When a man has earned his fame through consistently and successfully being someone else, it may seem unfair to judge him for being the man he is. But what is to be done when such distinctions are erased by the man in question? When Amitabh Bachchan advertises cement or any other commodity, we are expected to buy it because he has endorsed it; yet, when he shakes hands with Narendra Modi, he expects us to read nothing into it.
Who, after all, was the Amitabh Bachchan who shook hands with Narendra Modi? Was it the actor in Govind Nihalani’s film Dev, who played a cop who stands up to a chief minister who has instigated riots? According to one review, ‘The Big B has turned in a sterling performance in the title role of Dev Pratap Singh… an officer of impeccable integrity and one who swears by the rule-book. …Amrish Puri plays the role of the Chief Minister, and his likeness to Narendra Modi… is near total.’ Or was it the man who stood for election on a Congress ticket in 1984?
The question is not whether Modi is better or worse than Rajiv, but whether there are convictions the man or the actor is willing to stand by. Surely, it is only fair to conclude that in cozying up to Modi, Amitabh Bachchan, who once ranked among the closest friends of the Nehru-Gandhis, who is a close friend of Amar Singh and whose wife Jaya is a Rajya Sabha MP of the avowedly secular Samajwadi Party (SP), has managed an about-face that is rare even among party-hopping politicians.
There has been no shortage of filmstars who have dabbled in politics, but in Bollywood, Bachchan stands out for his political links in much the same way he stands out as an actor. These links have run parallel to his career, even pre-dating them, and they have brought benefits along the way. It is only the costs that come with them that Amitabh has been unwilling to bear.
The Nehru-Gandhis were family friends before Amitabh was an actor. The relationship soured, but not before he was put on the road to stardom. Amar Singh of the SP was a friend in need when financial troubles were mounting, and at the very least the relationship gave the Bachchans a seat in Parliament. As Amitabh’s friendship with Modi blossoms, the filmstar’s past suggests it is reasonable to look for what he now stands to gain.
THE FAMILY INHERITANCE
In his autobiography, Amitabh’s father, the poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan writes that an invitation by Sarojini Naidu to Anand Bhawan in Allahabad ‘was the beginning of a close and lifelong friendship between Teji and Indira, who was still unmarried. Mrs Naidu introduced the pair of us dramatically as ‘the poet and the poem’, a phrase which Indira was to remember for long, alluding to it frequently when introducing Teji to foreign visitors.’
Nehru brought Harivansh to Delhi and posted him as an Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of External Affairs in 1955. Even Amitabh’s entry into cinema apparently owed something to the Nehru-Gandhis. Veteran journalist Pankaj Vohra, whose closeness to the Congress is no secret, has written, ‘Bachchan has come a long way since he carried two letters written by Indira Gandhi, on persistent requests from family friend Teji Bachchan, to Nargis Dutt and Khawaja Ahmed Abbas urging them to give him a break in films. Abbas cast him in Saat Hindustani and Nargis asked her husband Sunil Dutt to help him out.’
The Bachchans reciprocated such support. Harivansh was among the few intellectuals who supported the Emergency. His Padma Bhushan followed in 1976. In the election that followed the Emergency, Amitabh campaigned for Sanjay Gandhi. Susmita Dasgupta, author of Amitabh: The Making of a Superstar, points out that the superstar had failed to sense the public mood vis-à-vis the Emergency and ‘received brickbats for that’, as she notes. He soon stopped, and more than Sanjay, it was his friendship with Rajiv Gandhi that was to shape his future.
THE ENTRY INTO POLITICS
In his biography of Sonia Gandhi, journalist Rashid Kidwai writes of a winter day on 13 January 1968, when Sonia Maino landed in Delhi to marry Rajiv Gandhi. It was Amitabh who received her at the airport. In a 1985 interview, Sonia said, “Mummy (Indira) had asked me to stay with the Bachchans so that I could learn Indian customs and culture from close up. Slowly I came to learn a lot from that family. Teji Aunty is my second… no, my third mother. My first is my mother in Italy, the other was my mother-in-law Mrs Indira Gandhi, the third is Teji Aunty. Amit and Bunty (Amitabh’s brother Ajitabh) are my brothers.”
In 1984, after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Amitabh was one of the men drafted by Rajiv into politics. The two men had known each other since childhood—Amitabh was four and Rajiv two when they met at a fancy dress party at the Bachchan home in Allahabad. “Ma says he messed up his pants,” Amitabh was to recall.
But the mess that was to follow their entry to politics was more than Bachchan could stand. It took no more than a few years for controversies such as Bofors to surface, where Amitabh’s name figured along with Rajiv’s. It was only then that this son of a Sikh mother, who had given little thought to fighting the 1984 election for the Congress in the wake of the massacres of Sikhs, chose to quit.
THE BUSINESS OF POLITICS
I have remained apolitical ever since I resigned from politics. I do not wish to go back there again. This I have confirmed year after year, interview after interview. I think it completely futile to even attempt to bring such ill-conceived notions up for questioning—Amitabh Bachchan’s blog, 19 January 2010.
This claim is a mockery of the facts. When he first quit politics, the closeness with the Gandhis may have been somewhat diminished, but there remained his friendship with Bal Thackeray. In 1996, he hosted a meeting at his house between then Prime Minister Deve Gowda and Thackeray, a meeting that shocked other constituents of the ruling coalition.
He has since found much to admire in Balasaheb, recently blogging: Minutes later Bala Saheb calls. ‘I want to see this film. Come and show it to me !’ ‘You have not been to see me for a long time!’
I assure him I shall arrange a projection in his house. I ask after his health. He is fine he says.
He cannot travel out due to his frail condition, but the fire in him still burns. He is resolute and firm as ever and in that resoluteness you discover an endearing, that sudden soft moment, which has always made his presence so strong and affectionate. His sense of humour is intact as he punches in some wise ones!!
But back in 1996, only a week separated the dinner with Deve Gowda and the announcement in Bangalore in the presence of the Karnataka Chief Minister that his new company Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd (ABCL) would host the Miss World pageant. The pageant was the beginning of the company’s long road to financial ruin that led Amitabh to Amar Singh and the SP, led by Mulayam Singh Yadav.
When ABCL was established by Amitabh and his wife Jaya, it was India’s first entertainment company. The Bachchans had planned to notch up Rs 1,000 crore in turnover by the year 2000. Instead, by 1999, thanks to events such as the aforementioned Miss World pageant, a spate of movies produced such as Mrityudaata, Saat Rang ke Sapne, Major Saab, and the music albums Aby Baby and Naam Kya Hai, ABCL’s net worth was wiped out and the company applied to the Board of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) for sickness relief.
Decisions such as the sale of Saraswati Audio Visuals, a company fully owned by Jaya Bachchan, to ABCL for Rs 7 crore in 1995 did not help the firm’s claim to professionalism. It was alleged that ABCL had overpaid, given that Saraswati Audio Visuals could not be assessed at any more than Rs 1 crore. ABCL also entered into a contract to pay its prime ‘assets’, Amitabh and Jaya, an annual fee of Rs 10 crore and Rs 3 crore, respectively, for 10 years. The company soon accumulated losses of over Rs 70.8 crore against a net worth of just over Rs 60.5 crore. Hounded by creditors, appealing to BIFR seemed a smart move to insulate the company from their demands.
FROM THE CONGRESS TO THE SAMAJWADIS
It was in the wake of the ABCL financial crisis that Amitabh Bachchan drew close to Amar Singh. For Dasgupta, something seems to have changed from the days when Amitabh first ventured into politics, ‘In spite of the violence that took place (in 1984), he was then a man who stood by the party he believed in. But, his friendship with Amar Singh is purely opportunistic, for personal gain.’
It seems to have been a mutually beneficial relationship. Amar Singh’s penchant for the company of celebrities seems to have culminated in the biggest of them all. In turn, rumours that Amar Singh helped bail him out have long done the rounds. Whatever the truth, it is certainly true that the closeness resulted in a Rajya Sabha seat for Jaya Bachchan.
It was reward for her campaign for the party in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election of 2004. In Barabanki, she had told an assembled crowd, “Jin logon ne humko rajniti mein aage badhaya, unhone beech mein hi hamara saath chhod diya (Those who brought us into politics, they abandoned us midway).” Rahul Gandhi retaliated, “The Bachchans are lying… People know better about who betrayed whom.” Amitabh, once while expressing regret at the rift between the families, struck a blow of his own: “Woh raja hain, ham rank hain (They are kings, we are commoners). If the king does not want to have a relationship, what can the poor do? The poor cannot afford to say that we want to have relations with the king.” And this non-political ‘commoner’ would soon go on to star in SP campaign advertisements.
MODIFIED POLITICS
An emotion of gratitude and consent by a dignitary that holds office, can become overwhelming. I find myself in such state. Mr Narendra Modi... in his hospitality and generous demeanour, has... registered that our film Paa shall be granted tax exemption, the paperwork provided falling into place. He lives simply and with mere basic needs and most unlike the head of a state. He speaks with affection on development and progress. He is welcoming of fresh ideas and ideals. His oft-repeated phrase of him being a CM, a common man, is not misunderstood. He does and acts as he speaks—His blog, 6/7 January 2010.
On the very day Amitabh was courting Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Amar Singh resigned as general secretary of the Samajwadi Party. The coincidence could not be more striking. As Amitabh was losing political patronage from one source, he was actively seeking it from another.
Congressman Rajeev Shukla says Bachchan’s decision to be the brand ambassador for Gujarat is part of the larger “nexus of convenience” that Bachchan has mastered. “First it was in Uttar Pradesh when he was Mulayam Singh Yadav’s friend, when he did those ads for the SP’s election campaign and now it is Narendra Modi and Gujarat. It is a complete U turn, an ideological somersault,” says Shukla.
But more stinging was Mallika Sarabhai’s statement, “I was told by a Gujarat government official that Mr Bachchan wanted tax exemption in Gujarat, free land for his film city and a Rajya Sabha seat for his wife Jaya Bachchan, who may not be able to represent Uttar Pradesh with the change in political equations there.”
Jaya’s term ends in three months and the parliamentary platform is important for the family. She has used it to defend the Bachchans whenever they’ve come under attack, even alleging harassment by Income Tax officials for daring to question a Rs 2 crore expense on the Aishwarya-Abhishek marriage extravaganza of 2007. Whatever the truth, what’s striking is that there is no shortage of people willing to believe these claims about Bachchan. Increasingly, the term ‘nexus of convenience’ strikes a chord.
Perhaps, as a recent blog entry of his seems to suggest, convenience is all that is left when no convictions remain: Many a times we are asked in the course of a conversation with the media, who we really are. But do we have an honest answer for that? Never! Not because we want to be dishonest, rather we have never had a moment to sit and think about it.
But I shall agree with those that asked me that question, that playing a different person almost every day, shall eventually result in us being devoid of any personal traits that we may possess. Or when we do address ourselves in a personal capacity, there is very little left within us to address.
Inputs by Haima Deshpande and Dhirendra K Jha.
OLDER COMMENTS FIRST
38 COMMENTS
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Big celebs like Big B need to have political patronage. Or they will be singled out for attack by guys like Raj Thackeray. So they need someone to balance it out. And why this article, just because Big B meets Modi? Until he was friends with the Gandhis or Amar Singh, it was OK, but not Modi?
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This article is biased. Amitabh Bachchan is an icon for millions of Indians and it is simply attacking him without any proof. If your case is so solid, why is he not convicted of any fraud, keep in mind, the ruling party in the center is not fond of him anyways. Pure yellow journalism and attempt to sensationalize coincidences.
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detailed recounting the history of mr. bachhan and his efforts to curry political favour. he has been a major gainer in the process.
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Scared, Amitabh Bacchan is. I totally agree with this article. if he was so full of quality, he would be the first to see it, or atleast would see it sometime soon and stop looking for affiliations & security. I deserve no right to advise on how Amitabh should live his life, or for that matter, advise no one, we all are doing our best. But I certainly don't find any admirable quality in him. His acts speak of a severe lack of self-confidence and am unwilling to accord respect just because he is older than me or has more fans, lets not even talk about some voice & height.
Politics is not a "cesspool", and everyone should take part in it, and more by the successful people. But only for the right cause, one that will seem right for the longest amount of time into the future. But if all you can do is always side with the strongest people, and all that you get talked about is bickering for tax exemptions, you look pretty small & pityful from somewhere, I am sure.
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Mr Gandhi!
A-W-E-S-O-M-E! I wish it was longer though!
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Wonderfully argued -- an 'open' and shut case.
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Agreed.Ask any Allahabadi about their post cesspool world.First time I read it somewhere that HRB was pro-Emergency, realised, a-ha - so their loyalties are so currently attached always.This piece felt like uncanny respite because i've always found him wishy washy.Glad, you explored that.
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Why is this article laced together primarily by a string of questions loaded with assumptions? Possibly to try to string us along into not noticing how this article is full of unilaterally slanted opinions and unproved judgments that are presented as if they were cold hard facts. The final straw are the quotes taken out of context from Mr. Bachchan's blog, which offer a myopic, distorted byte that completely warps and obliterates the scope and meaning of what was originally written. We've all heard of lying by ommision, which is what I'd call this cut and paste vandalism.
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Mr Gandhi and Bal,
Isn't the same congress party (that you are gloryfying in your blog) which was resposible for Sikh tragedy in 1984?? Isnt the same Congress party whose laeders openly encouraged to speak about revenge against sikhs publicly??? Isnt the same Congress party whose leaders Sonia and Rajiv had connections with Italian Kowatrichi for Bofors deal??...what you are trying to portray in your blog as if Congress is a saint party who always fought for minorities....I can understand your sympathy for Congress but public is not fool that it will believe whatever you write on your blog....
The reason we fans respect amitabh because he has seen more struggle in his career than anyone…..Amitabh was doing great in his film career during mid 80s untill Rajiv asked his help to defeat a rival of congress from allahabad (bigb's native place) because it knew that Bahuguuna was a big challenge for congress... He was used by congress to defeat Bahuguna and then was left alone to fight the case of bofors…....he ultimately fought the case and came out clean while congress is still finding ways to defend its hand in bofors case....It was his right decision not to associate directly with any political party………...he has friends from all political party……..infact our respect has incraesed for him for not showing any loyality to any particular party…..I have read your articles which basically support Congress party and hence I was not surprised after reading your article to know where your own political loyality lies…...under both Rajiv's as well as Modi's rule, minorities(sikhs and muslims)were oppressed ...but it doesnt mean that the ideology of congress or bjp should be questioned....looks like you are taking sides of congress and more sympathatic towards it....
Mr BIGB is ordinary person who fought against all odds to be in a position that he is right now..and that’s what makes him extraordinary …..who always first bites the dust and then again reaches on top (both his first innings as well as second innings)…...who has shown that age is no bar…...who has motivated people like us who used to think that at 68 a person should be sitting at home...we have grown up watching his failures and success and his struggle with his life, career and finances……no one making him God becoz if he was God he would have never faced such difficulties to struggle for his current position…....he is much superior to you Mr guys for not showing any political loyality to any party (specially congress)…..
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Finally. Amitabh Bachan without the humbug.
Thank you.
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err, aren't a man's political affiliations his personal maamla, whether he wants to flip or flop, much like his fancy for retail stores? self-preservation is what drives all of us, so why should Monsieur Bachchan alone stick his neck out to don the halo of political monogamy?
And yes, since when did we start taking our politicians and party manifestoes so seriously?
This smells bit of a witch-hunt to me too. I think the Modi factor has turned quite a few tummies. Oh well.
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Finally. Amitabh Bachan without the humbug.
Thank you
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Very good analysis indeed but I was wondering whether Mr Bachchan deserved this much of space (and attention) in a serious magazine like Open! Amitabh Bachchan is a middle-rung businessman who also acts in films and promotes products! What do we expect from an ordinary businessman who happened to be an extra-ordinary man in film industry. Extra-ordinary actor? I am not sure because I distinctly remember, his wife did not rate him at par with Sanjiv Kumar even after she was married to him. (I think, I remember correctly that she said this in an interview to Sunday Observer). So never mind his 'party hopping' - he would do whatever he thinks would protect and enhance his business interests. After all, he has risen from ashes - don't forget that he was in neck-deep trouble when his ABCL was about to be declared insolvent. So you have to be generous while dealing with a middle-rung businessman!! :-)
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Excellent piece. An eye opener in true sense for those who worship Bachchan like A God. such sycophant should wake up and realize his true color. why Bachchan bears silence over this article who otherwise ramble, rant and go after the journo lake a wild hound !? OR Does his silence affirm ALL mentioned here is factual and not just allegations!?
BRAVO........writers...!!!!!!!
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Excellent piece. An eye opener in true sense for those who worship Bachchan like A God. such sycophant s should wake up and realize his true color. why Bachchan bears silence over this article who otherwise ramble, rant and go after the journo like a wild hound !? OR Does his silence affirm ALL mentioned here is as factual matter and not just some allegations!?
In fact him running like a mad dog after politicians for political support and financial gain is really not very respectable but disgusting and gruesome act. its just opposite to his very own portrait he is trying to paint on his Blog. No Wonder PPL Leave Blog AFTER A WHILE as a matter of fact they get sick and tired of his false arrogance disguised into Humility,modesty, and self deprecating words. Those are nothing but hollow words. The guy who can not Walk the Talk is just an opportunistic Hollow Man.
BRAVO........writers...!!!!!!!
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Looks like you two woke up one fine day and thought "how can we increase our readership and create a splash ?" Well, let's write about BigB and write some negative nonsense that will sound scathing and "investigative type". I am sorry to say but your writing reeks of immaturity and lacks even a pretense of objectivity. Unsubstantiated accusations, random quotes from the blog and some poorly disguised biased anecdotes does not an article make. Please credit us with more intelligence to see through your amaturish accusations and baseless assumptions and opinions touted as facts. Please, we are certainly not as dumb as you idiots think
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Mr Gandhi and Bal,
Isn't the same congress party (that you are gloryfying in your blog) which was resposible for Sikh tragedy in 1984?? Isnt the same Congress party whose laeders openly encouraged to speak about revenge against sikhs publicly??? Isnt the same Congress party whose leaders Sonia and Rajiv had connections with Italian Kowatrichi for Bofors deal??...what you are trying to portray in your blog as if Congress is a saint party who always fought for minorities....I can understand your sympathy for Congress but public is not fool that it will believe whatever you write on your blog....
The reason we fans respect amitabh because he has seen more struggle in his career than anyone…..Amitabh was doing great in his film career during mid 80s untill Rajiv asked his help to defeat a rival of congress from allahabad (bigb's native place) because it knew that Bahuguuna was a big challenge for congress... He was used by congress to defeat Bahuguna and then was left alone to fight the case of bofors…....he ultimately fought the case and came out clean while congress is still finding ways to defend its hand in bofors case....It was his right decision not to associate directly with any political party………...he has friends from all political party……..infact our respect has incraesed for him for not showing any loyality to any particular party…..I have read your articles which basically support Congress party and hence I was not surprised after reading your article to know where your own political loyality lies…...under both Rajiv's as well as Modi's rule, minorities(sikhs and muslims)were oppressed ...but it doesnt mean that the ideology of congress or bjp should be questioned....looks like you are taking sides of congress and more sympathatic towards it....
Mr BIGB is ordinary person who fought against all odds to be in a position that he is right now..and that’s what makes him extraordinary …..who always first bites the dust and then again reaches on top (both his first innings as well as second innings)…...who has shown that age is no bar…...who has motivated people like us who used to think that at 68 a person should be sitting at home...we have grown up watching his failures and success and his struggle with his life, career and finances……no one making him God becoz if he was God he would have never faced such difficulties to struggle for his current position…....he is much superior to you Mr guys for not showing any political loyality to any party (specially congress)…..
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what a lie about letter of recommendadtion by this Congress media manipulators........Amitabh openly denied the fact that he ever took any such letter.........this is just a tactic by Congress people to malign him.......the authors are clearly Congressi agents speaking lies to gain their viewership.......but people of this country are not fool to understand the agenda of these pseudo secularists......It was under Congress rule that Sikhs were masscared....It was under Congress rule that Emergency was imposed on the country...It was Congress Rule for 56 years which is resposible for the downfall of the country......THESE AUTHORS ARE PAINTING CONGRESS AS SAINT PARTY BUT THEIR LIES ARE EXPOSED....
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As someone who grew up idolising AB in the 1970s, watching all his movies and following all his exploits, I am today sickened by what the man has become. Excellent piece!!
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A clear example of "words torn out of context"....hands off for a grat work by the magazine. Please stop accusing the people who are blessing to our country. Articles like these resist good people to do great things. Please be sure of the full truth before writing anything publicly.
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Outstanding research and writing. Kudos and congratulations are in order, and I'm subscribing to Open straightaway
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Such sick stuff. Bad way to increase circulation. This only shows how low Hartosh Bal Singh & Jatin Gandhi can stoop. This article has been churned out from the vicious minds of the writers, just because the BigB is successful.
Saratchandra
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Good job!!
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who are you to conclude that Mr Narendra modi has instigated riots, It is the media who has instigated this myth of the Narendra modi responsible for riots, he did whatever a vest CM can do in the terms of controlling the riots , why dont you report that the burning of the Sabarmati Train was a very planned attack by few minorities weeks before the incident & the fact of the matter that in the same riots more than 270 Hindus mostly in firing have died along with more than 1000 muslims. As a gujrathi I am quite aware of the facts & the situation during the riots which was even more violent because of the previous Congress governments muslim appeasement & the perpetrators were from the minority. We should condemn violence wherever it is irrespective of the region or religion or race but in the same way one should look into the other point of view rather than what majority of the media does & especially by the Tehelka kind of people. We dont see the same kind of biased reporting when it comes to the 1984 Anti sikh riots in which more than 3100 people were killed from one particular religion wherein people from the ruling congress party wherein the victim Indira Gandhi was responsible for her death , who has supported Bindhranwala & later ditched him for personal gains & later happen to reap the effect of in the form of death.
This particular post might be helpful in knowing what Mr modi did as a CM to curb the riots as a best administrator.
http://www.blogs.ivarta.com/Narendra-Modi-as-Prime-Minister-Why-Not-PART...
Regards,
Raag
"Satyameva Jayathe"
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This is one of the wonderful article that I ever seen. Kudos and congratulations! It is hilarious when jaya bacchan represented India in UN some time ago. This is the status of India, who knows nothing about the problem and Indian child program. It is hilarious that Such people rome around in Royals Ross, BMW and talk about India's child program--what a joke. This article represent a wonderful analysis and opens eyes. How much disgust, how much double life they live. Say something and do something. Everyone has rights but at least be truthful about what you do. But they pay a price, they have money and fame and thats it.
He is an opportunistic middle grade star who know how to calculate and thats how he became super star. Nothing wrong in being calculative, but when you try to look nice and clean and think the world is blind, wake up.
Sanjeev
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Cut Amitabh Bachchan some slack, all you guys. He is only an actor, first and foremost. Secondly, there is also a Mr Ratan Tata who has made Gujarat a project, saying that investing in this particular state is an imperative amongst the responsible. So why do we not wait and watch Bachchan's brand promotion techniques?
Nerd alert: quit reading here...
Remember Amitabh's brilliant TV ad campaign in 2004 (with a slug at the end saying 'issued in public service by Samajwadi Party)? The Man with the Voice-of-god appeared on the screen to say this was a very crucial election, so "vote soch samajhke deejiyega" (gesturing avuncularly with his palm). Remember that?
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@Sanjeev. Don't know what car Jaya Bachchan uses in Bombay, in Delhi she goes to her office in a Toyota Qualis. And she is as qualified as any other Indian politician about any other issue that they/she may have to represent.
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What a superb article.... So true.. It is high time people highlighted the hypocrite called the Big B.. Way to go.. As an actor, he may be great. As a human, he is far from pure or honest.. And the whole family (Big B, Junior B, Mrs. B and Mrs. Junior B) look so fake and 'nexus of convenience' as you stated. Well done.
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write antything crap or manipulative about BIGB and guarentee more sale of your magazines.....this is what most congress backed media people doing these days.......
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he's a totally creepy old man now..why does he always stand so close to DIL!
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@ALOK:
Thanks for the information what car Mrs. Bacchan use for her daily routine. Really, thats great! at least shows that they are like other people!!!!.
Thats where the problem is:
People like her gets opportunity (oops!), favour from political party because of their so called "white skin" agenda and thinking. See how they ditch them. Thats called good business decision.
For you I dont what you call them. I call them Hippocrates! no I dot have words for that. Sure everyone has right to live make money, but if you enjoy public life, have some decent one and stand by it, otherwise, when people question, answer truth.
Representing in UN by Mrs. Bacchan was a joke and many knows about it but guess what who professed and pushed her nomination for, RS and UN, go figure...
Perhaps thats why we don't deserve a permanent UN membership. If she does some socialwork (and I sure she does) we dont have problum but when there are more qualified around, it becomes to see her in such a political post, nerve braking. She is no particular and this applies to many like her. The point is she has film background and she is good at it but, see has no right to screw up the image of india (i hope you get my point).
And wait for another 10 years when Mr.s Junior Buchanan becomes RS member. You know why, because after all, she represented India in beauty contest.
This is what is going on?
You may ask how to fix it.
Wait and watch.
Mr. Bacchan should be thankful that these things are coming out and people will forget after a while. But where they stand, hiding that is not an option any more.
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@Sanjeev
Well, being an actor is better qualification than being a goonda or murderer. And even if she is uneducated and therefore unfit for any public position she may have been gifted with, I am sure she will still speak in a more civilised manner than you have done so far ion this forum.
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Dear ALOK:
Many thanks for reminding my civility and my manners. A hard fact just gets in the skin! No doubt.
There are better literate and knowledgeable people in India and Indian democratically elected government then these pseudo, self made, living in fools paradise land people. I am surprise to see your extent of thinking goes only to actor, goonda and murderer.
Don’t u agree that one should stick to their profession and not step in others area? Especially when it comes to the national interest or national issue? My question is, and if you understand that depth of it, revolves around the opportunistic behavior which was the perhaps essence of the article. Speaking in UN needs a diplomatic knowledge, an understanding of a complex democracy and its value demarcated for that particular society. If Dhobi starts lecturing on Newtons Principles, what do you expect the other professors thinks? Sure, Dhobi can acquire that knowledge and do so but that is an exceptional case and in this case Mrs. BBB is not an exceptional. Not even close!
The point is the whole India knows how she got the post and opportunity to represent India---by cook.
You may argue that there are many, even worse than her. Sure, but they are not Hippocrates. All knows who they are and thats why they stands apart.
A dual face with knife in pocket should always be questioned, and questioned properly.
Look around my friend, there are many, many in even political system that qualifies better then her. Then, Why her?
And if you think that is right. My friend, I will take my words back and let you think so. At least now I know where we belongs:)
Your statement about me being a civil has some weight. As such, civility is for people like us, the everyday people who makes bread for everyday. Not for them!
I do not know how for you know about it. I will give you a clue:
Mr. Amar Singh (a close, closest, family member!) donated 7 million dollar to Clinton Foundation. Can u imagine? 7 million dollar donation? No one new until the foundation released its report. Go check the record.
What this donation has to do with above discussion. Nothing! But just a thought that did he ever donated anything like this to India. May be opposite of it.
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@ Sanjeev
We just have to disagree again. I have a right to change my profession whenever I want and can.
I guess only in India can a low-life murderer, an untouchable rise to become a revered person. I guess you have heard of Ramayana.
I have no love for Jaya. Am not even a fan (my father is).
But, everyone has the right to do attempt to do what they ish to do. If they get the opportunities, it is your god-sanctioned duty to avail those opportunities.
And, was Manmohan Singh a politician, to be India's PM, or is Sonia Gandhi more qualified than Singh to be lording over him?
Many more people could have done the job, if they had the opportunity. Their God would have been very angry with them if they had frittered away the opportunity that he gave them.
And yes, there will always be a better person to do any given job. but that does not mean that the person doing that currenly should be removed from that job.
And, if Amar Singh is donating his money (however gotten) why should we complain? Anyway, if because of that money Hillary favours Indian, will you complain too much?
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Dear Alok:
God. Opportunity.Complain. Thanks!
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Samjeev's words are intemperate and unfair, especially to Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan, daughter of a journalist, somebody who may be as well aware of things that matter as much as any commenter on a media site.
Incidentally, you repeatedlr call her a hippocrate. I'm guessing you mean hypocrite.
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I totally disagree with this article. Who is not there in Politcs. Just think of a situation why Congress is supporting Shahrukh Khan? Why Rahul Gandhi and Other Congress politicians are watching cricket with Shahrukh.. Do you think without congress help he can purchase a IPL club when many big players are not enen think of. So it is better to leave Big B. it is his personal choice.
Where was congress when many North Indian were killed, Why Shahrukh Khan did not say anything that time? Where was these police platoons that time but for a movies these polictians brought all the police forces? Now Shahrukh Khan is the new Bakra of Congress.
So a movie is more important than 1000 lives.. interstate is less important than inter country relations.. Only Abdul Razzak can play..
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detailed recounting the history of mr. bachhan and his efforts to curry political favour. he has hosting been a major gainer in the process.
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