Feroz Khan.. a gracious and warm hearted compassionate friend. A flamboyant film maker, one that in the middle of his acting career became a producer and director and gave us some very memorable films - all with a certain stamp of flamboyance.

What he displayed in his persona, reflected in the way he made his films. In many ways he pioneered a certain flash and sophistication in his very first venture as a maker and that remained with him and all his films throughout. Whether it was in the content of his subjects he chose, or in the unique casting that he did, or in the fresh talent that he introduced in music and presentation, there was always a progressive, visible difference in the way he functioned and thought.

There were many attempts by both of us to work together, but somehow it did not work out. He will be remembered for his passion and commitment to the craft. May his soul rest in peace and may the Almighty give his family strength to bear the loss.

He had been suffering for some time with the cancer and fought hard with and against it. In a most poignant moment, at a recent award ceremony, where he was honored with a lifetime of achievement, his son Fardeen had received it on his behalf from Jaya on stage - Feroz being too ill to be present.

Fardeen has always been a cultured and well behaved young man. Shares a great rapport with Abhishek and I shall never forget when his first film was at its ‘mahurat’, he came across to seek our blessings. I have always wished him well and may he now be strong to bear this immense loss.

I travel again. And shall be out of contact for a while.

Till then.. and in peace and love,

Amitabh Bachchan