Promotions of films has now become an art, an exercise in management, a test of patience and an ability to be able to answer the same questions in and out with the same intensity and conviction that you may have expressed in the previous interview.

They are all around you, about you. Waiting in anticipation for their turn to arrive, to be able to turn on their microphones and cameras, to put on that TV anchor demeanor and strike out. I have admired their relentless pursuit for that exclusive, their determined effort to get something out of their subjects which has not been covered by the other rivals, present merely inches away.

It is a world of its own and one that exists on the brief from their editors and bosses on what is required of them from where and in what manner. The speed with which they all operate is incredible. How they devise the look of the interview, what would need to be shown as a clip to enhance the program, the reference material of the past, the music and the editing of the material they have, the head lines that need to be created and then finally the presentation on the broadcast. It is a madness that would propel any ordinary human into one. But there is never ever a complaint, an objection to a delayed request and neither is there need to bring out competition at the street level. There is a deep understanding and respect for each other. A desire to share information and to see that it is disseminated in a manner that would be the requirement of their seniors.

So yes from 11 am to 8:30 pm non stop back to back without a break, just talking on the film ‘Aladin’ and catering to each media person with care and concern so he or she does not get left out or feel offended, the routine continues.

But that is not all. Once over I have driven to the cosy studio of Aadesh Srivastava to record my second song for the yesterday - the title song from ‘Paa’. That job has been accomplished and now as it draws on the morrow, I devote my time to the FmXt and the blog, which I might add, is the topic of heated discussion in each interview. Every little detail is read and brought up for discussion. Every other day a mention of the contents of the blog finds its way to the papers. And every other day there is concern on what my contents shall be for the next day. I do not know whether I should take this as a compliment or an exercise in futility.

From the differing styles of my writing to each criticism leveled against various issues, the blog has become an unusual monster for them. Of course it is not. I would delight in the thought that they believe it is, but an instrument, that provides us in a free society the right to write.

Abhishek is in Kolkata for an iDea function and is creating near riotous moments in a city where his father lived and worked for 8 years before shifting office. His other Lux endorsement with Aishwarya has produced a rather lovely visual treat and they both seem happy with the end result.

Tomorrow its ‘Mile Sur ..’ at the Gateway of India. Its a plea for togetherness, for love and for remembrance. It is a care for the country. But symbolically it is a recall on 26/11 which draws near and the horror that followed thereafter. I shall be lending my voice to a few of the programs that have been scheduled around that horrible day. May peace and harmony prevail on us and our beautiful city and may we all have the strength to fight out any adversity that may befall upon us.

I do hope that you all have spread the word for the film and to give it the very best that it deserves.

I remain with you .. in love … and admiration

Amitabh Bachchan