New York, NY USA
Click here to enlarge the above image
Bharati Dubey of Times of India writes a piece in Mumbai Mirror, as reproduced above.
Bharati Dubey sent me an sms on my mobile on the 18th of August 2008 at 10:20 pm as follows :
“Hello sir,have got pics of u and jayaji on stage.heard u gave her a bangle and a ring.wanted a few comments 4 my story.bharati”
I replied back from New York as follows -
“No. They were props. Part of the act on stage.”
Bharati Dubey in the article writes -
Amitabh lovingly slipped a bangle onto his wife’s wrist, while she gifted him a ring. Then they embraced each other. Getting sentimental in old age, sir ? Says Amitabh. “No, no. The entire episode was staged and a part of the act. We used props.”
Firstly M/s Bharati you have the facts wrong. In the act on stage I put a bracelet on her hand. She does not put a ring on mine. And nowhere have I confirmed this.
Secondly, my response to your question was in reference to the part of the question, namely ‘heard you gave her a bangle and a ring’. To which I said ‘No’ it was ‘part of the act’, and that they ‘were props’.
You have convoluted mischievously by adding an additional remark in your write up, not put in the sms to me, by saying ‘Getting sentimental in old age, sir ? And then used my response, given to you in an entirely different context, into a context that you have conveniently and without my knowledge, manufactured.
So.. what comes through to the reader m/s Bharati is, that, when asked by you whether I was ‘getting sentimental in my old age’, my response was, “No, no. The entire episode was staged and a part of the act. We used props.”
What you have left in the mind of the reader is a disgusting, untruthful, completely misplaced impression; connived deliberately to inform the viewer that my sentiment towards my wife Jaya is ’staged’ and ‘part of an act’ and one where I have to make the use of ‘props’ !!
Your intention of the heading of the article has even worse implications. The title says - IT”S YESTERDAY ONCE MORE ? Question mark ! What are you implying ? That my yesterday is questionable ?
And your self manufactured comment “Getting sentimental in old age, sir ?” is deeply objectionable. You not only question my sentiment but also its veracity in ‘old age’. Do sentiments not occur or hold in old age ? Stop trying to generalize your personal beliefs for public consumption through a responsible (hopefully ?) and authorized formal public medium.
My sentiments, dear lady, are in absolute order.’Yesterday’ and in my ‘old age’ too. They do not require validation or justification. Certainly not from you.
Get married, if you are not already. Embrace your sentiment. And may you hold on to it till your old age without the use of any props ! When you get there, give me a call. If I am still around, we’ll talk !!
With love and deep sentiments -
Amitabh Bachchan
August 20th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Now ,I am really happy that Jaya got what she deserved- a special moment. Seeing you both together and Jayaji given importance is really wonderful!
She has been your strength and been by your side always-
Your love and acknowledgement must be of highest value to her- I am proud of you NOW.
Take care
Jhanu
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Age is no bar for love
No matter how high the world thinks of you- A wife longs to hear it from her husband, that will make any woman proud and happy at any age.
We, women,in general, wish our husband acknowledge our love thats the greatest gift ever!
Car, bugalow or money alone cannot make our life -its husband’s love that we long for our true happiness.
Wish ou both happiness always.
Jhanu
August 20th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Dearest Mr. AB,
I just saw your movie “Aebaar” and I loved it. The manner in which you have played the character of a protective father was deeply moving…. especially, the last scene where you drop your daughter to the college and watch her…. and then wipe a tear…. I always love you as an actor and a great human being who touches the hearts and souls of billions.
God Bless-
Carol.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Sorry I meant “Aetbaar.”
August 20th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Dear Mr Bachchan, A good rebuttal..Keep it up..!
ps: Thanks for sharing such a sweet picture of Jaya Aunty and U. Kool..
August 20th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
I am not in your shoes, I think you are taking this article way too seriously. Although the writer may have twisted your words, I think it is still a positive article and most readers would view it that way. There are far worse things written about celebrities. I think the relationship between the media is that you can’t live with them or without them. As someone once said, all publicity is good publicity (or something to that effect). You are well established and it’s nice that you have your own outlet to clarify matters and give us your own viewpoint. However, lesser known celebrities crave any media attention and tend to feed into the frenzy (Paris Hilton, Britney Spears). Without the media, their careers would die. It’s a tricky relationship.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Dear Sir,
Excellent medium to get out with the true story…an extension of your previous topic…a very recent example of what you were discussing in previous entry!!
We all can see the mutual love and affection in both urs and Jayaji’s eyes and body language…that definitely cannot be staged…with or without props! Keep on the good work along with the love of ur family….we are always with you.
Waiting for your tour to come to Melb,
Till then, take care and love all.
vinit
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Dear Amitji,
Excellent. I loved the way you have responded- If I would have read without your clarification, it certainly sounds what Ms Dubey wanted to portrait- which is totally disgusting and malice on her part- by trying to “edit ” your comments. This is why I like your blog- becos’ general public & especially your fans get more clear picture (even though we would take any new article with pinch of grain & salt anyway!). love.
Ashesh
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
This is what I don’t like about media is that twist the words in the way they want to present to the public.
Amitabh ji your love for your wife and kids shows thru your personality so no matter what media says your fans will always know you as a loving husband/dad/grandfather/ and above all as a loving human being.
With love
Subhashni
August 20th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Dear Sir,
It is really objectionable, for their purpose of job using others name
without permission is realy wrong v r with u sir , please be dont worry.
bhushan mumbai lower parel
August 20th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Dear Amit Uncle,
When I read Ms. Bharati’s question “Getting sentimental in old age, sir?” I was really surprised and felt so WEIRD and extremely uncomfortable. What did she hope to gain with that kind of taunt or sarcasm or judgment? U have expressed it just the way I would feel about it inside. Whether it was all on purpose, or even something she could not help..maybe because that’s how she feels, I don’t know. It’s upsetting to realize a certain lack of sensitivity and maturity and wisdom there.
With lots of love to you,
Harshi.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Dear Mr. Bachchan,
Whoa! What a “solid” retort to Ms. Dubey! I think this happens with all celebrities, they say something and these irresponsible journalists add their own “masala” and print something else! I think if all celebrities start blogging we will get to read the “real” interviews. What one had said and what these journos have printed! Anyway methinks that the days of these journalists will soon be over. Soon we are going to hear things straight from the horse’s mouth.
Anyway ALL THE BEST TO YOUR UK SHOWS!
With lots of love,
A S Abdul Rahim.
Chennai.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Fantastic!!! What a reply. Got reminded of Vijay, of Deewaar. I too didn’t like the “sentimental” line in the article. That was degrading. Your reply was very apt.
On a different note, enjoyed the scene in Sarkar Raj II were you are in the hospital and son comes over. The look in your eyes. How can you emote like that? Fantastic!!!
August 20th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Dear Mr Bachan
That was a good response to the article but im only wondering that why shud such an article disturb u so much. Your fans already know who you are and what is your charachter so why the need to respond to such articles? We all know that the media is capable of writing anything they feel provided it gets the attention of the public. But the people who already know you over the years will definitely not change their opinion of you and Jayaji.
I think you should just ignore the likes of Bharti Dubey!! We all know how low these journalists can stoop to accomplish their mission!
August 20th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
When it rains …. it pours..
August 20th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Amit jee,
Charansparsh !
ShubhDin !
August 20th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
What I find absolutely silly in Bharati Dubey and some other journalists of her genre offlate is that they write entire articles based on blogs. Funnily enough they make it sounds like an actual conducted interview, when the information on the article is nothing more but verbatim blog write-ups. Guess it’s the easiest way to write these days; log on to a celebrity blog, cut-paste and the article is done:)
August 20th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Great Photo!
August 20th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Sad. But a fitting reply from you sir
August 20th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Most respected Bachchan Sir,
i congratulate you for ur views and thaughts which u expressed in the blog. in india it is very easy to comment on people. people use many tricks and plans to demolarise the person…in other countries you can not expect this kind of dirty games…but in india…when a person is successful when you are not capable to stand in front of person who achived success through hard work, determinatation and sincerity people do this always…when u can not challange the person start dirty polytics….but you have not to worry when you are honest…if you believe in god just do your work…and have faith…noone can stop you that is sure…go ahead and ahead in life…god is with you..just do your work and never think about this people for a single time…this is the policy we should follow sir…waiting for your email address and phone no…
yours
k r mehta
ahmedabad
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
HaHaHa..Mr Bachchan you gave a terrific reply.
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
SIR JI,
LOOKING GREAT WITH JAYA JI.VERY HAPPY TO SEE TOGATHER AND LITTLE
JELOUS,JUST JOKING……………!
MAY GOD BLESS THE OLD COUPLE……LOOK LIKE JUST MARRIED…..AGAIN JOKING………..I AM VERY VERY VERY VERY HAPPY TO SEE YOU BOTH.
LOVE YOU.
RSAHMI M.
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Sir,
Fantastic example of being misquotations..!!…!! Its irritating sometimes to even read such reports…. eg:.. “A” called “B” etc etc…
Kind Regards
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Perfect reply and perfect way of exposing media! Thank God these media stooges didn’t add something like “Abhishek and Aishwarya were feeling awkward because you embraced Jayaji in public”. Stupid media jerks!
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Sir, please change the image on the blog, please put your picture from Deewar or Trishul or from Don, please please please
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
India is land of rich culture and people used to respect its value.Today, India media gives different image of modern India, where no respect for senior, no respect for Indian culture, even no respect for nation. I often see that one part of India media oftem try to shade negative on Mr.Bachchan, who is not only suuccessful actor but respected and dignity Indian senior citizenship which comes from good reputed family background and most importantly he is humble and good human being.Who ever you have potiential of fight against these small section of media then please respond and protect Mr.Bachachan from these evil media.Or one can form “Amitabh Bachchan media fan club”internationally and give response to all negative journalist.Because AB is India’s treasure.
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
You are a Libran, right? I guess your sense of justice has been terribly provoked by some journalists. But I hope that you do see the humour in the situation. I hope that you derive a lot of fun from your exercise of battling it out with the Indian media.
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Mr Bachchan,
Good Morning!
I actually did read this article on mumbai mirror online yesterday and the points you just expressed were exactly what i was thinking when reading it. It’s great that you are setting the record straight. It’s sad how journalists cannot even write a simple article without manipulating its contexts. Something so personal between you and Jaya aunty can be totally misconstrued by unjust newspapers.
As always its a pleasure to read your blogs every morning and just like the others instead of “working hard” at the office, I sit at my desk ” hardly working” waiting for your next update.
Regards,
Vrnda
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
“When you get there, give me a call. If I am still around, we’ll talk !!”
Simply awesome!!
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
what a fitting reply !!!
Kudos to you man !!
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Good one !
Amit Naik
San Francisco USA
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Hello Mr. Bachchan,
That was a rubbish story and thank you for rubbishing it. Your take on the ‘between-the-lines’ meaning was pretty accurate.
That being said, I loved the picture-I think it’s one of the best I’ve seen of the both of you. Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words:)
Would have loved to see the both of you together on stage at Atlantic City.
Here’s hoping your tour goes from strength to strength,
My best wishes to you always,
Sonan
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Dear Amitji,
You both make such a loving couple.I have seen the movie Abhimaan and have loved each and every sceen.
I am not a movie buff, but i love to watch your movies.I really loved the scene in Kabhi khushi Kabhie Gham, wherein Jaya Aunty is able to sense shahrukh Khan is closeby.It is a poignant scene, which brings tears to our eyes.
Wishing you and your family,
Regards,
yp
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
We , the common public, read these kind of stories about you everyday and its true, we believe most of it.Its so refreshing not to hear “no comments” and to finally see someone give a “tit for tat” kind of answer.
If there was someone who was not a fan of “Amitabh the actor”, I m sure “Amitabh the writer” has him/her on bended knees!
Please do not stop writing on this blog ever!!
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Brilliant. You will set these guys straight (hopefully). Keep it up Mr Bachchan.
‘Yesterday’ - it certainly isn’t, and ‘old age’ - age is in the mind. And you are not old if I know anything about mindsets and attitudes!
Hitting the nail on the head!!!!!!!!! Nobody’s sentiments need any 3rd party validation or justification. Not from a journalist. Not from anybody else - unless we give them the authority (implicit + explicit) to comment.
Cheers
Pallavi
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Hello Sir,
Thats a wonderful romantic pic… to tell u the truth height difference is a problem with me and my husband .. he is 6 feet 2 inches and iam 5 feet 2 inches haha..
People knowing us generally gives the example of Amitabh and jaya bachchan..for that matter.
May be Jaya aunty is little taller than me
But what prevails is the love which is the eternity… it stands by in all circumstance good or bad..
Ours is the love marriage .. and our age difference too is of 6 years ,, and one last thing to add we both are Librans …
sorry for boring ,,,
god bless u both and may u be live happily for many more years …
with due respect
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
DEAR SIR,
HELLO SIR.HOW ARE YOU?
BEST WISHES AND WARM REGARDS
HIMMAT SINGH GREWAL
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Man - the levels to which they will stoop !
Mr. Bachchan, If I were you - I would probably not have responded to that question on sms. Why even bother - is there a point - unless you do enjoy exposing the shenanigans of these people. It is sad - that at this point - the media continues to question of one its country’s leading men ( and I don’t mean it only in cinematic terms ).
As a young ( can I call myself that at 30?
) man living in USA, your tour inspires pride. I have not attended the shows - my work schedule did not permit me to. However, to conquer foreign shores on the scale that you have , inspires pride. Was it not that spirit that brought europe all its wealth and progress in the middle ages ? Its explorers setting out to discover new lands ?
I am amazed at how much more educated the westerner is about our cinema industry. The day they stop calling it Bollywood would be the day we would have arrived. Because to me, calling it Bollywood is demeaning. Kind of like selling imitation Adidas shoes under the name Adibas. What you just did may be viewed as a pure capitalist exercise by some, but it has definitely helped the process of furthering the expanse and reach of Indian cinema and in turn, India.
Do you honestly think you can have an intellectual discussion with a person who poses a question as silly as that sms can actually grasp the depth of the ideas you explore in your blogs ? There are million more interesting questions that I can come up through the course of a workday to ask a personality who has achieved great heights like you have. And all she could ask was about a ring / garland (I dont even remember what it was and don’t care about reading the entry again to find what it was
) ?
Frankly, my answer would have been three letters - wtf ? pardon the language
Cheers !
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Amitabh Bachchan ko gussa kyon aata hai
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
DADA,
I WAS WOKING WITH YOU IN TV ASIA. I KNOW YOU VERY CLOSLY. YOU ARE GEM. WHEN I READ ANY THING WRONG ABOUT YOU, IT”S HEART ME.
KEEP IT LIKE THIS. IF ANY THING I CAN DO FOR YOU? I AM IN CHICAGO. MY PHONE NO IS 732-429-3260.
RAVI KAPOOR
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Dear sir,
i would like to request you to provide the readers with the option to go to the next page or the previous page at the bottom of the page, where you sign off.
It is very convenient.
Thanking you,
Regards,
yp
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Mr. Bachchan,
This I suppose is another act of journalistic talent(obviously missing). Your previous blog of why they act or report articles is mainly due to the gossip and there are readers who buy such magazines. This media craze is all over, anything that Britney Spears or people like her do is all over the news magazines. In India, it is more exaggeratted. The media in India writes more about the unseen and vicious only to win the popularity contest. It is a disgrace that people believe or wonder if that incident could have happened. It is totally a mind game that the media plays with the masses. There was a time, I used to read and even believe some of them, but slowly and surely I had better judgement.They write articles that work for themselves not what works for the artists.So, one does not need fortune cookies to decipher what will happen. Unfortunately, when you are on the public eye, this will only magnify their interest. I do feel bad that everything you do is misconstrued and always seen as an ulterior motive. Hats off to you though, for standing up tall. We love you and your family Mr. Bachchan. Keep it going. Good luck in London and BON VOYAGE.
Sujata.
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Respected Amit Sir,
Realy sir you are a great personality when i am reading your thought i am realy impress you.Sir in print media writer wants a criticsNow bharti dubey is famous for his critics because he is writing for Mr.Amitabh Bachan because Bachan is king of bollywood.You be happy and take care for your health because you act with your puta (Abhishek Ji Son).God bless you sir.Again I have a one request when we have seen you with Rekha ji in screen this picture is super duper hit sir.Please dot it sir.Jaya Mam please give him permission to do this.
We Love Bachan’s whole Family.TakeCare sir.
Thanks & Warm Regard
Neeraj Vashishtha
Rishikesh
Uttarakhand
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
I have been an avid reader of your blog and have been keeping up with it since the day you started. Its an admirable feat that you are accomplishing, considering your busy life and needs. I have never written to you before, but I am writing this firstly to thank you, as you really make me feel so very proud by wishing us Parsees for our Navroz, on August 19, 2008. Not many around the world are aware of our community and most especially of our religious celebrations. While reading your blog and scrolling down the list of responses, I have not noticed any Parsee names hence felt proud of your special mention for us, as part of your community.
You are truly admirable and someone who deserves the highest respect. I have been seeing your films since I was a child. Alike others I never knew you indepth, until you opened the doors of closeness with your blogging, for which again I am thankful. I am a lot younger than you, but reading your blog daily has taught me a lot; given me strength, smiles, tears and all the great feelings that one experiences when being in touch with someone like you from a distance. I have learned so much about humanity and felt inspired by your humbleness. I pray for your success and long life. May you forever continue to share more golden nuggets of your life experiences, as you have a treasure trove of them. I pray for your family and loved ones to be safe and happy by your side, giving you all the support and inspiration to do all that you do. I was terribly touched by your words of tribute for your mother recently and earlier about your father. They must be so proud of all they have done for you and for all that you are doing in return. Parents are always special people in ones lives, sometimes one realises it all when it could have been done so earlier. You were lucky and blessed to have been touched by so special people, as your parents. Please continue to write more about your younger days and some about your work, past and present, as they are really brilliant. Through the blog you have made a distant star come close, as it must have been like for those that initially saw the galaxy through the telescope. It is not just seeing you on screen, playing a character, but rather now we learn more on a personal nature and can share too, like I am doing at present. I await for you to make personal responses in your blog to each of the respondent’s enteries, which to me seems awesome! Thank you for all your hardwork, brilliant performances and for simply being you - Amitabh Bachan. I salute you for all that you have offered to someone like me and the world at large. God bless.
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August 20th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
AB sir,
I respect you alot but was it really that rude? I didn’t get any wrong impression about you from this post