“How odd is the logic of the mind - it seeks compromises when we are wrong, and it asks for justice when others are wrong !”

Voting has been cast. Hospital visits have been accomplished. Cricket IPL has been witnessed. Views on the blog/print press have been somewhat noted.

Somewhat, because the comment column on the face page is not opening. There are some issues says bigadda.com, which can be rectified perhaps by the morning of May Day, the 1st of next month. Not too far away, dearies - some hours away actually !!

But the little that I have gathered from the ones that did open, it seems the majority is not in favor of the blog being presented on a plater to the publication. Ok. Point noted and accepted. But in all fairness I must needs give them an audience to assess what they have in store for me. Would you not ?

Yes I agree, it would rob me of my individuality. It would compel me to write, knowing that I am now bound by commitment to do so. My effort would not be free and distanced from any compulsion. There would most certainly be an element of submission, when indeed all that I have been wanting to achieve is a connection which has never succumbed to this.

Voting was a must. As a citizen of India, it became my Constitutional Right to do so. It has been the most enduring and remarkable feature of Independent India, when all around about it, has displayed an uncertain political atmosphere.

The polling station was at Jamna Bai School in JVPD Scheme, Juhu. The school where Abhishek and Shweta used to go in the early years of study in India and Mumbai. It was nostalgic to be in its precincts again. But it was madness to be outside it after having cast the vote. The media, both electronic and print and radio descends upon you like a ravenous beast, salivating at the mouth for the delicious meal they wish to devour that very instant.

The shoving and pushing and stampeding by the press is not so much the desire to document an information. The possibility of the commerce that it generates, is what the rush is all about. That one exclusive moment, which shall make them stand apart in the eyes of the editorial by the end of the day. That one photograph, that one electronic bite. That is it. Nothing more.

So when the four of us are asked by paparazzi, to show our fingers in acknowledgment of us having punched our votes, we show it to them. It is another matter that, the Government marks our middle finger with an indelible ink, to avoid duplication and therefore unfair electoral procedures. Showing of the middle finger in the Western world apparently has different connotations. So I guess, in usual fashion, that is all that the press shall flash tomorrow !! And for those that may miss it here is the photo..!!

Alright.. so that was done and over with !! We shall now know the value of that finger by the 16th of May 2009, when counting shall be over and the results for the new Government will be announced.

The IPL was interesting. Some predictable results , others not so. It is warming up in So Africa for the semi final positionings and the coming days shall see heart stopping action and play. But in between all this was the visit to the Ambani Hospital to see friends in distress and illness.

Mrs Hiroo Johar, wife of Yash Johar and Mother to Karan Johar, with whom I made ‘Dostana’, ‘Agnipath’, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’, ‘Kabhi Alvida na Kehna’ and Jaya did, ‘Kal ho na Ho’, has had a surgery and was recovering well. She has been extremely close to us and in particular to Jaya and Shweta. Shweta is the daughter she never had and they share a unique relationship.

Her back has been troubling her for long and needed surgery. That went off well and she now recuperates in her room. She is her optimistic cheerful self and we spend time with her and Karan. John Abraham has come to visit too and we all catch up. Knowing his closeness to Dhoni, I complain to John about Mahi not responding to the message of greeting I had sent him on his decoration of the Padma Shri. He says he shall connect me immediately right away. I stop him. Ask him to look up at the TV - Chennai is playing Royal Rajasthan and Dhoni is very much on the field - IN SOUTH AFRICA !!

I had wished Harbhajan too on his Padma Shri and we had spoken to each other about my message to Mahi. He had ,even, graciously passed on my greetings to him. But still no response. Must have been busy. John has given me his mobile now and said he shall have a word with him on this. No sweat. So long as Dhoni keeps whacking the hell out of the opposition, I am fine.

Also at the Hospital sadly, are a few other friends too.

Prakash Mehra, the director of some of my most significant and most successful films lies in the ICU. When I go up to him he has difficulty in recognizing me. It is most depressing to see my contemporaries in this way. We made ‘music’ together Prakash ji and myself - Zanjeer, Hera Pheri, Muquaddar ka Sikandar, Namak Halal, Jaadugar. This wizard of a director, now lying inane and without response, eyes open but closed for all purposes, ventilator breathing for him - just so unimaginable. The doctors say he is improving. I hope he recovers well and remains healthy.

Adnan Sami’s father is critical too. I visit him. Adnan not being there, I wish a speedy recovery and come away.

On occasions when I would fall ill and be bed ridden when I was younger, my Father would ask me to will myself into improvement. His own will power was of an amazing quality. He would tell us to keep repeating these words -

“Every day in every way I am getting better and better !”

And we diligently obeyed him.

Today as the lift carries me to different floors of the Hospital, I find the walls filled up with writings and sayings of great men and women; there to impress, to bring courage and hope to those in distress. As I pass along one of the many corridors, my eye falls on something on the wall. Its a board that carries a quotation from some important lady. I forget to note her name. But never do I forget the words - they say in bright and bold colors -

EVERY DAY IN EVERY WAY I AM GETTING BETTER AND BETTER… !!

My Father lives with me.. in every step.. of this I have no doubt..

Amitabh Bachchan

I have had my fill of ICU’s personally. They are disturbing locations for me and I would rather not be there.

Dimple Kapadia’s sister, Simple is there too in hospital and I visit her. She narrates an old tale which makes us all quite emotional. I wish her well and a quick recovery.

The neat clean and most efficiently managed Kokilaben Ambani Hospital is a luxury here in our part of the suburbs. The most modern facilities and the most qualified doctors in attendance gives us all a secure confidence. We need hundreds more of such facilities in the country.