The gang .. before the gates opened ..

And there again in the forefront after they opened ..

spotted you all … from the Blog ..

A restful Sunday .. but a tribute to those above that come in numbers, and come from far and near and come from the dedicated Ef … so wonderful to see and wave and recognize faces that were till some time back, another name another comment. Never ever did I imagine that I would see a day like this, but it has to be said that the enterprise and the dedication of all that connect with this medium have made it happen. Thank you all …

Mika, the voice of some our most popular songs in the Industry, has done another one for me – ‘Kammo’ in Department. He has a unique different voice, which I have been following from the time of his early numbers he did, soon after his elder brother Daler Mehndi, hit the charts. Often he sends messages of concern and affection. At times of what he does at stage shows, where he sings medley’s of my songs. Grateful that he does so. I wish him the best always.

Been in front of the Tv and the IPL almost the entire day. Working on several subjects and glancing occasionally to appreciate cricket wisdom. A surprise win by an under dog team and another in progress, with I think a predictable result. But really the results on the pitch have been surpassed by the enthusiasm off it, in the stands. The crowds and admirers of various teams, the music, the dancing, the waving of flags – infectious ! Truly an entirely different experience when you see it live in the stadium, than on the box. And whether you are a supporter of a particular team playing, when the camera does come up to you, the screams and shouts and the waving gets even brighter – even though one of your teams dependable players just got out !! Its the moment that reflects most. To be out there with hundreds of others, and get an opportunity to scream and let off steam, before getting back perhaps, to their mundane lives the following morning. It is a release of bonded energy, an element that may not exist in their day to day submissions. What a wonderful alternative engagement of entertainment. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy !

And quite by accident I switch channels to discover an anchor of some repute, deriding the very concept of the IPL, with his interviewee !! Of the lure of money, of the destruction of the purity of the game and on …

I found it disturbing. I enjoy and applaud the fact that younger talent gets an opportunity to exhibit their wares. And yes in doing so if they were to earn some money, is there harm in it. Would not the effort to be of value urge the players to perform well ? I would have thought so. The purity of the game they say has been hijacked and done away with. But whatever the debate, has not the purity of many an international sport undergone such change. And most importantly, where does your purity reside, Mr Anchor ? Do you not bring up topics that you feel or the channel feels, gets you better eye balls and thereby greater commerce ? The authority exhibited in the questioning of another, and with such strong deliberation, worries me. I can and should as a citizen of a free democratic country, which abides by the rule of the law, be answerable to that alone. Debates are healthy, as are discussions which portray another aspect of the issue. That should and must be encouraged. But to bring it up in a manner that sounds accusatory and extremely judgmental, is not my idea of a free and fair environment in a free and fair constitutionally guided existence.

I am reminded of  a famous quote on the media, by Nora Ephron, who stated – ” Journalists are interesting. They just aren’t as interesting as the things they cover. ”

My love .. and a peaceful night …

Amitabh Bachchan