How wonderfully mankind has adopted, adjusted and adhered to the sensibilities of belief. And how beautifully it has committed itself and those around him to follow tradition and custom, set and ordained through the years and years of its origin. This must possess the most remarkable follow-ship in the entire world. This and commerce ! And one cannot say which one gave birth to the other …

A visit to one of the pandals for Durga Ma, this morning and also to the prayer meeting the other day, revealed one common factor. Or perhaps two - the presence of the sponsor in the construct of the event and the paparazzi diverting their equipment away from the Gods to the celebrity in prayer ! In many of the locations the sponsor banners were larger and greatly more in vision than the deity itself. Products and brands stared down prominently from all above and beyond, diluting the effect that divinity prevails with its presence. Quite frankly I was unable to decipher who I should be paying obeisance to !!

Which is why commerce ! The commerce of the moment ! And would the commerce and its presence enhance the moment, or its absence deprive it of its sanctity ! I wonder and wonder aloud ..

I also made other observations from a day that is a declared holiday and hence no work, that kept me busy in thought. The Indian Television ! I saw an entire episode of a serial for the very first time, and have to admit that there was much that I saw which made me feel inadequate. I need to learn so much more. The artists were so natural and endearing in their performances, especially the ladies. I also find that the commercials that run in the breaks are a huge learning. The campaign itself, its design, execution and the actors that perform it, is brilliant. Some of the artists that one sees are simply extraordinary. And I feel so ordinary when I look at myself. Well done Indian television and those behind the thought processes of all that goes into it ..

A particularly harsh day ahead coerces me to bring our little conversation to an end ..

I have had the great pleasure of Lakshmi from the EF along with her friends not just at the KBC set but also out of set and wish to convey my gratitude for all that has been shared in time and gifts …

I must retire .. but also tell all that my rib repairs well .. painful still and controlled through limited pain killers, but on repair ..

Love to all and again a most prosperous Dashera  ..

Amitabh Bachchan