I almost bunked gym in the morning ! When the alarm rang I felt I should let it play itself out. But did not ! I got up, dragged myself to the gym and with a huge effort got down to my routine. After which I have to say, the day for me physically has been quite fluid and well oiled !

Even as I pushed weights and ran the tread, the dialogues kept buzzing in my head. The words, the notations, the pauses, the very meaning of them, all kept groping for every possible moment of distraction. But I did not relent. I pushed and pushed till the pulse reader watch on my wrist started to register a high heart rate, one that I had to reduce and keep within range. The arena of the gym was a bit cramped and small, but adequate for slow and soft dealers like me to be accommodated. The air was fresh and mildly cool. The sun was out even at that early hour and a brisk morning was welcoming us all in this city. A few photo opportunities later with the gym instructors and guests on the mill, it was back to the sets and straight into the scene dreaded most since last night.

Last night was … last night ! Finding my throat in some discomfort, it having developed a Brandoish Godfather like whisper, I felt perhaps the usage of my vocal chords was and had been minimal, giving rise to this peculiar condition of mine. What could I possible do at this late hour to enhance the use of my voice, was a dilemma.

So I reached across to my Father’s works. Indeed the very book that I had read from during my poetry performance in Paris, and started to sing and recite in all sincerity, all the poems that were collectively heard that wonderful evening. I am certain many of the FmXt that had been at that performance would have noticed it. Well, book in hand, head on pillow, throat in distress, mind in Paris and at times my home work - those lines - pestering my brain for attention, I ran through the entire book, hoping that through this recitation I would at least have some reincarnation of a voice that I felt was appropriate for the task the next day ! Nothing of the sort happened. I slept well, woke up with a start, because these days the dreams that I am getting are not entirely structured to give its bearers any opportunity of escape. And here I am still willing to undergo that enduring scene from the film.

The shooting was nervy. There were many lines - 5 pages of it - and there was no movement. It was still in one place with other artists hanging about whilst I negotiated this phenomena, of an insomniac. There was not much camera movement either. All in one place, all at once in one big all encompassing shot. I floundered and faux pas ‘d my lines, the others looked at me sympathetically, particularly the ladies, who I must say executed a great amount of patience ; an attribute that many among the tribe do not.

Scene over … subsequently a few more were accomplished … till late into the night, and then finally it was the wrap !

At the Hotel there was dinner with my rather ornate table, three chairs and a bed that could eventually accommodate me. It was delicious and compact. I scored well I think with my in laws, and they all seemed happy with the situation.

My start tomorrow is delayed. I shall have the liberty to get up late and work out late and get to work late, so that those that habitually come late in my house in Delhi, are not surprised.

My antibiotics that I am consuming for a condition have started to reach the head and the nose and the brain, so I shall soon be within the arms of this lovely lady also known as a ‘pillow’ at times.

Good night dearest ones … you sleep well and warm and cool, is all I can wish at the moment …

Amitabh Bachchan