These above are NOT pictures, they are pictures of paintings. Paintings done by Dr T Anil Kumar of World Art Works India Pvt Ltd, who has visited me this morning with this incredible piece of artwork. Quite quite overwhelming !! 68 characters over a period of 41 years and their distinct looks being put up asa a school classroom concept or on mugs. Absolutely amazing !! They shall be autographed by me and auctioned and the funds collected will be given in charity to the Siddhivinayak Temple at Prabha Devi in Mumbai.

In a short while from now I shall be on my way to London, where BAFTA shall be recognizing Jaya through a Lifetime Achievement Award and Abhishek will have his retrospective of films accompanied by a Master Class. This is great honor for the family and as its head a moment of great pride for me.

The Readers Digest conducts a poll on who the nation trusts the most and of the 100 that have been voted for, yours truly finds a place at 14, below some rather prominent luminaries. This is quite surprising too, especially since there are no other film stars ahead of me and the closest below is Aamir at 18. I am delighted not so much at finding a place in this honor list, but at the fact of the importance given to people of the film industry. 50 - 60 years ago we were looked upon as someone children from good homes were asked to avoid. It was infra dig to be connected with films. But look where we are now. Culturally now an important part of the diaspora and perhaps an entity that commands an important place in the identity of a nation. May our Industry prosper and thrive and achieve even greater heights and respect.

Finally, I have accepted Raj Kumar Santoshi’s new project called ‘The Outsider’ to be produced under the banner of Feroze Nadiadwala. After shaking hands he excitedly connected me to Gaffar Bhai his illustrious Father, a great name in film production and with whom I was coming together after a huge gap. I think we did something in 1973, perhaps ‘Adalat’ and then nothing. He was nostalgic and happy as was I.

‘Finally we come together again’ , I respectfully speak in.

‘We were always together’ he graciously responds, ‘ but we were just not moving’ !

Pertinent words. Not moving. Yes, I think we need to keep moving. If we do not, how on earth do we explore, experience, discover. It is imperative that we do so, particularly in a profession such as ours. To meet new challenges, new ideas, new people. To be tested and to test. To labor and endeavor for the best that we can accomplish. Sit down and idle … naahh !! That would kill us. Stagnation is a curse. It only helps breed infection, pollution and inevitably despondency.

When you move the world moves along. When you stop and idle, the world moves past you. At times difficult to catch up later. Good to remain in the pack. We may not be up there, but at least we are there.

I am there and looking forward to moving long … with your blessings and love as ever ..

Amitabh Bachchan