I tried. I tried to send a response to as many comments I could within a given space of time. I ran out of time and the mission I had undertaken of trying to reply to all in one day, fell short. But my intentions were sincere and I do hope that those that are left out, or behind, shall understand the gravity of my situation and relent.

These are amazing times. I actually get to sleep and do what I want to without any other consideration. I would have been more comfortable had a bit of work been thrown in, but even without it a few days of lax behavior is not uncalled for . Though the time available for study and reading of my Father’s works have been most rewarding; the enormity of his range of thought and writing not withstanding.

Tennis at Wimbledon was a bit dull… Tomorrow is another big day when the contenders shall be loaded with the burden of the quarter finals and the shift to the semi finals, against adversaries that have and shall in time, write history.

The ladies singles and some doubles and mixed doubles were the attraction for the day. Strange though that the attendance to these events seem to fade a bit once the ladies come on. That is not fair. They are all champions and the very best in the world; some of them putting in performances better than the men. Which is not such an unusual phenomena. The ladies are generally better than the men. The size and the style of their eventual trophies also varying according to the nature of the event…

The large silver golden cup for the men… the semi gold silver tray for the ladies. A disparity here as well, apart from the difference that their prize money entails. I believe a women group is working on the equal distribution of the prize money at tournaments. But for those that continuously make themselves vocal on the disparity and make politically correct noises, let them know that this a manifestation of our age old history and tradition. It may not be feasible to adhere to the sentiment that I have expressed. But for those that scream and shout on the imbalance, that propagate equality for political gain, would they ever wish to take up this issue at all.. I would imagine not. Because… politically it may not suit them.

The charge would be that sport is an elitist occupation, certainly as far as its commercialism is concerned and there really is no space for the genuine deserving potentials.

Today the Indian Cricket team boasts of several members that have come up from meagre means and from areas in the country that could be specified as small town. Not too many years ago, 90% of the team would be from Bombay now Mumbai. There were facilities and schools for upcoming players. But all that has undergone a sea change. Today 90% of the team is made up of those that belong to small town India. Poor but traditional and a bit conservative. The lure of big money as the IPL’s of the world take shape, is a huge incentive for upcoming stars.

One has to wonder then, whether it is the love of the game, or the love of the money behind the love of the game, that attracts. Not an unreasonable argument. So if the money is an attraction for the budding talent, what is wrong in giving equal opportunity to the women of the game and procure incentive for them as well.. And while we are talking equal and incentive, it may be wise to consider at this moment why there is disparity in the reward for their game..

Time for a poll, do you not think so…

My love

Amitabh Bachchan