Some of us live cocooned within ourselves ! We have the world of knowledge at our feet, yet we choose to ignore it or just perhaps pretend that it does not exist. The world of the common man is a topic of discussion almost religiously, everyday and everywhere. Yet, we merely talk about it to perhaps add value to our thinking without really understanding their issues and problems. And the most surprising aspect of this phenomena is that most of them that do, are indeed also from the same fraternity, that of the common creed.

KBC is this glorious platform that gives me opportunity to be in close proximity of those that come from humble beginnings, that have larger than life dreams, that wish to dedicate themselves to causes that yes, improve them individually, but also, that which would improve others of their ilk. Their lives and stories connected with it are of the most tender and emotional content. And being able to give them an opportunity to live out that one moment in their lives which they may relish and perhaps cause them to change their lives permanently, is a job that brings me the utmost joy. To see and witness the glimmer of hope in their eyes, the joy of victory and the expectation of a better future, dependent on their own luck and performance, is an experience one does not forget easily.

Yes it makes wonderful TV content and material, but conditioning ourselves to their expectations and then see them, at times, disappointed and defeated is heartbreaking. It is as though we ourselves have been through that trauma of defeat, to face life as it were within prevailing circumstances.

To me KBC is not just another game show. It is to me an experience that could become life changing for any human. The realization of an opportunity that they would never ever have imagined, is the crux of it all. And how many times did we in our nascent existence, hope and pray for that divine intervention that would somehow bring us closer to reality and desired expectation.

When one lives through those moments, you live through their feelings and lives and you discover how blessed we are and how generous the Almighty has been with us.

And today in the middle of the recording of an episode I find the FmXt, well represented by the group that travels within India - Valorie and Renate and gang, seated along with the invited audience in the stands, cheering and participating in the game show. Such a delight to have them in our midst. I introduced them to the rest of the audience and they all loved that moment and I do hope that the ‘gang’ appreciated it as well. Perhaps this would give  better perspective to the EF after witnessing  what a portion of my day looks like, that it becomes virtually impossible to communicate on an individual level.

I am, as many may have noticed, still struggling to reply to all those text messages for my birthday. I have completed around 400 of them and another 758 remain. Slowly but surely I shall get there, so help me God.

And till I am able to do that, do share with me my gratitude that all have shown towards me during the day and days after, in building that most necessary of elements we as artists require - the confidence of self assurance.

Once self assured, one is of great confidence and forbearing ~

My love to all and with respect and gracious order ~

Amitabh Bachchan