It is the time of year when predictions come a dime a dozen !

Beginnings have a habit of inviting such desires. A desire to know, to predict what the future holds for us. It has been human tendency from time immemorial to discover the truths behind what is unknown. We get anxious and apprehensive, inquisitive and fearful of and about what lies ahead.

Some of us need it to prepare and safeguard if there are fears. Others to anticipate the goodness when it comes our way. But there are those that wish they never did find out what lay in store for them. Sometimes it is a preferred thought. Why get burdened by anti thoughts, or lose the joy of surprise at the possibility of something good. Nature should not be disturbed. Allow it to function the way it was meant to. Force it or fight it and there will be consequences.

A gentle drive around in the pleasant climes of desert winter in this metropolis has been a joy to feasting eyes. Variety and distinction of merit comes up creeping from every corner and one cannot but marvel at the visionaries of the state who thought a dream and now move in concerted manner to accomplish it.

Much of the vision is possible because there are followers. Much of the incomplete visions of many other states is the lack of those that wish to follow. When everyone becomes a leader, there aren’t many left to follow. There is a certain pride and duty in following too. They too contribute that follow. They too benefit that follow. And they too must know that there can be few leaders. Accept that, rather than try to prove the contrary. Success comes to those that know this art. It may not be possible to succeed all the time, but if you hover in close proximity to those that do, there may come a time when you can take over and lead and rule.

Easier said than done.

When you rest and do nothing more, there is a tendency to keep resting. Lethargy sets in and can prove disastrous. One needs to be wary of this. I feel it here, and therefore must get away from it all. I leave tomorrow for the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and work and promotion and the everyday responsibilities that come with it. Many among you worry about my health. But working keeps me occupied and mobile and fresh with thought. If work were to be reduced, it would reduce my mind and body. So let me work.

Many talks have been heard of the economic slow down in Dubai and the consequences of it. Some horrific stories have been splashed all over the media world wide. But being here in the midst of it all, one can hardly feel any presence of the slowdown. Life moves at a hectic pace. People move about with smiling faces. Business happens as normal. Even the rain, a rarity in these parts of the world shatters all other belief and pours down with equal force and velocity of a monsoon in Mumbai. It is short lived. But lived.

The moon, full in its glory, shines across a few gaps within the skyline. A palm tree protrudes across the horizon delicately decorated with starry bulbs that illuminate the outline of its form. The crisp breeze that softly flows by, compels you to cover up in extra clothing. Excited tourists and visitors move around in sunbathed tans. And the clientiele of fans ranges from Egypt and Morrocco to Portugal and Beirut, with a Bahrain and Kuwait thrown in between. Many of them come across Persia, Iran now based out of the USA and from the interiors of Russia. It is heartening to know them and to stand beside them for a keepsake photo. Their smiles and their happiness is what we live for and work. God bless Indian cinema and those that contribute in making it a world phenomenon. It is an honor to be within this fraternity to bear the fruits of its presence in far away places and destinations.

And it is an honor that many like you, contribute in love and affection to it, for it to exist.

Thank you !!

Amitabh Bachchan