It rained from the moment I opened my eyes. They said it was the blessings of the Gods ! The fans came in their hundreds from all over the country and the world. Large and attractive banners and posters, flowers and objet de arts, papers and cards and huge emotion at the gates of Prateeksha. Police contingents in buses intervening the crowds and trying their best to control them. Roads blocked all around as I shift to Janak with great difficulty, the crowds running alongside and screaming ‘Lal Badshah’ !! In office the tons of media and blind children that have come from miles to pay respects. Some of their gifts hand made and with such fine dexterity. The team from the FmXt - Valorie and Renate and the group, all waiting patiently and the joy of spending so much quality time with them. Home at Jalsa and the family busy decorating the surroundings with the excesses of flowers and love. Sachin goes past his 49th century followed by Vijay in the match against Australia. Back to the Janak office and the staff bring in the birthday with a cake and music and elegant decoration. Sweet. Some more media interactions and then to settle down to lunch with all. There is laughter and squeals of happiness all over. The mogra smelling so powerful all over the house. Back again to Prateeksha to prepare for the visit to JWMarriott for the press conference to release the first episode of KBC.

Crowds still weathering the rain and and the chase. Marriott relatively quiet, but intense and on edge. The Sony teams in place, the AV of my association in films and a bit of my life is played out, Indian Idol winner sings in a few songs, and then on stage to acknowledge the fan greetings and to cut a rather large cake reproducing the KBC set. A set off of the ongoing KBC broadcast and a set off for me to get home Here in the confines of a somewhat controlled environ, the family witnesses KBC with immense involvement in the game and its progress. KBC is doing what it set out to be - a program where the entire family sat together, thank you, to witness what must be guested. There is debate and argument and controlled tempers that fly off at tangents, until finally a verdict on the show. Disappointment for the young man … a father in law,  that has had shares to sell off again, caught in far away Delhi, in the suburbs.

But the interest and back talk that prevailed during the show was quite unimaginable. Arguments on the final answer that one thought and the other dismissed. Playing concert - a moment with Shweta Nanda - but tremendous interest in the show. Eventually ending up with people wanting to see the opening again. The results are good.

Night cricket and all else somewhat forgotten despite efforts being made to stir up  a controversy. Some guests over for dinner. Nice warm feel, but the people at the gate continue till the late hours.

A spell of the broadcast and then after the bye bye’s a travel confirmation. End of day end of an age, effortlessly and without remorse.

What a day ! I write disjointedly … I am tired too .

Amitabh Bachchan