I have come in early and by desire. I felt that most of what I write in a state when I do not wish to disclose too many details, causes confusion and discontentment in the minds of the extended family. There is always a happy complaint of putting things out to you in a more readable easy manner. Fine. It has been noted and shall be complied with.

My reason for those ‘confused’ thoughts were not meant to confuse you. Instead I was under the impression that they were making much sense in the way the mind was working. Fact is when you are flooded with too many aspects of your creative work and burdened with the desire to come to a quick firm and just, decision, the brain, particularly at my age begins to overlap ! What came through to you then, was the overlap, which had very cleverly camouflaged the real content. Happens.

I prepare to leave tonight for Kuala Lumpur and on to Langkawi, a resort further up in Malaysia Truly Asia, for a conference hosted by a prominent media house, Dainik Jagran.

They hold their annual conferences every year, or so they told me, in different parts of the world, where they call all their representatives and spend a week end of debate and talks on various topics for review. They wish that I address them on the topic of ‘Determination’.

This shall be a day trip and I shall of course return soon after to travel to Poland and Krakow Film Festival for the showing of ‘Paa’, volcanic ash over Europe because of the eruption over Iceland, permitting. I believe this ash cloud has caused all flights over and around Northern Europe and UK to be cancelled and there is no indication when the air shall be clean and clear to fly. So.. one shall have to wait and watch.

Poland grieves its recent tragedy. The unfortunate plane crash that caused the death of its President and several other important dignitaries. They have however indicated that the Festival shall continue and that there is no change in its plans.

I wish to thank all members for expressing their grief and sending their condolences closer home at the passing away of Jaya’s Uncle. Your messages have been passed on to her.

So yes, a number of assignments are being finalized now and I believe that when they shall hit the studios and the floors, I shall be in a position to talk about them. Its always better to do that. But yes MohanLal, that great exponent of his art and craft, one of the finest actors of the country, from Kerala and Malayalam cinema had come over to finalize dates and schedules for the film he is making directed by Capt Ravi. If you remember he had met me during my short visit to Kerala, when I had gone there to attend the honor ceremony for Resul Pukutty, on winning an Oscar. Its all in order now. Its a small guest appearance and I had agreed. They had come over to officially sign me on and make payments etc.. Ha..!! Payments ? Fees ? Remuneration ? For a guest appearance of 3 days ? With MohanLal who has always had my greatest admiration ? No way !! I don’t charge money for such acts. And told them so. I shall just gloat in the honor that I shall derive by working in a Malayalam film and that too with the exceptional MohanLal !! Respectfully declined their offer, gave them some home made tea, shook hands, embraced and saw them off. It will probably be shot in Ooty, the picturesque and quaint hill station in the beautiful Nilgiri Range of mountains down south. Such wonderful memories of several other films that I shot there. But of that later. Shall be visiting Ooty after ages. Hmmm ..

Rushing off to lunch. The ‘bahu rani’ beckons ..!!

Love,

Amitabh Bachchan