But even before I could sit back on the possibility of perhaps ‘West Winging’, a line up of 15 meetings one after the other have been programmed. And the majority of them is from the fraternity. Scripts to be narrated, schedules for coming films to be adjusted, ideas to be discussed and dates to be committed. There are young enthusiastic makers, bursting with fresh ideas and dreams wanting to put a foot in the industry. They seek blessings and encouragement. They seek participation in their projects. I am alarmed at their choice. What could I possibly do to enhance their projects. But they come and I meet them. Not to dissuade but to encourage them to continue the struggle, with or without me. I can do but nothing else or nothing different. Have we not all been through similar circumstances. That early morning local train to the studios. The walk to the gates, the anticipation of whether work shall be forth coming or not. The effort to sell yourself. To impress upon the film greats our limited talent. To seek but a small inclusion, even if it meant merely walking by.

I understand the plight of the new comer and it moves me to see them endeavor. Sometimes I avoid the meeting purely because it would be painful to exercise rejection. Sometimes mere compassion is all that they desire and seem inspired enough thereafter to continue elsewhere. It is a harsh world and we all have to live in it.

Abhishek is back. Aishwarya has shifted to Hyderabad and with Shanker’s ‘Robot’ with Rajnikant. We seem to be taking turns in inhabiting different and common cities of the country. Hopefully by the end of the month we shall all be together in same city !!

‘Holi’, the festival of color and rejoicing and music and dance is around the corner. It was one festival that we enjoyed liberally. The gates of the house open to all and the celebrations lasting till late in the evening from the morning. We have not done that for several years. My Father’s ill health, his passing away, my Mother’s ill health and her passing have been respected always. A year of mourning has been the practiced procedure. But this year and this Holi will also be given the miss. That joyous spirit has been dampened by the atrocities that our city faced on 26/11. In its wake somewhere inside us there is a reluctance to involve ourselves in any kind of exhibition. Professional work is understandable, but private excesses do not find favor in our hearts. And so shall we respect that. It is the right thing to do. It would have been recommended by the elders too, in who’s memory we have often refrained from such activity.

We shall be shifting to Malaysia in a few days for ‘PAA’ and when I return I shall be ready to start ‘RANN’ with RGV. A multitude of projects will be taken up next, along with the possibility of TV. There is much on the plate. But with your blessings and affection and love, hopefully there shall be adequate time for compliance. I see no other way how this can be accomplished. It shall perforce be your desire and my absolute will. So help me God !!

My love as ever…

Amitabh Bachchan