DON’T WE ALL

One evening I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to finish work. Coming my way from across the parking lot, was what society would consider a bum. From the looks of him he had no car, no home, no clean clothes and no money.



There are times when you feel generous, but there are times that you just don’t want to be bothered. This was one of the “Don’t want to be bothered” times! “Hope he doesn’t ask me for money,” I thought. He didn’t. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop and he didn’t look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus.



After a few minutes he spoke. “That’s a very nice car,” he said. He was ragged, but had an air of dignity around him. I said “Thanks,” and continued wiping off my car.



He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened, something inside said, “Ask him if he needs any help.” I was sure that he would say yes, but I held true to the inner voice.



“Do you need any help?” I asked. He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great accomplishments. I expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke three words that shook me, “Don’t we all?” he said.



I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day.



Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it’s just a compliment, you can give that!



You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don’t have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse of something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos, that only you, through a torn world can see.



Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that. Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise to minister to a soul too comfortable in himself.



Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum and then said, “Go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help.”



DON’T WE ALL?

The film ‘PAA’ is a wrap for me. Today was the last shot. Everyone applauded on set. Make up ladies, the lovely Domini and Natasha, heaved a huge sigh of relief and chubby little Matilda had the hugest smile on her face. Matilda, the some odd months old daughter to Domini, a darling of the unit, desperately attempting her first steps on her own and doing rather well I might add.

Its back to London as you may well see and back to the grandchildren who showed up at the shoot in a surprise visit. I think the prosthetics bored them completely and prancing around the vanity van was of greater interest to them. London will be a short stay to rest and get normal after wearing ‘the face’ for almost 40 days. It does have its somewhat dangerous side effects, but I presume the precautions taken all along shall prevent any untoward happening.

I am in great awe towards the interest taken by EF on the matter of education, a topic that came up quite by accident. But judging from the very concerned and eloquent reactions from some, I do believe this is an issue that shall be questioned and debated for perhaps longer than I had ever envisaged. Which is good. If debate and discussion can add to the measure of concern most have expressed, then I think this blog has done more than its share of mere contribution.

There are many among you that desire to see the incomplete post on Awards and IIFA. I had been contemplating on it for a while and I have reached a conclusion that at times it is best to leave unsaid things unsaid. The moment of that post, the sentiment of my attitude and the desire in me to convey will never be recaptured. What can happen is that there will be a most feeble attempt to recreate. And recreations are never as good.

But let me not put it beyond an effort. Give me a little time. Who knows the air and circumstances that I find myself in these days shall perhaps coerce me to think about it again.

It is time that I took rest. It is time to dwell on what went by. It is time to pay attention to other aspects of our existence -

Good night !!

And with love …..

Amitabh Bachchan