The common man, the common woman in my country is God’s own child. They are the true citizens of a country ; of any country. Simple, emotional, committed and transparent as a sheet of glass. They represent the colors of a nation, its spirit and its voice. They have heart, they have respect, they have all that a nation believes it is. They are the true reflection of character and integrity. They are the earth the soil of the land. And I salute them !!

The past few days have mostly been spent on promotional activities for Rann and Teen Patti. Interviews and press conferences apart, another tool in the promotions of films has been the appearance and participation in some of the more popular reality shows running on various private channels. Yesterday, or was it the day before, it was Karan Johar and ‘Lift Kara De’ for Yash Raj Studios a concept designed by Adi Chopra. Today it was ‘Dance India Dance’ for Zee TV with a host of well known and most accomplished choreographers being the judges or masters that train the young talent that comes up for competition, under the grand mastership of Mithun Chakraborty. And what an experience it has been. Youngsters with the desire and drive to become something. To challenge and persevere with ambition in their eyes and a confidence and hope for the future. Eager to excel, eager to impress, eager to be noticed. And working with a zest that could put the most committed to shame.

And what do they want from us ? Nothing but a kind word, a touch an acknowledgement, a smile.

The reverence that they exude embarrasses. The respect in their eyes and expressions humbling. The emotion with which they hold on to you, endearing beyond pain. What have we done to receive this love and affection ? How have we touched them to this extent ?

I am at a loss for words. An emotion fills my heart that can only be described as unreal. I will search for a suitable expression and not be able to find one. I shall try to dig deep into the vaults that I presumably possess. I shall ponder and think. But I shall still never be able to find suitable detail.

The excesses of their love and devotion, the impressions that they forever carry and the simplicity with which they express it is a chapter that can be read endlessly. May they forever grow and prosper and may the Almighty ever bless them with all the required virtues in life.

Television. This monstrous object of content desires. This ogre that lies restless and large over the horizon. This restless giant that needs attention every conceivable second, is everywhere. And I am so impressed and shocked at the same time with the manner in which it conducts itself. Impressed, because it is the most difficult job to run it and shocked, pleasantly albeit, because the effort required for its functioning is enormous. But what really is most impressive is the people that run this giant wheel of fortune. Young girls and boys, mostly girls, running around officiously handling every aspect of the business, performance and creativity. The responsibility thrust upon them and the absolute adverse conditions about them, leaning into each other to make sure that all guns are firing and firing right. I salute them too !!

Where have all these kids come out from ? When did they mature into such an impressive machinery of effective completion ? Who taught them ? How did they develop into this confident and efficient lot ? I am just amazed. And shall remain so for an endless amount of time.

Meeting up with Mithun Da was wonderful. A long and exciting journey surrounds the both of us. From a narrow unknown cramped and crowded lane in the streets of Calcutta, this young man found his metier and struggled his way up to a stardom that became the envy of many.

He danced well. And was a live wire at social gatherings. He did a minuscule part in my film ‘Do Anjaane’. He danced at parties and possessed a million dollar smile - open, uncomplicated and full of warmth. But look where he is today. At the top of his creativity - I simply loved him in ‘Guru’ - and well invested in his own initiatives of Hotels and Colleges for education.

A dedicated follower and one that has always been respected by the fraternity, his concern and love for all is legendary - slit his chest and took a pledge on his blood for my well being during my Coolie episode. How can one ever forget that. And today as we sit together at the Zee ‘Dance India Dance’ watching a display of incredible talent, I wonder where all those years went by and so soon. During the shoot for Do Anjane at Calcutta he used to run around enthusiastically ready to carry my bags for me. I would desist from him doing this, but he went ahead and did it always. His respect for me despite his standing today still remains. He remains that one outstanding example of struggle and perseverance to achieve his goal and one that fate chose to bless and care.

I am excited with the prospect of getting into bed early and the expected 8 hours of sleep before tomorrow comes by and sets new rules.

Do not stop me now. I have remained with you for long and for an extended period. I am needed to be inside the duvet. Maybe its time for all of you to be so as well.

Good night then … and may you never be on shaky ground ever. Its the sand storm effect. Guess you would all have to be inside a tent secure and strong to face obstacles. Let the storm lash out at impromptu levels of intensity, I shall always hold you in reason and safety within my protected arms, much like the tent that covers us all …

Amitabh Bachchan