There is no deliberate mystery in life anymore. Would it really matter at all if my location were to be known in detail. Is this that I convey not good enough. What would the difference be if my true location were to be known. Would your responses change, would their meaning change, would you change ? I would imagine not. And so it should be. The content on the blog is all that matters, the rest of the stuff is administrative necessity…

It heartens me to observe the stretch and the reach for those connected with Indian Cinema. Now more than ever so, its importance, its presence in the most remote areas and regions of the world has become imminent and observed by us, where ever we walk. There has not been any corner when within minutes even in the dark alleys and confusing little streets, an acquaintance has not popped up, a photo opportunity not taken, an auto graph not asked for. And now, even local paparazzi discreetly follows you. Surprised locals shall, concerned with the situation, walk up and warn you, that you are being followed and help you in pointing out where it is they are hiding with their cameras. Cute !!

But seriously though, this business of the Indian Film Industry and its reach in the most unconventional markets is a moment of great pride for us all. Today the genext reaps the benefit of a wider spectrum of recognition, of a wider connect through the advanced mediums of communication. Today’s generation has been advantaged by the opening up of the economy, by the advancement of our mediums and the huge new markets that have opened up. The gap between the idol and the follower has been reduced to a Tweet and more expansively by Blog.

Many of the comments that I read in either platform, carry first, the expression of joy, exuberance and astonishment at having an opportunity to connect with their favorite star. And I go back to my home town Allahabad in the 50’s and still remember so vividly how the entire city had descended upon the railway station, there one morning, to get a glimpse of Kamini Kaushal, as her train passed by. Kamini Kaushal the darling of the ages of the 50’s and some of her most popular films with Dilip Kumar, a friend of my Mother’s, because her elder sister and my Mother were together in College in Lahore, now in Pakistan.

The details of that short stop over. The description of the air-conditioned carriage she was in - air conditioned coaches those days was like an entire Boeing 747 chartered at your disposal - the dress she was wearing, the colors, her demeanor, every little detail on the lips of each citizen of the city, each claiming to have finer and more intimate account of the ‘visit’. The crowds, the mobbing and the uncontrollable situation causing the tinted glass of the carriage to be broken - all spoken and talked about for several years after she had travelled by.

And now the people meet them all over. Driving down the street, at airports, inside planes, shops, restaurants everywhere. Each meeting each visit documented for posterity by the people on their hand held contraptions of different sizes and shapes. Amazing truly amazing.

India was always most fascinating - to the invader - but now in its fresh and new avataar it has become a password for development, for mutual growth in holding hands, for being able to be recognized not just for the Taj Mahal, but by the people that inhabit this great country. And somewhere tucked away in a cozy but very noticeable corner is the film industry and its artists. Artists that have gained recognition through their work through their films, through their presence !!

I am humbled and honored by my existence in this wonderful world. May it continue and may it be the challenge that we all face day in and day out, to better, to expand and to deliver the best that we can to capture the love and the attention of the entire world.

But above all, to be blessed to have an extended family of admirers on this Blog, that have always only signified their love and their affection and concern for the Industry and for those in it that have contributed toward its existence.

I love you …

Amitabh Bachchan