Leaving a place is always a bit of a heart wrench ! I may have been there for just 48 hours but the wrench came in just as much. The Medinat Jumeirah, DIFF, the Award ceremony and the graciousness of Royalty, the staff and their loyal care, Ali at the airport, all such endearing moments of affection and warmth. Thank you Dubai. Another memorable trip has come to an end.

The evening at the Awards was full of color and pageantry and grandeur, right from the red carpet to the formal theater where the event was staged. Prior to going in we were all assembled in the interior room where all the distinguished guests collected - Queen Noor of Jordan and Royalty from Dubai, the Crown Prince Sheik Majid a young energetic cultured example of all that Dubai stood for. We talked of the Burg Dubai, that needle like tallest structure in the world been built and opening in the first week of January 2010. The topmost floor apparently sways 6 meters either way - a difficult place to live. The Prince said he would never sleep there at the highest point and we laughed over it. His interests in various cultural activities was profound, he heading the culture ministry. He was an avid rider and told me about the horse marathon that they organized and participated in. He was in the middle of his training in the martial arts and was excited over it. Later on stage he presented me the Lifetime Achievement Award a picture of grace and calm. He drives his car himself and on his departure when the entire retinue was ready to leave, pilot mobikes, security, accompanying staff, he noticed me standing at the back as he was about to get into the drivers seat of his very powerful looking black SUV and stepped out to walk up and bid me goodbye. I thought that was very special and kind.

Back in Mumbai and at home it seems a little strange. But life moves on. Tomorrow is Bigg Boss and I believe a lot has been happening, so shall address it.

And Auro ! What can I say. He seems to be everywhere. At every nook and corner of my meetings or stoppages people come up to me and sing praises. It has been an overwhelming experience and I share some of it with Abhishek and Balki. More promotions keep running in and after tomorrow there shall be concentrated attempts to do different kinds of interviews and publicity.

But in this hustle and bustle there are moments of reflection and pause. A pause to think of what needs to be done for the future and whether or not it should be. Pressure mounts on projects that involve film, that involve TV, that involve the net and innovative ideas are being floated.

Decision making has never been my forte. Indeed it has been my greatest draw back. But soon I shall have to overcome all these pretensions of busy schedules and health alarms and start taking up work to keep me busy and occupied. The next few weeks shall be involving and of interest.

I must to read now on matters that desire knowledge. That teach me the intricacies of existence and the path forward. This will have to be done. Age flies by as does time and who was it that said

“Catch time by forelock ”

Good night then … and my love ….

Amitabh Bachchan