The world of Radio is a world by itself. Large, progressive, personal, full of fun and full of under 25 year olds !! The entire morning has been spent in their midst and among them and what an absolute delight it was. Radio Mirchi to start with .. and what a reception they had lined up. All the staff dressed in school uniform, holding placards and little toys … and singing the Auro signature tune …!! Overwhelming and so so endearing ..

And then over to Malishka and Red FM … and sheer madness … gifts and special ‘khichdi’ from ISKON for the needy children and different programs in different languages .. fun became !!

But … fun apart …. what an education in the art of radio broadcast. Speed, improvisation, quick witted repartee, the dexterity of managing several jobs almost simultaneously, knowledge of the software and the computerization of all equipment … and just the effort in keeping it going at an unimaginable speed … simply incredible !! It is no wonder then when we see this generation speak and react at the speed of light. It amazes me to observe the level at which responsibility is distributed out to those that work in these set ups. I would have thrown my hands up and run away were I to be put in such circumstances. But just watching and being a part of this operation fills me up with deep admiration for those that conceive and run them …

When do they ever rest and recuperate .. or they do not ! Amazing !!

” Life is full of beautiful moments and one of them is ‘Paa’. Thank you for such a beautiful film.”

“Sir, v sorry for this late nite msg. Cudnt resist. Balki shwd a trial of Paa. Wat an awesome film !! U r absolutely phenomenal. U hv converted me fm a fan to a devotee. Bt tht ws expectd. Da biggest surprise for me ws abhishek. Warm regards …”

“Hi Balki, Last night was too overwhelmed to say anything. The film left me speechless and in awe. Would like to thank you deeply for allowing me to be a part of such a piece of work. All the best and please give me an opportunity to work together again. Warm regards.”

Balki sends me these to remove any nervous apprehensions that we may be in great possession of. Many in the responses from the FmXt do express similar anxiety and insist that I give my verdict, but that is not going to come forthwith. The world has always spoken first on all my deeds. When I am not wrong I have been wronged. When I have not reacted, they have, before me. When I have not indulged, I have been indulged. Let them then have the first say. Let it be before me before I can make it after me. It is prudence at its best.

Enter a hall and occupy the last row, because if they shift you from here you could only be put in a row ahead.

My thoughtful daughter has presented me with the most comfortable equipment to blog with. A chair shaped contraption for the bed and a soft table like prop for me to put my laptop on so my tedious routine does not offend my back and shoulder. I write to you now within these effects and it is simple marvelous. The chair like contraption has a light and a massage facility, but I have in usual fashion botched it up a bit. The power for it is 120V - American obviously - and I have in my stupidity plugged it into my 220V socket. I think the adapter that came along with the equipment, has I would like to believe, blown itself out. So unless some bright eyed electrician can resolve this, I shall have to remain in a state of recognition without the medals !!

The soft cushiony platform for the lap top is quite ingenious. It is like a baby toy, spongy and soft below, hard and straight above so the machine can rest itself in peace and harmony. Out of some distraught condition comes invention. They all look odd and un - thought of in the beginning, but with time and usage they develop into their own culture and environment. In time there shall be improvements, which is the way of life and those that brought in the inventive thought for the first time. Every great invention started off being ridiculed, until ….

‘Tis that time now when all that we do, is doubted and diluted from forces that think otherwise. May I pray ever be in doubt - at least I will know what my bottom line is. In life many forget these simple consequences and examples as they come upon us.

I continue to say though - ‘remain in the last row, for if moved it would be the one ahead’

Somewhat brazen, non committal, yet truthful. In your dignity lies the dignity of the others, provided they look into your eyes. Would you look into mine …. ?

There can only be compassion in them for those that be with me every day. But even those that do not, there shall always be …

Love

Amitabh Bachchan