Meetings where humans talk, can be the most exhausting exercise ever ! I thought I needed to express this ages ago, but today was appropriate and most due. I have the belief that most conversations at such gatherings should not technically last for a few minutes. The essence of most meets is that first rush and then its over. The lacing is done purely to devour the snacks on hand or that extra coffee ! But when you have no desire for that extra sandwich or are a non coffee drinker it does become a bit uncomfortable.

An endless round of people coming in and going out hour after hour, important decisions being made or considered can be the most unwanted event of any normal day. I would rather spend that time in front of a camera playing out a character, or quizzing an eager contestant on the Hot Seat at KBC ! Most of the time during these encounters - the meetings - are a perfect setting for what I need to be doing for the next film or how I should improve upon my performance at my elevated chair sitting on top of a glass flooring !

Among such escapades is the other danger of dropping off to sleep. The odd little ‘nod off’ you would hope not being noticed by those with animated verbosity. And then comes that little play acting, of putting in an innocuos question just to prove to all that you were indeed pretty involved with the proceedings !! Most of the time it works. And works well !

Meetings are a sure cure for those that suffer from chronic insomnia !

Tomorrow morning starts the new rounds for KBC and even though they have been the most taxing for any anchor, strangely you start missing it after a while. The music of KBC, its signature lines, the fastest finger first, the walk up, the questions, the tension of the correct or wrong answer …

There is apprehension before you get on … but once on the set, the roar from the audience and their enthusiasm takes over and carries you through the day ! God bless you people ! You make us !

Ok ! So the fan club and the FmXt and the Group all mixed together came over to the office this evening and gave me that most talked of and coveted gift of two marvelous paintings, meant as a gift for my birthday. And what a wonderful moment it was. The paintings are extraordinary, thank you ! But for all of them to have taken so much trouble in shipping it across to Mumbai is so so generous and kind.

A whole lot of pictures were taken and I am certain they must be on their way on the blog, so do look out for them. I wish I could have spent some more time with them, but I had to rush for an interview with EtC with Komal Nahata and I did not want to reach late. So many many thanks extended family and members of the Group for this exquisite gift. It shall most certainly adorn a prominent wall in my office !!

Its late now and I shall need all the energy for tomorrow’s KBC recordings, so I shall turn in. There are some interesting photographs that need to be put up … but for that we shall wait till the ‘morrow …!!

I love you and leave you …

Amitabh Bachchan