Alright.. so it did not take 112 retakes, it took 6 . But the 6 took an entire day. Advertising approvals take a great deal of time and patience - the walk was a bit slow sir, could you take a step first and then say your lines, I think we need to put just a little emphasis on that word, maybe a look into the camera with some deliberation, there was an awkward fumble at the time when you were sitting down, I am fine with it sir but the client would need to do one more, it came across as going too over the top, yes yes thats it thats the one thank you so much sir, er.. camera.. yes … soft … focus.. ok shall do it again…. and on and on ..

It was at a locals personal residence. Very hospitable and polite hosts. Kept popping in to check on any requirements - water, tea, pillows to rest. Very endearing. Lady of the house wanted an autograph and a picture - her maids in the kitchen had seen my films. It rained the entire day and besides the falling rain drops nothing else was heard despite the numerous bungalows around. Sundays I was told are generally thus, everyone leaves for the week end to other locales.

After a few stills, later, in different costumes and different properties of the client in hand, I wound up and drove home. I must admit I had missed being in front of the camera and being in the midst of lights and crew and familiar sounds, was quite a delight. My staff especially were happy to see me back. There was an added energy in them and some unsolicited smiles ! I wonder why ?

After the stills had been done by dear Dabboo Ratnani, the quiet soft spoken photographer, and a dear friend, I asked him to quickly transfer a few on to my computer. What you see above is one the results of the shoot. Black shervani black framed spectacles and Max Vijay written all over the expression on face. Many wonder why artists get involved in commercials. We do not really have a suitable answer, but this one has always got me out of trouble -

” We try to sell a movie in 3 hrs to the audience, here we attempt to do it in 30 secs - its a challenge !!”

And you can actually hide behind that for a considerate length of time, for, the vicious onslaught from many quarters against artists involved, is to be seen to be believed. Why must you be seen selling a soap or an oil. It does not suit your dignity. And I wonder whether that is justifiable or not. But if the people say it, so it is.

There is a warming up in the doorways that open themselves up to future work. Many invasions take place here in somewhat isolated Singapore and I believe in a few days we shall have to bear the brunt of the developments that are and shall take place.

The children have migrated again. This time to Malshej Ghat, half way down to Nasik. They gather there for Mani Ratnam and ‘Ravana’ and for hopefully the very last schedule. I spoke to them a while ago and they were back in the wet and slush !!

I spend a lot of time with my friend after the work and marvel at the volume of information his over congested mind holds. There is some excitement in the political developments at home and he remains conscious and informed on every matter.

Many ask me why I joined politics and then why I left it. I joined it because I was asked to and left because I was inadequate for the job. Politics is a complicated world ; a world where if you are unable to play the game you would remain a novice and a stranger eternally. I admire those that have remained in it for long years. Admire the guile with which they steer their boats everyday every minute. The ease with which they make associations and break them, reject foes and months later embrace them as dearest friends. It is a tough job. A job that I would never be able to do. I would never recommend it to anyone. But I do know that those that pursue this line, do so with utmost dedication and passion. Their dedication and passion is admirable. They live a charmed life and in time make contributions that live on as part of our history.

What is it that determines the mind of an individual to become a leader. How can anyone envision a graph which through time becomes the completion of a dream or a resolve. It has fascinated me always how a single individual suddenly decides to take on the world and comes out victorious. Victorious in belief, in his political philosophy, in his bearing and conduct. How ?

When you look back at some of the greats, you are humbled by the tenacity of their thoughts, their undeterred dedication and a vision that none other may have seen. They excel and succeed from but one singular thought, the belief that they can and will do it.

Right now I have willed the responses to the 3 DAYS and struggling to get anywhere near completion. These are but mere pages. How do the greats that have left impressions in the pathways and sands of any nation, will, themselves. How do they comprehend where to begin and where to end. How do they take control of a state, of an entire nation. What makes them believe that the masses will follow them, or shall turn against them. I squirm when I put something out every evening for public or Ef scrutiny. I am apprehensive on the kind of responses I shall get or the impressions I shall initiate. But these men, these leaders, are in charge of countries, of their policies and impressions, of its development and progress of its protection and safe guards, of feeding them, educating them and to be ready with answers to every possible situation that may arise. This is no ordinary man. This is the CEO that governs and administers the lives of all of us. What a huge responsibility. We, you and I, struggle in managing a single home. These guys manage the homes of millions. They must be special.

Yet they are the ones that attract the largest criticism and abuse. Their deeds will be lauded when life begins for them and then when they leave, cupboards and boxes shall be opened and their truths revealed. Posterity becomes privy to information that perhaps may have never surfaced. Do we then create two distinct classes. One that gave birth and sustenance to what history remembers them by, and the other when through time a revealing truth surfaces, destroying all the past and all its glories.

Today questions are being asked around all the stalwarts that became an integral part of our struggle for existence and freedom. And the picture that emerges sometimes disappoints us. But what do we do. We listen we read we think and we move on. Who then shall be accountable for that which is left behind….

Amitabh Bachchan