It is past the hour ! It is 11th october 2010 ! It is the day I was born and it has been 68 years since ! After today I shall step into 69 and then hopefully 70 ! Years will pass, age shall wither away, time would have changed a million times as would the circumstances and the physical body. But what remains the same is the mind. And my mind today remains what it has been for these past years from 1942 to 2010.

Many have wondered what it is that my mind consists of. Many have lamented the fact that they are unable to read me despite spending sufficient time together in close proximity. Writer after writer has confessed that even though they may claim to have spoken to me in the most candid and detailed manner they still feel that they were unable to get anything out of me. It is a dilema that they face and remain frustrated with. An enigma that has been designated to me is disturbing to those that have desired explanation, content, exclusivity.

And I have with each passing year wondered how and why they should all feel so, when in reality, there is nothing that they presume to be attached to me. I think I have remained myself despite myself - weak, uncertain, hesitant, incomprehensible, indecisive. This myth of power and greatness, abundance and position, connection and elevation, has been and shall always be a realm, that I am not familiar with and one that I do not have any desire to acquire familiarity with either. If perception is that rules the mind then I cannot stop or bring correction to those that are in charge of opinion. I must remain honest and sincere to what I was born with, not allowing any pollution to destroy what I believe or wish to believe.

I am content in knowing what I am and what I want and what others want from me. I am content with what came my way, what disturbed me, what made me anxious and helpless and without motivation. And I wish no one has ever to go through the ordeal that most fear ; that of being misunderstood. Liberty in our thought and life process is the largest piece of understanding that we all welcome and desire. This one must always strive for.

I make sincere effort to do so. They are harmless and insignificant in their approach. But the eternal trouble with celebrity is that we are assumed to be of the most pertinent political mind, most pertinent educationists, school teachers, private and personal adventurers without earning or knowing a flooo llll !! It does become difficult then, that when it is time for another race to the top or the ‘failed politician’ we seek a quick withdrawal. Better to surrender than to stand up against him and correct the matter, amicably.

It has been a long trip, but hope and pray, one that has been, scattered along the boundary. Easily identifiable and quick to take command on.

On the stroke of the ‘midnight hour’ the family wishes me abundantly, gives me cards and flowers and then something personal. Drives me down to Prateeksha amidst hounding protagonists of the media and allows me the great pleasure of penning down my thoughts for you.

Thank you all that have religiously and with sincere dedication remained with me. And wished me the best from all over the world. This is your finest gift to me.

This I applaud and claim to be virtuous, for, it can be nothing else but that.

Remain well and with good spirit ..

Love and more ..

Amitabh Bahchan