilities, however much he tries to clarify through this blog, people with intentions would continue their tirade against him, even at a personal level. Like all detractors, they are not against him, they are just working towards their minutes of fame. Instead, genuine fans would be much better off to see him ignore these allegations around him. I would not say dignified silence, but a careless disdain is what is required when needed. There would be definitely a seemingly endless treasure of incidents in his remarkable run in the industry - scenes, shoots, songs, dialogues, people. Detractors would remain detractors, but this way his fans would surely be loving the enrichment as much as they have loved the entertainment.

The few places where he has mentioned about his father (the late Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan), his poetry and his philosophy, have definitely embellished his accounts more than anything else. Quoting and explaining from the timeless Madhushala, he says how he believes in choosing a (the) path and sticking to it. I shall quote verbatim -

"Madiralay jaane ko ghar se, chalta hai peenay wala,
Kis path se jaaon asmanjas may hai woh bhola bhala.

Alag alag path batlate sab,
Par main yeh batlata hoon,

Raah pakad tu ek chala chal, pa jaaega Madhushala.

(The wanderer, the traveller sets out from his home to go to the Madhushala. Which path to take he is at a loss. Every one gives him different directions and different routes to take. But, the poet says, i tell him this - just catch one path and keep walking - you will find your Madhushala.)

The Madhushala is symbolic here of a destination a desire a goal, anything. The world will always suggest different ways to get there to achieve it, all very confusing at times. But the poet says, just get on to one path and keep walking, keep persevering - you will find your destination."

I am sure the fans would love to read this than to read him explain that his daughter-in-law was never married to a tree. In the coming days, I hope, we will get a larger share of the priceless chest of experiences he has inherited and earned in his blockbuster life.

N.B. At one place, he quotes his father saying - "After the sun has risen and before it sets, the one that sleeps, shall loose all his wealth even if he is a wealthy and devout Raja or King." I am no King, but a quick look at my bank balance gave me nothing to contradict the great poet.