Time and tide wait for no one. They move within their designated realms, irrespective of consequence. They care not for what their consequence may generate, they move in an unstoppable rhythm, to reach a destination that we can never aspire to reach, or have no inkling of. But what they leave behind is what we bear and contend with.

I went across to see Shashi Kapoor in Hospital. He has been very unwell for quite some time. And what I saw has left me so distressed and sorry. This magnificent human, handsome as ever, with that twinkle in his eyes and the laughter in his voice, lay there in front of me, ill and worn. It takes me a while to absorb what I see, but finally muster enough courage to bring something out -

” How are you Shashi ji ?” I whisper, trying to be as normal as I could be.

” I am not well “, he barely whispers back and then through the sheets of his bed with great effort brings out his two hands laden with needles and pipes, to fold them towards me in a ‘namaste’. There is a smile on his sunken face, but the eyes are wooden. He asks how I am, is surprised to see me in glasses and attempts a laugh when I tell him I have gone old. I muster enough courage to tell him all will be well and pull up a chair next to the bed to spend some time with him. As I sit there silent, without a word and not finding any thing to talk to him about, I tell him about my blog and the internet and how so many millions that come to the site pray for his recovery. He continues to look at me without any expression. Almost as though he does not believe what I tell him. And after a short while raises his hand again from under the sheets and gestures with great difficulty that I should now leave. I insist that I wish to sit longer. He relents, but is almost dozing off - his head gently shifting to a side. I ask if he is sleepy. He nods. I must leave him. An assistant of the Hospital enters the room, dressed as Santa Claus, and brings with him a bag full of goodies and hands him one. Its a chocolate cookie. Expressionless he takes it and endeavors to open the wrapper, but cannot. His attendant does that for him and feeds him. He takes a bite and then wishes it away. I wish him well from all and tell him I shall be visiting him again. He attempts another namaste, and I stop him half way, hold his hand and reassure him that all will be well.

Walking away from the room a entire life spent with him on camera and in life speeds past. Time and tide have ravaged all. They will us too. We must be prepared for it always and accept it with a smile.

I have come home disturbed and in such state go and visit Aishwarya’s father. He is unwell too, but is at home and repairing. Further confirmation of passage of time. We have to learn to ride it and ride it well. Nothing else shall become anything of relevance.

The day moves on and by the sunset its at our neighbors place for a meal and meeting up common friends. Karan is there too, thats Karan Johar and we talk of cinema and other lighter moments. His visit to Goa and the sudden impulse to do a sequel to Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, for he felt that all the relevant characters were still around and ‘how’. It would be a story on the growth of the brothers and the problems that arise because of their independent understanding and working of the business empire of the father, a split within them and so on …

I tell him I shall run a reaction to this on my blog and seek information on its feasibility. So … what does everyone feel …?? Yes or no ?

Tel me tell me tell me … no ..?!

Love and more to you ..

Amitabh Bachchan