So last night was the premiere show of a film that had been produced by friends - Ekta Kapoor and her newly appointed partner Ashwin Varde , ex Stardust. Ashwin despite the nature of the magazine he had been editor of and despite the nature and tenor of the contents that it brought out had been a compassionate journalist. His wife Sarita Tanwar of MidDay and now from Bombay Times had been equally understanding and warm in their dealings with us. Ashwin with his first production ‘Ragini MMS’ had requested that I come to wish him for this important day. I did go and wished him,  but did not stay for the film. Just did not feel comfortable attending a celebration when the mind was still trying to cope with the tragedy of Kirit. So I begged to be excused and very understandingly he gave me allowed me to leave after a while, even before the film had started.

But … these days you cannot conduct your life without weighing the probable questions and accusations that the media will throw at you. And sure enough several messages immediately came in on why I did not stay for the film, drawing, and this is the most unwanted part, their own negative conclusions to the episode in order that it may become titillatory and controversial. With the expanse and the number of the media that runs along with you on such occasions, it has now become impossible to dress, say, react, behave in any manner without fearing the consequences that shall be manufactured to erupt. Happily though, the masses have become either immune to such talk or just do not wish to believe it. Which is a bit harsh for the fourth estate. But these are facts, without the help of the much touted ’sources’, that seem to be nameless influential and terribly omnipresent faculties within this realm. Has anyone ever wondered how ’sources’ have all the information on everything that transpires around us, and that they are the only ones that are conveniently positioned to obtain, gather and assimilate news ? With the repeated use of ’sources’ the media is really in a most remarkable position to lead, govern and conduct themselves as that superior power that guides and rules. Which I might add, is relatively not too far away from the truth. For, their opinion and write up is what the mass believes - ’sources’ and all.

Oh ! And yes … there was a wrap party on the completion of ‘Bbuddah’, why were you not there questions the media. Its like being on that dreaded cage like structure in court, getting grilled by competent lawyers on the matter of very grave consequence. The authority and the deliberation of the information sought, is considered mandatory from some of us. The media if it does get an answer transfers it to the editorial team in the building of their office and next we shall find ourselves at the end of sensational columns in the morning publication !

The media shall move on to their next act. We that have just been pierced with ’sourceful’ information have to grapple and keep fighting it forever. Oh ! What a difference a day makes !!

I have been appointed to promote ‘Nutricharge’ a tablet that overcomes the short falls of nutrition and was busy doing its promotional shoots from the early morning. It has been quite revealing to know that such products exist and that there are businesses that run around it.

The first reveal promo of ‘Bbuddah’ is ready and shall be out on the 20th I think, along with the IPL game of the day. Meanwhile the print publicity started today and it has had quite a share of response. More shall follow in the days as we move on and I do hope it shall appeal to all of my Ef and those that are with them ..

The Vog, Bachchan Bol as I said earlier has reached a figure of 25.5 lakh subscribers and soon it shall be inaugurated in the UK … and then further on .. let us see how all that goes ..

In keeping with the promotion for the Vog, I did an interview with a prominent journalist of the London Times, who was at Cannes. One of the questions that he asked me was , ” why do you do this ?” and I said to ‘connect to my family’. I do not think that he quite got the significance of what I had stated. Pity !!

My love to all as always ..

Amitabh Bachchan