DAY 655

A birthday of the son Abhishek. A day of rejoicing and fun and light heartedness. A day full of love and affection for all those that send in feeling and wishes and warmth. Of family and friends calling in. But … the young man chooses to work. And so after the early morning greetings he has left for his ‘Crooked ‘ shoot.

The four of us had quietly brought in his 34th over dinner last night. A card, a gift, a reading of Shweta’s piece to him and many hugs and cakes later departing to the duvet.

But as life would have it and dictate, there were moments of sadness too. Sujit Kumar passed away early this morning. A colleague in several films, a considerate neighbor, husband to a wife that remained an exceptional friend and fan till her tragic end some years ago. When life ends it takes along so many moments of the past in quick succession. All those memories of time spent together, the films, the locations on out doors, the camaraderie, all gone in one swift cruel move.

Condolences and prayers for his children and family.

There were condolences too for Aamir this evening. He lost his Father, Tahir Hussain, some days back. An effervescent gentleman, producer and director. Jaya worked with him in ‘Anamika’ with Sanjeev Kumar. We went across to Aamir’s place and spent time with him and his family. Tried to keep the atmosphere light and cheerful. It was pleasant.

Back in Jalsa a few friends over for dinner and company to be with Abhishek for a birthday. Nothing extravagant or loud, a mere warm collection of friends, light banter and now back to bed.

Tomorrow looms large and near enough - most of the night is already through !! Tomorrow another day in the Southern part of the country. Tomorrow another day when I shall attempt some yellow lines. Tomorrow when I shall hopefully catch up on sleep and contemplation. Scripts and papers for future production. It is always so difficult to decide what to take on and what to leave behind. Which scripts would make good cinema, which roles would provide challenge.

As Aamir came down to see us off when we left his house, he expressed - ” We must work together sir .. “. I told him to direct a film. He has such talent for it. He nodded approval.

But we all know that nods of approval and desire to work together, make good conversation ready to picked up as a headline tomorrow, and nothing more.

There is a sense of excitement as I close for the day. Its not the end of Fri 5th. Its the end of an obsolete mobile phone and the arrival of a new modern machine, updated in design and function. The joy of opening the complicated packing of the box, picking out piece by piece of the machine and its varied contraptions one by one, fitting them in loading it on and charging it to its fullest.

And then …. the mystery of finding out how it works !! Ha ha ..

Modern invention is too rapid for most of us and in order that we may avail the best and the latest, we often give way to quality and reliability, giving greater attention to design. Essential, but perhaps too liberal.

I would agree … You ??

Love you and more …

Amitabh Bachchan