A few endearing moments with myself .. but seemingly so .. they are all so reminiscent of my interactions with my EF .. its almost like I sit there and react to what you say and express enjoying all that I hear and read. Such a joy and pleasure !

I am afraid last nights’ piece became a little macabre and morose. But it was just a thought that cropped up and I could not resist. Sometimes its worth the while to put down what exactly one feels. Gets an entire big load off your chest. On the film name I think I have been corrected, by the Fatima of SAf fame and its ‘FlatLiners’ now I think the correct name. Any way that is not important and we shall not dwell on similar topic again.

Most of the last few days work has been with young students who are being taught Mathematics by me. Or as the British would say being taught Maths. Or as the Americans would say, being taught Math. The ’s’ playing such an important part in representation and pronunciation ! I asked an American lady who was teaching Math/Maths at a University why the difference and she did not seem to have an answer. Perhaps others here could enlighten me.

Anyway during the shots it was wonderful to be visiting old University days myself and my Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. I was of course a complete misfit in my BSc course that I struggled through for three years. But for some strange reason I used to enjoy working out all those equations in Calculus. Long drawn out procedures and the fun and excitement of coming to a result after extensive calculations. I remember that when all was done and over with and I graduated eventually, I was very keen to continue solving those equations of Calculus for my own personal pleasure. Bit odd, but there … had kept those copious note book etchings with me in the hope of visiting them now and again … but never ever got down to it !

Its some kind of an ailment I think. You wish to continue doing stuff that interests you, you wish to be with the latest invention and the best. There is a feeling of not being left behind socially. And in order that we remain ahead, many a time we indulge in material, which we enjoy and are keen to acquire, but never find the time to operate it.

So much like an antique left over it remains in some corner of the house, never attended to, never used and just got possession of, in order that you look updated, or at least feel so.

This is a human ailment. To be the best, to possess the best and most important to possess that which the other does not. It may never be quite as successful as deemed, but at least the philosophy is and that is what destroys our minds and our purses !!

Then suddenly one fine day, much like discovering an old communication with loved ones, we discover our ‘antique’ invention and wonder why we did not spend enough time with it, for, now its value and usage has deteriorated to an extent where we shall have to get rid of it as junk ! Sad !

So keeping that sentiment in mind, I have promptly carried along with me the latest acquisition, a camera, and before it rusts up in this rather salubrious weather, have started to put it to some use. Soon I shall be subjecting you to a bit of my efforts at photography. Some I did the other day. But soon it shall be more serious stuff. Promise !

In the quiet of the night. In the presence of this monstrous and most romantic full moon, there is the playing of marriage bands and their ‘adventurous’ musical strains. It is great fun to see marvelous melodies from film, get mutilated almost in the renditions, which only these bands can play and reproduce. The effort and occasion is so sincere that one does not mind it. Indeed it, at times adds to the fun and excitement of the moment. In fact they have become such an integral part of wedding celebrations, that were we to replace them with a proper tuned and accomplished group of musicians, we would miss this most essential ingredient for the ceremony. It has a charm and life of its own. This InduJea Band with their colorful parade like uniforms, tasseled and orderly with the traditional hats, army like in disposition, mobile and in rhythm and least interested in who the groom or the wedding is about, walking along the ‘barrati’s’. Separate younger and lesser ‘talented’ musicians carrying elegant chandelier gas lamps, the crystals jangling along, to light up the path of the groom as he approaches the brides home. I have seen many such groups actually in rehearsals for the event. When I was in University in Delhi and travelled by bus to College, we would pass by the Red Fort in Delhi. And on a cold wintery morning, in the vast public lawns of this historic edifice, several such bands would practice the latest film hit songs. The large brass and drums and cymbals clanging out -  a delight ! Had never ever dreamt when I would see those groups rehearsing, that one day they would be playing most of my songs at weddings !

Time to rest and recover !

Good night my dearest ones  … feel the warmth and let me savor too the warmth from your end ..

Amitabh Bachchan