~*~ Marvelous Answer ~*~

Real story happened with famous Heart Surgeon Lt. Dr. Nitu Mandke. He had done many heart operations.

A mechanic was removing the cylinder heads from the motor of a car when he spotted the famous heart surgeon in his shop, who was standing off to the side, waiting for the service manager to come to take a look at his car.

The mechanic shouted across the garage, “Hello Doctor! Please come over here for a minute.”

The famous surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic.

The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked argumentatively, “So doctor, look at this. I also open hearts, take valves out, grind ‘em, put in new parts, and when I finish this will work as a new one. So how come you get the big money, when you and me is doing basically the same work?”

The doctor leaned over and whispered to the mechanic…..

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“Try to do it when the engine is running”.

Another day of rest and relaxation and lethargy. Hmmm… not feeling good about this state of affairs. Doc seems very happy. Eventually he thinks he is getting me to do what he admonishes me for everyday. REST.. !!!

But.. I did get down to doing what had been pending for quite a while. Revisited the foreword that needs to be completed on Madhushala and a foreword for the book on posters being done so meticulously by a friend. Also a much delayed preface to a book being done on Khwaja Ahmed Abbas, the one who gave me my first break through his film Saat Hindustani.

I first met Mr K.A. Abbas on the back pages of the very popular BLITZ a weekly newspaper, boldly and without excuse, brought out by Mr Karanjia, the very committed, determined and fearless owner and journalist of his time.

Abbas Saheb’s column spoke always of the social and moral standings of the country. Of values that were dear to him and indeed the nation. It reflected his socialist bearings. Bearings of equality and fairness. Of justice and reward.

They were a must read, even for someone as naïve as me as I stepped out of school and into the wide world of independence and University education.

I met him in person when I was called to audition for a role in a film he was planning called Saat Hindustani, on the struggle for Goa’s Independence from the Portuguese.

He had a modest office on the fourth floor of a complex in Juhu; then very barren and scarce and existing in the stillness of this wonderful palm infested suburb of then Bombay.

Most of what followed afterwards has been rigorously documented in film memorabilia, but little has been spoken of the man, who soon after we met and started working with, became our endearing MamuJaan.

MamuJaan’s socialism was not just restrained to the books or columns he read believed and wrote about. He practiced it too in the way he lived and conducted his life and in the way he made his films.

I was of course a newcomer, a first timer, in the illustrious star cast of Saat Hidustani, but his treatment to all was universal. In his eyes we were all equals that were treated with the sameness that he followed and believed in.

When the unit moved from Bombay to the locations in Goa, we traveled by train and 3^rd class. It was the best he could afford, but also the best that most Indians could afford. That was the deciding factor. To live the life of the average common man. It was his way of showing his respect to them that were not necessarily common materialistically, but indeed indicating to them that in being with them he was reflecting in his deeds, his deep regard for equality.

On location, in the forests, we all stayed at a small Government Guest House with very basic and limited facilities. At night we all slept on the floor in the main hall, using oil lanterns to light the area. There was no electricity. MamuJaan was one amongst us on the floor, working well into the night on the script and scenes for the following day, his lantern by his side giving him just about adequate light to see the edge of his writing pen.

Abbas Saheb was a principled individual. Forthright and honest in his nature. He was never tempted by great commercial expectations or desires. He existed in his minimum requirements and never craved for more, or deliberately work towards it. His meager existence never ever failed to acknowledge the needs of others. He was one that would sacrifice his own, to assist the other.

I know this through personal experience. When we would go to him, due to our own extenuating circumstances, to seek that Rs 100 to buy a meal or to travel to the city, we were readily rewarded the funds. But I am certain it must have strained his pocket to submit to our request.

He was also one that gave freely without return. But his greatest quality was that he never asked for it. If he had it he gave, if he wanted he never asked.

As he lay critically ill during his last days he never faltered in his sense of balance. Desperate for funds for his treatment, he felt it would hurt his dignity if he were to seek financial help. Even from those whom he had discovered and launched and who had become financially better off.

He sold the rights of Saat Hindustani for the exact amount required for his treatment, when he could indeed have got a fortune for it. And worse he never divulged this to anyone that he knew. He had feared that they would offer help voluntarily. This would be against his principles. It would damage his ethics if he were to accept that, which he had not worked for through his own sweat.

Khwaja Ahmed Abbas, a man of few words but larger heart. A man of principled belief without compromise. A man an island to himself.

Nothing could compare with the honor I feel today, in writing these insufficient words, to describe a remarkable human.

The other job that was undertaken soon after was a foreword for a book being done by my friend and a great film enthusiast, SMM Ausaja. He has been a journalist and a prominent columnist for magazines, but devoting his time now in finishing two books. One a collection of posters from the very first film ever to be made in India in 1913, right down to present times. A remarkable dedication towards this art, titled ‘Bollywood in Posters’. And another, a biography on my career. Perhaps not such a good idea.

The only thing I do not like about this book on posters, is the use of the word to describe the Indian Film Industry, in its title. I find it degrading to our fraternity and to the hundreds of those who have contributed so immensely to it, over so many years.

The clever introduction of this word into the Oxford Dictionary, has now dignified its reference for posterity. So be it.

SMM Ausaja has taken upon himself a most tedious and worthy cause – that of the preservation of history in Hindi Cinema.

It is tedious because it requires a deep and devoted knowledge of the subject and years of dedicated research and labor in documenting all that films in India have on offer.

It is worthy because the ethos of preservation has never been a consideration, leave aside a most deserved priority, in our country. With such a vast varied and timeless culture we have as a nation fallen short.

It is therefore extremely commendable that a book of this nature has taken shape and that its author and creator went through such pains, as I am sure he must have, to bring to all the lovers of Hindi Cinema this wonderful and awe inspiring kaleidoscope of our valued existence.

To possess within the folds of your hands an object of desire from Zubeida and KL Saigal, from Ashok Kumar and Devika Rani to the heartthrobs of today, is a remarkable achievement. Most of us have felt pleasure by holding just one, provided of course, if even that one, is available.

Posters have been an integral and the most important ingredient in the realm of information and marketing of films. They tell us within the brevity of a few square meters what the product is all about and why it is essential for us to buy that coveted ticket to find our way into the confines of this darkened hall, where paper and painting shall transform magically into moving images.

And over the years this innovative technology of imparting information to us has gone through several interesting stages of development.

How must a face be used, which posture and in what dimensions, must have gone through an intricate process, to finally conclude in a form sufficient to entice the prospective cinegoer. The hours of deliberation that ensued before reaching a final approval, the choice of colors, the words of description, the credits, all a most fascinating exercise in creativity. Indeed, almost on par with the effort required in the making of the film itself.

And now to find all the hours and efforts of myriad creators in one book is obviously awe inspiring, but to me a most honorable act. For Ausaja to have thought it out in this manner, is a great service that he has rendered to the Film Industry. A service that shall be remembered by generations of lovers of cinema the world over.

I must needs therefore express immense gratitude that SMM Ausaja gave me the privilege of being a part of this book, not within the covers that you shall encounter, but as a commentator of his very sincere and dedicated contribution.

The latter half of the day was spent in getting all mushy and appreciative of the latest issue of the fashion magazine, L’Officiel. The same one for which I did a fashion cover and design some months ago in Paris. This one has my two loved ones in it - Abhishek and Shweta. They had gone to London recently for this photo shoot, in the exotic surroundings of an old castle. I have to say even if they are my own, they look absolutely stunning. And I have been ringing them up and telling them how wonderful to have given birth to them and how blessed I am to have had them in my life. The surprise there is Shweta. Elegant and dainty and not the slitest glimmer that she is the mother of two.

Just thought I would give you a sneak preview into them. Let me know what you think.

And now to bed.. well to bed to see the final stages of what is looking like an interesting IPL game..

Its Deccan Chargers vs Delhi Dare Devils.. And yes Mumbai WON yesterday.. yippee… chances of hitting the semi finals..

Good night dearest ones.. its been a long write for me and a longer read for you …

Oh !! Gosh !! I forgot just one more bit. The Hindustan Times did an article on BLOG and Blogging and STATS…

I shall not comment.. but will not hesitate in asking you to.

Love as always,

Amitabh Bachchan