I feel nothing today … did not when I arose … did not when I got the day of rest from my gym … did not as I drove to the studio for KBC … and did not as I come back from it a short while ago ! I did however feel  the need for a good hot meal … and that I did .. with my speciality on plate … kus kus !! It looks like rice but is not. It shapes on my plate like a large overturned idli but is not. It sits well on the stomach, seems digestive and cravings for more are frequent.

Kus kus !

I have no clue what it is made of, or how it came to be, for, I have only just heard of it recently. But it has a neutral taste and that is its beauty - it cannot be identified. Long live invention and those that have the calibre and patience to observe it. The wife did and since I have given up eating rice she felt that this could be a simple but interesting substitute, and so there it is.

KBC was grueling today … a special episode with special ideas and presence was first off .. followed by another half complete game. That done another few portions of a previous episode needed to be added in either the closing or the opening … and then we got down to the main recording of the episode. It took time. Lunch happened at 5 PM and dinner we just had. But I can understand those that work on the production and programme on what they feel. The compulsions and the obligations that must needs be followed. But what of the audience ! They were just marvelous. Sat with us as we rehearsed and shot and re shot those reminders for the show, those promos for the show, those special closings and openings that we were unable to record earlier. Simply an example of great co operation, patience and discipline. Thank you audience, you have been most generous !

I often wonder what it is that drives them to sit through a recording of a  Tv programme. To be silent spectators and watch without participation. To applaud and show a spirit of enthusiasm with their screams and shouts. To give generously their appreciation when things are going right and conversely, showing huge restraint when things do not go right. They come in first and leave the last. Sometimes for hours without anything happening, they sit inside the KBC crucible waiting for the work to start. And when required jump and clap at historic and interesting happenings in front of them. Simply admirable and so endearing. A salute then to the audience in KBC and a small bunch of the FmXt that sat quietly and unobtrusively in the rear, not showing any signs of recognition, until Barun pointed them out to me . Thank you all for being at the sets and I do hope that you all were well looked after.

As this season comes to an end, with just a few episodes to be recorded, there is I feel a great sigh of relief from those that work tirelessly behind the scene. We never see them, yet without them there would no possibility of the show or how it looks, or the amount of effort that goes in making all of it come together. The millions of lights and their co ordination. The sets and its intricate constructs. The production and the creative teams of youngsters, that sit huddled in a corner watching observing correcting, everything under the sun. To make sure that everything falls into place and is executed with least fuss and contention. And actually manage to do that. And do it effectively !

After the season is done with, the set shall be brought down, piece by intricate piece. And some where in a remote store house portions or parts of this KBc set shall be folded and preserved. For the next season  ?? I wonder, even though I have on Twitter, talked about what taking a break would amount to I do feel that it is wise to withdraw while the going is good.

Abhishek shoots in Goa for his friend the director being Abbas Mastan, the ‘men in white’. Aishwarya prepares for ‘Guzarish’, her next vehicle and I get down to shooting for the film  ”Power” with the same director - Mr Raj Kumar Santoshi.

And as it approaches 2 AM … I still feel it has been a day where ……

Thank you all ..

Love,

Amitabh Bachchan