Just wrapped the pre shoot for Bigg Boss 3 ! Been at it since morning - driving down from Mumbai after having met Abhishek who sprung a surprise by coming in suddenly from Goa. Technical rehearsals took an eternity to finish and now finally after innumerable break downs and electronic failures, got most of the work done, in the cold open air settings.

Fariyas - the resort built on land where once we had purchased a cottage for Rs 20,000 way back in the 70’s and realizing that it was a waste of time and energy and money to invest in a house here, sold it off at a tremendous profit for a lakh of rupees and thought we had done a great deal. Today this sprawling property would be worth hundreds of crores !! Story of my life !!

Fariyas - newly constructed in the region and hospitable and strategically placed, used for the shoot for ‘Sharabi’. Today a short stay overnight to be ready in time to finish the balance work for the BB3 reality a few minutes away from the location.

Travel compulsions have been relentless. And now the absence of the near and dear being felt. Even over the New Year there is work and shoots among all.

The internet connect has just been activated in this wi fi operated room and the first option for me was the FmXt. So I struggle with my thoughts and my mind and my sleep and my fatigue …

But EF is EF and there shall be no compromise.

In the good ol’ days we used to drive up through Taloja, a near by landmark location where the most exquisite biryani was available. There were no highways then or modern forms of communication, but we came. Driving sometimes late into the night, a good 3 hours, to eat the most delicious biryani, renowned and acknowledged by most of those that resided in Bombay in those times.

Now of course with modern roads and diversions Taloja is by passed and so is the biryani. Though I still believe that there are a few connoisseurs that still visit the site to have their favorites.

Because of the elevation, the weather her gets a bit chilly and the dew hits the head and all else with some severity. But this and the monsoon make Lonavala, Khandala and the surroundings some of the most picturesque spots away from bustling Mumbai.

Tomorrow it is back to BB3 and to wind up after 3 months the end of this show and move on. Its been a long ride, though on first attempts, one that did not have approvals. It is but over tomorrow and hopefully the results will project a sense of fairness and faith in the system. I don’t know. But the management does work well as a team and which is why the association has had lasting memories. But if I may repeat myself, at the end of the day its what you have, not what you may have had, that counts. And we bless our souls for the kindness and wisdom that prevails, for this is the way forward, irrespective.

Just punched in the TV to catch up on the news and found India successful in painting all the terrible and hellish news on subject channels.

And yes what else …? It threw up ‘Mili’ .. soothing, simple and calm film with Hrishida, starring Jaya and yours truly. Nothing was elaborate - no heavy compulsions and no heavy nothing.

Watched it for a while. Admired the simple presentation and the jubilant performances of all and then settled down in our cosy reclines.

It comes up on 5 : 00AM now and if I do not rest I shall be a nervous wreck by the morning. A morning that spells the final day for Bigg Boss 3 !

Love and kisses and connection with all …..

Amitabh Bachchan