KBC ’s last episode of this season played out today and I have to admit it left me heavy hearted ! Those moments of happiness and joy, the poignant breaks from routine, lives and images of those that struggled through personal hurdles, all came rushing back in one big uncontrollable flood .

Thank you all for the support and the appreciation. For the relentless manner in which you connected and the sincerity with which you held my hand and guided me through this maze. Our association was not just a formal coming together. It was truly an association of a family collecting around the fireplace in the night after dinner, to talk, discuss, play and be part of lighter banter. Many have sent me messages of compliment, of asking the return to be quick, of missing the 9 pm Tv slot and wondering what might they do, now that the programme has come to an end. To them I can only say this. I do hope that something works out favorably with the channel so that we could connect and be a part of this historic association. Thank you !!

Dharamji, the Dharmendra, had been calling to invite me to the music release of their new film ‘Yamala Pagala Deewana’ and the visit to the event was one of fun laughter and excitement. Father and sons together again in a film and it was lovely to see all of them belting out the energetic numbers from the film. I wish them all success. It looks like a winner already !!

Preparations for ‘Aarakshan’ with Prakash Jha are on in swing and another meet today was done to finalize aspects of the oncoming shoot. Saif Ali now replaces Ajay and soon we shall be making a final announcement of this.

It has been remarkable the connect with the audience for KBC. And the entire week has been filled with messages from different quarters wondering when it shall start again. This is unique in a sense, for I have never faced such requests before. Our job then becomes even more responsive and important keeping in mind viewer interest. Audience taste and likes and dislikes are so varied and uncertain, that it is a nightmare to assuage what shall be appreciated by them. We try and guess what it might be and hope that it works. It is a mammoth task, but one that makes this profession so exciting and lovable. Long may the audience live. And long may their desire to be quenched remain.

I need to turn in for I have an early call tomorrow and then important meets with Balki and dinner again at Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s. This amazing city never lets you sit back on your laurels, or indeed on your failures. It shall drive you even if you desire to lie back. It shall provoke you to perform even when there is no desire to do so. It shall pick you up by the scruff of your neck and wring you till you wake up to reality, even though your desire does not wish it so. Mumbai, the city of our dreams and ambitions ! Long may it live and long may we be a part of its illustrious reputation.

Good night dearest ones ~

Amitabh Bachchan