The concept the writing, the screen play simply outstanding and  … the performances, simply unbelievable. I am told it is a Hindi version of a very famous Marathi play, which had a tremendous run some years ago and also invited a great deal of academic debate and discussion.

But Shefali, who I fondly address as ‘malkin’ from the days of ‘Waqt’, was just beyond words. So moved was I by her performance that when I went to meet her back stage after the play was over I could not speak much because I was so choked with emotion !

I had always admired Shefali as an actress, having worked with her in ‘Waqt’ and in ‘Last Lear’ and witnessed so many of her film performances, but on stage this evening she was something else. Well done ‘malkin’ and may God bless you. And those that have not seen this play do take some time out on a Sunday evening and catch it. It is an experience you should not miss !!

It was quite an interesting get together of many industry folk tonight at the theatre, folk that had not been seen and met for long. Rakyesh Mehra, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Akshay and Twinkle. Of course Abhishek and Aishwarya came along with me, so we were all quite a handful and it is always a joy to share thoughts and words with contemporaries and colleagues.

I congratulated Rakyesh on the choice of the subject that he is working on - Milkha Singh, the Flying Sikh, the great athlete that brought India a lot of fame and name in the world of Sports. His concept is beautiful and on learning of it I had sent him some sms messages, which as usual he did not receive. But whenever he does bring this subject to life I am certain it will be historic.

Ashutosh and I discussed various topics and I expressed a desire that I must have a get together of such like minded people to not talk about films but life and art and music in general enrich ourselves with each others thoughts.

I remember most fondly and vividly too, similar get togethers at our house in Allahabad and Delhi when poets and litterateurs of  different thoughts and style would gather till the late hours of the night, reciting their works to a select appreciative audience of friends and lovers of the classic. In our busy escapist materialistic world, we have all forgotten the value and meaning of this and I think that even though many of us would not entirely agree with what I say, I do feel that there are an equal number of people that do.

A repetition of that wonderful evening at the Theatre du Champs Elysees which many from the FmXt attended and enjoyed, is a must and I should start taking steps to fructify this thought. Also, Shweta Pinged this morning to say that there were many on the blog and the tweet that wished for me to record Madhushala again in my voice and I promised her that I would. That and of course my Father’s translation of the Gita in the rhythm and style of the Ramayan, needs to be recorded as well. Someday not far from now it shall be done. This is a commitment that has to be followed through. Daunting yes, but one that must be done.

Amidst all this the Sunday crowds never fail and so before we left for RangSharda where the play was held that quick meeting at the gates of Jalsa was fulfilled ..

Coming in to Jalsa, from Prateeksha after a meeting to pick up the kids for the play ..

The kid … awwww .. felt so sorry for the little fellow, his father subjecting him to this ordeal.. he shall perhaps never live this one down .. ha  ha  soooooo cute ..

From the adjoining building … a better view  …

And look at the way these youngsters have painted our family figures on a grain of rice … yes a grain a of rice …

How much I owe to them is quite unbelievable and I shall never be able to give an adequate response to them and their love. But thanks to these wonderful mediums at our personal disposal I can at least derive some solace in the fact that they provide me a platform where one can at least express and communicate to each other what reaches our minds ..

Do you not think ..?

And while you do … i shall take a small break … out now , in in a jiffy ..

Love and love and love …

Amitabh Bachchan