Other Topics : Art Culture - Fashion - Tourism

Latest & Hot Bollywood Film News : * hourly updation

Back to Bollywood Current News Section

                           Advertisement

Amitabh's popularity defies all norms (SPECIAL)
By Arpana, Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS) There have been many superstars in Bollywood but none can match the enduring magic or the towering personality of Amitabh Bachchan.

Amitabh, who was discharged from hospital Saturday after almost three weeks following a stomach surgery, was the object of concern of millions of his fans across India and the world as they prayed for his recovery. 

The loyal following the 63-year-old actor still commands in the face of younger stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan or Akshay Kumar is amazing. 

The news-hungry media kept constant tabs on the latest about the superstar for the information of his fans. All television channels flashed his discharge Saturday from the hospital as "breaking news".

The longevity of Amitabh's superstardom has surprised all and sundry. 

In the past too superstars like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Rajesh Khanna enjoyed immeasurable popularity during their prime. Unlike Amitabh, their fame dimmed once they were past their prime, but this mega star shows no signs of losing his grip at the top.

So what makes Amitabh go on and on and on and stay at the peak? 

TV personality Shekhar Suman says: "He was born as a special man with a special horoscope and entertained people in various ways. He redefined the image of a hero."

More than two decades ago, when Amitabh was hurt during the shooting of the film "Coolie" in 1982, a similar kind of panic gripped the entire nation. 

A lean phase followed his recovery in 1982 but Amitabh re-invented himself as a showman with the TV game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati".

He debuted in Bollywood with Khwaja Ahmad Abbas' "Saat Hindustani" (1969) and struggled for four years for a hit. In 1973, with the success of Prakash Mehra's "Zanjeer", his career took off and there was no looking back for the tall and lanky young man. 

In the years that followed, he emerged as the "angry young man", a messiah of the poor who stood up against burning social issues of the time - injustice, poverty and corruption. 

Commenting on Amitabh's larger than life image, Shekhar Suman says: "The people who were jobless, poor and angry with the system identified with him and started idolising him. He looks larger than life not only in reel life but in real life too."

Amitabh isn't what you would call conventionally handsome. His height and his voice, both of which set him apart, were at one time considered handicaps. But later they became his assets and made him arguably the biggest star Indian cinema has ever produced.

"I think popular would be an understatement", says filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, lyricist-script writer Gulzar's daughter.

"He is not only a national but an international icon because of his body of work."

Asked whether popular concerns over his health were justified, Meghna told IANS: "If you look at him as an icon, it is justified. It shows people are concerned. These are all signs of adulation and care. 

"There is no right and no wrong because people are not intruding into the lives of the stars. They are just showing their concern by being there." 


If in his prime Amitabh was working several shifts a day, even today he works 18 hours a day. 

Amitabh is one of Bollywood's busiest and most visible actors. He is everywhere - his face stares out of magazines, newspapers, TV commercials and, of course, films. In his free time, he works as brand ambassador for numerous products besides shooting for "Kaun Banega Crorepati - 2". 

So should Amitabh Bachchan continue this kind of hectic life at this age?

"No," says well-known film critic Taran Adarsh. "He needs to slow down a little. You need to look after your health because it is very important."

Amitabh's sudden illness not only worried his numerous fans but also sent a wave of panic through the entertainment industry, as he is involved in several projects worth Rs.2.7 billion (about $60 million). 

But Adarsh says: "He has completed all his films except Ravi Chopra's 'Babul'."

The first film to hit the screen after Amitabh was hospitalised was Apoorva Lakhia's "Ek Ajnabee" where he plays the protagonist. Unfortunately the film failed to repeat the success of Manmohan Desai's "Coolie" - the first film to hit the screen in 1983 after his earlier accident. 

"Family - Ties Of Blood" will follow "Ek Ajnabee". 

Amitabh is also working with almost all the younger generation directors. He is in Karan Johar's "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" to be released early next year.

His other films include Ravi Chopra's "Babul" where he is paired with Hema Malini again after "Baghban". Rani Mukerji and Salman Khan also star in it. 

He has Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "Eklavya" which also stars Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan and Vidya Balan, besides Ram Gopal Varma's "Darna Zaroori Hai" and "Sholay". 

Rohan Sippy, whose film "Bluffmaster" starring Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra and Riteish Deshmukh hit the screen during the weekend, is a great admirer of Amitabh. 

"He is more than an institution, he has become an icon for all of us. We identify strongly with him," says Rohan.

 
Dad has lost some weight: Abhishek
Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 18 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan's three-week stay in the hospital has left him lighter. "He has lost some weight. But by God's grace, he's recovering," says Abhishek, his son. 


The Bachchans' three-week ordeal ended Saturday morning when he finally left Lilavati hospital in Mumbai to return to his mother's residence Prateeksha. 

Earlier during the day Abhishek had driven into the hospital wearing a T-shirt that read 'Superman'. The minute Bachchan saw his son he caught on, "That T-shirt is for me."

A crowd of at least 200 people had already got wind of the Bachchans' plans. They waited anxiously outside his house when Abhishek drove his dad home. 

The entire family is now gathered at Prateeksha where the steadily recuperating superstar is now re-gaining his strength. 

It's unlikely that he will resume shooting for a while. Abhishek says the decision is entirely his father's. As soon as he feels up to it, he will be back at work, though it seems unlikely he would do so in the next two weeks.

Initially the plan was to stay at the Lilavati hospital a little longer. Bachchan had been advised by his close friends to stay in hospital than to move home where medical attention would be relatively lower. 

"There were no plans to leave immediately," reveals a member of the family. "In fact, he wanted to continue in hospital. But he suddenly changed his mind Saturday and said he wanted to be home with the family."

On Sunday morning a huge crowd of onlookers gathered outside Prateeksha. Abhishek played the perfect host to them. Water was served to the strangers outside his home. The ailing mega-star made an appearance sometime in the morning.

All is well at the Bachchan front once again.

 
Amitabh's hospitality impresses Lata
Subhash K Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 17 (IANS) Lata Mangeshkar, the Nightingale of India, is impressed by Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan's hospitality.

After visiting Amitabh Tuesday at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, Lata said: "He had someone waiting downstairs at the hospital to escort me up to his room. Even in such stressful times, Amitabhji hasn't forgotten his characteristic good manners."

Amitabh returned home Saturday after nearly 20 days in the hospital where he was operated upon for an abdominal ailment.

Lata said: "Actually I would have gone much earlier. But I was in London in connection to promote diamond jewellery. As soon as I returned I was anxious to visit Amitabhji. But I was unwell. Then I decided I must do it now." 

When Lata arrived at the hospital her rakhi-brother Dilip Kumar was just leaving. 

Lata said: "It was nice running into him. Ravi Chopra and Ramesh Sippy were also visiting Amitabhji.

"Amitabhji said, 'Maine khamakha aapko taqleef dee' (I have troubled you unnecessarily). I told him the whole nation was troubled by his illness. 

"He told me how he fell ill and that the pain started while he was in Lucknow. Life is so strange. It has a way of creeping up on us and surprising us all the time. He asked me about my hospital in Pune. 

"I told him the (hospital) wing he had inaugurated sometime ago had become operational. He needs to take it easy for a while. 
 
A smiling Amitabh returns home from hospital
(LEAD)
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 17 (IANS) A smiling Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood's biggest icon, Saturday left for home after 18 days' stay in Lilavati Hospital here for treatment of an abdominal ailment. 

The 63-year-old mega star, clad in an impeccable milk-white kurta-pyjama and sandals and sporting a relieved smile, stepped out of the hospital in the western Mumbai suburb of Bandra at 11.15 a.m.

He was accompanied by his actor-son Abhishek, daughter Shweta, close friends Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, industrialists Subroto Roy and Anil Ambani - apart from armed bodyguards. 

Bachchan made a gesture of thanks towards the media and well-wishers with folded hands before heading home in a white Range Rover, which was followed by a long convoy of private and police vehicles. 

Though doctors had allowed him to go home three days back, the Bachchan family decided to wait for an auspicious date for his long-awaited homecoming. 

The hospital premises had turned into a high security zone with hundreds of policemen and private security personnel cordoning off the area from the media and public - many of whom had been camping in the area for days together. 

There were lots of speculations about where the actor would head as he owns two bungalows - "Pratiksha" and "Jalsa" - both located within a few hundred metres of each other in the western Mumbai suburb of Juhu. 

Even as hundreds of his fans and media personnel waited for his glimpse outside "Jalsa", Amitabh reached Pratiksha at around 12 p.m. where his family members - wife and actress-parliamentarian Jaya, his mother and grandchildren waited for him.

Bachchan, who was operated upon for diverticulitis of the intestine, was first admitted to New Delhi's Escorts Heart Institute, where he was flown in from Dehra Dun after he first experienced pain. 

The Bollywood icon was then brought to Mumbai and admitted to the Lilavati hospital Nov 28 and underwent a major abdominal surgery Nov 30.

Son of the legendary poet Harivanshrai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan, Amitabh's illness - the second major illness the actor has experienced in the past 23 years - had resulted in a groundswell of sympathy for the cine idol. 

He came out of a coma following a life-threatening accident during the shooting of his film "Coolie" in 1982. 
 
Amitabh back home from hospital
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 17 (IANS) Superstar Amitabh Bachchan returned home Saturday after being in the Leelavati Hospital here for nearly 20 days when he was operated upon for an abdominal ailment.

Wearing a white kurta-pyjama, the cheerful Big B walked out of the hospital escorted by son Abhishek and medical staff and waved to a large number of fans waiting outside before getting into a vehicle that took him home.

The busy as a bee star, apparently diagnosed with a condition known as diverticulitis, has been advised a month's rest and asked to avoid spicy foods.

 
Bachchan watches 'Ek Ajnabee' in hospital
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 12 (IANS) A diehard Amitabh Bachchan loyalist, director Apoorva Lakhia took "Ek Ajnabee" to Lilavati Hospital to screen it there for the convalescing superstar.

"It was something that was bothering me," says Lakhia about the film that stars Bachchan. 

"How could Bachchan not watch the film that was made entirely as a tribute to his talents? His illness really took the pleasure out of my film. Now that he's recovering, I carried the film to the hospital. He saw it and really enjoyed it." 

Bachchan was hospitalised for an abdominal condition known as diverticulitis and was operated upon.

Director Lakhia has been inundated with reviews accusing him of upfront plagiarism but he is undaunted by the charges. 

"I always knew I was remaking 'Man On Fire', and I never hid that fact. Initially, I was tempted to relocate the kidnapping story in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. But then we got to know that Prakash Jha's 'Apaharan' is coming at around the same time. So we took the story to Bangkok. 

"There're three different versions of the film, including one in French. For me the challenge of presenting Asia's greatest star-actor in a unique way was the best part of remaking 'Man On Fire'. 

"Bachchan has already been seen in seven different films in the last one year. I wanted him to be the larger-than-life loner hero like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. I wanted him to be Mount Everest. I think I've succeeded in doing that."
 
Shah Rukh visits Amitabh Bachchan
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Actor Shah Rukh Khan's visit to the Lilavati Hospital here to meet Amitabh Bachchan quashes rumours of differences between the two stars regarding the box office performances of their latest films. 

The first thing Shah Rukh did after flying back from New York after shooting for Karan Johar's "Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna" was to call on Bachchan Friday. 

Now Bachchan has started to receive select guests in his room. The actor spent more than more than an hour with Shah Rukh - laughing and joking. 

Talking about the reports of differences between the two, a mutual friend of the two says: "Differences? Not at all! In fact Shah Rukh has been keeping close tabs on Bachchan's health from New York. 

"He was in a hurry to return so he could personally visit Bachchan as soon as possible. Shah Rukh was very sweet. He had come in a relaxed mood - he has no shooting until January and he was with both the senior and junior Bachchan (Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan) for quite a while. 

"It was obvious he sees neither the senior nor junior Bachchan as rivals but respects and loves the whole family. In fact Jayaji is extremely fond of Shah Rukh."

Karan Johar is still in New York. He's expected to be back in January.
 
He would've cheered very hard: Apoorva Lakhia
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 10 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan is recuperating in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital but his fans have been eagerly awaiting his film "Ek Ajnabee" - and Apoorva Lakhia will be remembered in cinematic history for coming up with the first Bachchan film after his current illness. 

But the director is hugely disappointed that Bachchan couldn't attend the first screening of the film. 

"I find it a damper. When we had our first screening and Mr. Bachchan hasn't seen it," says he.

Shot entirely in Bangkok "Ek Ajnabee", based on "Man On Fire", is a slick film with ultra-modern look. The USP of Lakhiya's film is Bachchan and the little girl Rucha. 

"After "Black" audiences will see Mr. Bachchan bonding with a young co-star girl again."

Talking about the casting controversies he says it's better to work with unknown faces than unsuccessful actors.

Excerpts:

Q: Amitabh Bachchan has made news beyond news with his illness.

A: I find it a damper. When we had our first screening and Mr. Bachchan hasn't seen it. He would've cheered very hard. But I'm not nervous. We've portrayed Mr Bachchan in a novel manner. And I'm quite excited about it. He's too cool. His dialogues are very Arnold Schwarzenneger. When he blows up the screen he turns around to say, 'Issey hamare yahan Happy Diwali kehte hain' (We call it Happy Diwali). 

Q: The film looks pretty slick.

A: Yeah we strove to get an ultra-modern look into the film. The editing pattern is pretty much out there. I made a conscious effort to move out of the village that was part of my first film "Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost". Very honestly "Mumbai Se..." had a script that moved slowly. It came just before "Lagaan". 

The script in "Ek Ajnabee" is based on "Man On Fire". Once we got Mr. Bachchan, we decided to take the film to another level where he'll do things he has not done before. At his age the physical action is unbelievable. Most of the film is shot with a tele-photo zoom lens. It looks different for sure. It's a really modern genre. 

But I love my first film too. I had written it from my heart when I was in America. Everyone including Abhishek who worked on "Mumbai..." is doing really well now. Now it's my turn.

Q: Like "Apaharan", "Ek Ajnabee" is also about the kidnapping industry.

A: Yes, but "Ek Ajnabee" is set in Bangkok. According to a UN survey, kidnapping is the second-most thriving industry in the world after drugs. If I had taken "Ek Ajnabee" to Bihar like "Apaharan" it would've been similar in ambience in "Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost". And there would've been no chance to give Mr. Bachchan a whole new look. We wanted to put Mr. Bachchan in a place of hedonism, which isn't India.

Q: How was it directing Mr. Bachchan?

A: How do you tell Sachin Tendulkar how to bat? We completed our film with 35 days in Bangkok. Obviously we didn't want to tire him. So we'd start our work early morning and ask him to be on location by 11 (a.m.). He was great motivator. When you wake up and know you've to shoot with him you feel special. He takes a project to a level of professionalism that's hard to follow. 

We all knew, 'Dude, this is Mr. B so don't mess it up.' He doesn't ask questions. He just knows what to do. Mr. Bachchan knows everything that needs to be known about cinema... He plays an ex-commando who knows every method of self-preservation. 

Q: Is he larger than life?

A: There's no other way for him to be. I've kept his age in mind while making him do the stunts. But he's definitely heroic. To me "Khakee" collapsed when a 'subedaar' (constable) slapped Mr. Bachchan. It's unthinkable. It gave me pangs of indignation. I agree his character was realistic in "Khakee". But this is still Indian cinema. 


When I saw "Man On Fire" and read the book, I told Abhishek it was a good idea for his dad to do an Indian version. Abhishek showed the film to his dad and that was that. We waited a year and half to get Mr. Bachchan's dates. 

We did some photo shoots experimented with his hair and clothes... Once he signs a film he isn't just an actor. He's a colleague and collaborator. He was into it a hundred per cent. We all were. The producers Bunty and Jassi Wallia were very accommodating. We had gone on location in Bangkok with all the spadework done.

Q: What others USPs besides Amitabh Bachchan?

A: The little girl Rucha. After "Black" audiences will see Mr. Bachchan bonding with a young co-star girl again. I was worried about directing her. But it was the easiest thing to do. We sat with her for 90 days. We put her into two months of swimming classes. She needed to be a swimming champ for her role. By the time we started shooting she knew the entire script by heart. For a scene where she had to burp, she actually managed it! 

Rucha was very comfortable with Mr. Bchhchan. Children wouldn't be that aware of his star power. Every other member of the cast faltered with their first take with the Legend. Not Rucha. In a scene where she had to express anger with Mr. Bachchan she wasn't getting it right. He helped her get it just right. 

Q: There were some casting controversies in the supporting cast?

A: You mean about Diya Mirza? We had signed her initially. But later we got some unusual actors, like Vikram Chatwal and Perizaad Zorabian who are strangers to Hindi commercial films. 

With due respects to Diya, she hasn't featured in any successful film so far whereas Perizaad is untried in commercial cinema. 
 
Spicy food is out for Bachchan
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 10 (IANS) Now out of the ICU and out of danger, Amitabh Bachchan who was suffering from an abdominal ailment known as diverticulitis will have to avoid spicy food.

It's now a week since he was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai with an acute pain in the abdomen. 

A close friend of the Bachchans who wishes to remain anonymous told IANS: "It's a condition known as diverticulitis. Author Faroukh Dhondy also suffered the same ailment. 

"It means Bachchan has to stay completely away from spicy, 'masala' food. Any of these things can aggravate his condition. Otherwise he's fine."

Talking about the stress that Bachchan's family was facing, he says: "It's a very tough time for the Bachchans. It isn't so much the illness...the worst is definitely over and he is expected to be home in the next 10 days. It's the pressure of the media and the never-ending influx of guests. That's hard to handle. 

"To Abhishek, Shweta and Jaya's credit they're handling the crisis exceptionally well. Not once do they allow their inner trauma to boil over. 

"The arrangement at Lilavati is impeccable. Right from the outside compound where the press is stationed to the foyer where guests are received...the place is as well appointed and organised as a five-star hotel...One of the three Bachchans is unfailingly around to receive a guest. And they're oh so gracious."

As for the lack of information on Bachchan's condition, he says: "It's basically Abhishek's decision. He doesn't want anyone to talk about his father's condition until full recovery. If in doing so he's considered a villain he doesn't mind. 

"Right now Mr. Bachchan's full recuperation is all that counts to the family, and rightly so." 
 
PM wishes Bachchan 'speedy recovery'
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 4 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday wished "speedy recovery" to superstar Amitabh Bachchan - recuperating in a hospital here after a stomach surgery last week.

In a letter to the star, reportedly sent via Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, Manmohan Singh said: "You are an icon for all Indians and I join millions of countrymen in praying for your good health and speedy recovery."

In the letter, the prime minister hoped Bachchan would "resume normal activities at the earliest".

 

Let Amitabh Bachchan recuperate in peace
(COMMENTARY)
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 4 (IANS) The emotions Amitabh Bachchan's illness has generated across India is beyond anything I've seen in recent years.

The last time I saw a celebrity's illness being treated as a national catastrophe was in 1982 when AB's abdomen was hit by the edge of a table. In college and not quite an AB devotee, I failed to see what the fuss was all about.

Today I know better. Now I know him better. You cannot be an Indian - or for that matter an Asian - and not be affected by the Bachchan factor in the populist culture of the sub-continent.

When he was felled by a stinging blow during "Coolie", the nation gasped in pain. Now when he's relatively far less incapacitated he is like a very important family member. Everyone from my mother to daughter is concerned. 

"Will Amit uncle be okay before my next exam?" my daughter asks anxiously.

She doesn't want the normal tenor of our household to be so shredded by fate. And why should she expect fate to deal a blow on the icon when she has seen him fight it out so wondrously in real and reel life?

Amitji is a fighter. He has been battling his demoniacal schedules ever since I have known him. When I first met him there was an interlude in his career. This was just before "Mohabbatein" and "Kaun Banega Crorepati" when things looked pretty bleak for him.

I came into his picture. I've never stopped admiring him since then.

Amitji has been a part of my life for a good seven years now. The trust and the confidence he has placed in me are too precious to be frittered away in journalistic jargon. I cannot bring myself to write about him when he's in pain.

But then that wonderful film person Shyam Shroff showed me how I was being naïve by keeping quiet about the man when everyone is busy trying to ferret out the most trivial of information on his health and well-being.

I agree. But for me, to draw a line between personal allegiance and professionalism, between being a journalist and a friend to this amazing man, is impossible.

On one hand I can see why media people jostled and pushed their way into the Bachchans' purview when the mega star's loved ones wanted to be on their own. The paparazzi wanted to cater to the insatiable need and imperative desire for information on AB.

On the other hand I could understand why Jaya (wife) and Abhishek (son) were so upset by the clamorous attentions of an overzealous media who surrounded the ailing giant's ambulance and wouldn't let it move.

At that point during this traumatic week Jaya Bachchan was so upset she let her emotions show. So did Abhishek.

"He's my dad, and I reacted as a son," Abhishek told me from Leelavati hospital. "There's a need for a bit of privacy in our lives right now, and I wish that space would be respected."

It's strange and bizarre.

But on Monday morning, when Amitji was hospitalized, we had a long conversation. He called me at around 8.30 a.m. And we chatted for almost an hour. Except for a hint of edginess in that legendary baritone, there was no outward sign of the pain.

"In fact I was sitting next to Pa when he was talking to you on Monday morning. He was in great pain," Abhishek later revealed.

It is pain that has now stopped him for a few weeks. The warning signals were being served up once too often. The pressure on his time was unbearable. AB was stretching his days into 36 hours.

On the morning when he was hospitalised in New Delhi, with an acute pain in his abdomen, AB was still discussing his plans for the few days. He was going to attend a relative's wedding in Dehradun, then shoot for "Kaun Banega Crorepati" television game show, then attend the International Film Festival of India in Goa...

"I get exhausted just listening to your schedules," I said, not for the first time.

"Bhai, jab tak kaam mil raha hai, karte rehna hai (Till I continue to get work, I'll keep working)," he says each time I bring up his impossible schedules.

Now he has been forced to take a long-needed but short lay off. I am sure he'll be back shooting, dubbing and attending events in a couple of weeks.

But until then, could we please allow him to regain his strength in peace?

Let Amitabh Bachchan have the next two weeks all to himself. If we love him as much as we seem to, that's the greatest gift we can give him.


Bachchan's illness brings back memories of 1982
(SPECIAL)
By Mayank Chhaya, Indo-Asian News Service

Chicago, Dec 2 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan's stomach ailment brings back strange memories of 1982 when the actor's on-set accident and subsequent hospitalisation was treated as a national crisis. Melancholy hung over the country as Bachchan struggled in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. Doctors spoke in whispers inside the hospital while fans wept volubly outside. It was a nation bereaved even though there was no death involved.

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, a family friend of the Bachchans, paid a midnight visit to the hospital even as the actor's many millions of fans prayed frenziedly across the country. I happened to be at the hospital waiting for the prime minister. An attempt to get Mrs. Gandhi to say something about Bachchan after she emerged from the hospital prompted nothing more than mild irritation and her famous twitch of her right eye. "Theek ho jayenge (He will be fine). There is nothing to worry," she said on reflection lest her earlier response be construed as churlish and insensitive to a nation that had stopped breathing.

Some days later when Bachchan was discharged and sent to his bungalow 'Pratiksha' in Juhu, northwest Mumbai, a stunning ritual in abject devotion was enacted. A fan had set out from Baroda, a city some 350 km north of Mumbai, on a mission "to reverse time." He was running backwards all the way to Bachchan's bungalow from Baroda. The rationale of his act being that if he ran backwards he would push back time to a time when he was well. That was quite like Superman swirling around the earth in the direction opposite to its rotation to reverse time. I was at hand to report the story. Interestingly, I was the only reporter waiting at Bachchan's residence at 7.30 in the morning.

The man from Baroda showed up around 8 a.m. With blisters in his feet but devotion in his eyes he waited patiently as an ailing Bachchan was being prepared for the blessing. In the meanwhile, the actor's illustrious poet father Harivanshrai Bachchan, who was in his 70s then, came out to meet the fan. I could see that Bachchan Sr. was in tears. Since I was standing next to him he said to me sobbing, "This is what saved my son".

About half an hour later Bachchan, looking shockingly haggard and in pain, was brought out by two of his aides. The fan froze for a few moments. He was not sure if he was looking at a celluloid god that he had perhaps worshipped for a decade or his ghost. Bachchan's frailty seemed to prove to the fan that the actor was after all human contrary to what he had heard and believed. He just stood there and cried. Bachchan looked awkward and overwhelmed. The whole meeting lasted nothing more than five minutes but seemed like a lifetime to the fan.

As I left Pratiksha I came across some 200 people waiting outside, some of them carrying Bachchan's portraits. Most eyes were moist. Some distance away lay a waif, evidently chronically hungry and precariously close to death. I went to ask him what he thought of what was going on in front of him. "Give me something to eat," is all that he could say. I bought him some food and gave him whatever I could muster on a reporter's niggardly salary. Just as I was about to hail an auto-rickshaw, the waif said, "No one runs backward or forward for me."

(Mayank Chhaya is a Chicago-based journalist who previously worked in Mumbai. He can be contacted at mayank6_@hotmail.com)

 
Stable Bachchan thanks everyone for support
(LEAD)
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 1 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, convalescing from a major abdominal surgery here, Thursday thanked all his well wishers and media for the concern shown towards his health.

"Amitabh has thanked the media and the people at large for showing concern for his health and extending wishes for a speedy recovery," Samajwadi Party leader and a close friend of the actor, Amar Singh said here.

"The worst is over. The diagnosis and the treatment have been done," Singh said after visiting the ailing star at the Lilavati Hospital.

The 63-year-old actor underwent a nearly three-hour-long surgery Wednesday evening by a three-member team of doctors for diverticulitis of small intestine, a condition that causes inflammation and perforation of the intestine. 

He was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for post-operative recovery, hospital authorities said. 

The highly respected star was brought to Mumbai from New Delhi Monday, after he complained of abdominal pain, which doctors at Delhi as well as Mumbai initially diagnosed as suspected colitis. 

Gastroentereologist, P. Jagannath and his team performed the operation, hospital sources said.

There had been an upsurge of emotion, sympathy and solidarity from the people across the country apart from the Bollywood fraternity, with hundreds of ordinary anxious people gathering at the hospital premises since the actor's admission.

Though many of the stars, directors and producers have visited Bachchan at the hospital in the past two days, industrialist Anil Ambani and close family members were present with him throughout. 
 
Bachchan's Muslim look-alike leads prayers at temple
Indo-Asian News Service

Bhopal, Dec 1 (IANS) As fans of ailing Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan prayed at a Hindu temple here Thursday for his recovery, the elaborate religious ceremonies were led by a look-alike of the star - Javed Khan, a Muslim.


Bachchan underwent surgery in Mumbai Wednesday night after being admitted to hospital with severe abdominal pain. His illness has led to millions of his fans across the country organising special prayers for his recovery.

In this Madhya Pradesh capital, the NGO Jan Parishad arranged hour-long special prayers at the Mata Mandir Thursday.

"We want Amitabh Bachchan to recover as soon as possible. So we worshipped at the Mata Mandir. It is said that whoever worships at this temple gets his or her wish fulfilled," said Sanjay Sharma, a member of Jan Parishad. 

Asked about the prayers being led by a Muslim, Sharma said: "So what if Javed Khan is a Muslim? Being similar to Bachchan, there was no better person who could have led the ceremonies than Javed."

Khan remarked: "I am a staunch fan of Amitabh Bachchan. I have prayed for him at mosques and I am ready to oblige any fan of Bachchan. 

"Moreover," he said, "Amitabh Bachchan has a strong connection with Bhopal. After all, his wife Jaya Bachchan hails from Bhopal and he has been to this city several times." 

On Wednesday, special ceremonies were held in the famous Mahakaleshwar temple in the holy city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh.
  
Amitabh Bachchan is recovering 
(LEAD)
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 1 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, whose stomach infection has evoked nationwide anxiety, was back in the intensive care unit Thursday with wife Jaya keeping a constant vigil after Wednesday's surgery.

A steady stream of friends, fans and well-wishers is crowding the Lilavati hospital here, making it difficult for the immediate family to cope with the situation. 

"A bit of distance would help us to manage the crisis much better," says the tense and worried son Abhishek. 

Bachchan's sudden illness, an acute intestine infection, seems to be on the wane now. 

Bachchan was Monday morning admitted to Escorts hospital in Delhi after he complained of a pain in the stomach. He was flown to Mumbai and admitted to Lilavati Hospital that same evening.

Though the exhaustive tests at the Escorts hospital and later at Lilavati conclusively proved there was nothing seriously amiss with Bachchan's health, the pain refused to subside on Tuesday.

However, by Wednesday morning, the ailing mega-star began to respond to the intensive medication.

Close friends and relatives heaved a sigh of relief. 

AB, a chronic phone-person hadn't been attending calls since Monday morning. He personally let his close friends know on Wednesday morning that he was well. 

But by 4 p.m. on Wednesday it was clear to the battery of doctors that something was seriously amiss and they decided to go ahead with the surgery.
 
Bachchan stable, out of action till January
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Dec 1 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan's condition was stable Thursday, a day after he underwent an abdominal surgery, but he will be out of action at least for a month.

After the two hour 45 minutes surgery for intestinal inflammation - suspected to be a fallout of an earlier accident-induced-operation - the actor was shifted to the intensive care unit of Lilavati Hospital here, where he was admitted late Monday night.

The 63-year-old screen icon, who was on IV fluids, was given a sponge bath early Wednesday morning. He may remain on IV fluids for the next five days and will remain in the hospital for the next 10 days.

Doctors said the operation became unavoidable after one of the diverticulitis - small bulging pouches in the digestive tract - that Bachchan had developed ruptured. 

It was the second time that Bachchan, one of India's most venerated actors, had undergone a surgery. He had a stomach operation in the early 1980s after meeting with a near fatal accident during a stunt sequence for his hit film "Coolie". 

Earlier, the doctors had said the star was suffering from colitis or inflammation of the colon. He was admitted to Lilavati Hospital after being flown in from New Delhi. 

Apart from his family members - son and actor Abhishek Bachchan, actress-parliamentarian wife Jaya and daughter Shweta - who were beside him right through, the Reliance Group family members too were at the hospital. 

Following the surgery Wednesday, Bachchan was visited by several Bollywood stars and filmmakers including Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, David Dhawan and Manoj Desai.

The surgery itself was shrouded in secrecy as the Bachchan family had issued strict orders to the hospital administration not to divulge anything to the media - fuelling much speculation.

According to hospital officials, specialist surgeons were brought in to conduct the surgery in the first floor operation theatre.

Earlier in the day, doctors had said that Bachchan's health was improving. But reports of the surgery, which began at around 6 p.m., fanned fears that all was not well with him.
 

Amitabh Bachchan undergoes successful surgery
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Nov 30 (IANS) Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, who has been suffering from severe abdominal pain since earlier this week, was successfully operated on for the problem at a hospital here Wednesday, hospital officials said. 
 
Bachchan, 63, who was admitted to Lilavati Hospital here Monday night after being flown in from New Delhi, underwent a surgical procedure that lasted two hours and 45 minutes. The hospital officials said he was out of danger.

No other details were immediately available, but some reports had suggested Bachchan was suffering from acute colitis.

Following the surgery, Bachchan was visited in the hospital by Bollywood stars and filmmakers like Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, David Dhawan and Manoj Desai.

Desai, who produced Bachchan's film "Khuda Gawah", said he had spoken to the star and members of the Bachchan family, and that he was well on the road to recovery after the "successful surgery".

"We were all very worried earlier, but now we are relieved after the surgery," Desai told the TV news channel Aaj Tak.

Millions of fans of the star who has dominated Indian cinema for three decades held their breath earlier Wednesday as speculation about his condition mounted, and TV news channels repeatedly flashed reports from the hospital, which was besieged by the media and fans, who prayed for his recovery.

The Bachchan family's decision not to speak to the media about the megastar's health fuelled much of the speculation.

Total secrecy was maintained over the surgery, as even close friends were not allowed to meet the actor, while his son Abhishek reportedly briefed friends and well-wishers.

According to hospital officials, specialist surgeons were brought in to conduct the surgery in the first floor operation theatre.

Earlier in the day, doctors had said that Bachchan's health was improving. But reports of the surgery, which began at around 6 p.m., fanned fears that all was not well with him.

A press conference scheduled for 6 p.m., meant to brief the media about Bachchan's health, was cancelled suddenly and security was increased at the hospital. Some promptly interpreted the moves as ominous signs of something being amiss.

"The Bachchan family has issued strict orders not to disclose any details of Mr. Bachchan's health till tomorrow (Thursday) morning," a hospital official said.

This is the second time that Bachchan, one of India's most venerated actors, has undergone a surgery. He had a stomach operation in the early 1980s after meeting with a near fatal accident during a stunt sequence for his hit film "Coolie". 

At that time too, the country had witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of concern among the star's fans. Thousands gathered outside the hospital where he was treated and special prayers were organised across India for his recovery.

Relieved Amitabh fans plan grand puja for superstar
Indo-Asian News Service

Kolkata, Nov 30 (IANS) Fans of ailing icon Amitabh Bachchan would offer prayers at the famous Kalighat Temple once the filmstar recovers completely. 

"We are planning a big 'puja' (prayers) at Kalighat Temple soon to thank God for saving our beloved actor. We are relieved to hear that he is recovering well," Raju Prasad, member, Amitabh Bachchan Fans' Association, told IANS here Wednesday.

"We are really concerned about him. But it is good news that he is recovering," said Prasad. 

Amitabh Bachchan was admitted first to Delhi's Escorts Hospital and then to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital Monday following complaints of abdominal pain. Doctors attending him in Mumbai said that the actor was recovering well. 

Since Monday, hundreds of Amitabh fans gathered under the banner of the city's Amitabh Bachchan Fans' Association and held a 'mahayagna', a fire ritual for the fast recovery and long life of the actor. 

Amidst chanting of hymns, the mahayagna was held as his concerned fans held aloft posters saying, Tum Jiyo Hazaron Saal (May you live for a thousand years) and Bhagwan Amitji ko lambi umar de (May Lord give Amitji a long life).

Kolkatans consider Bachchan their son-in-law because the actor is married to Bengali Jaya Bachchan who started her career in the Bengali film industry in the 1960s.

The fans' association in Kolkata has grand plans to construct a temple for Amitabh Bachchan.
 
Bachchan stable, had good sleep, light breakfast
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Nov 30 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, admitted to the Lilavati Hospital here with inflammation of the intestines, is "almost" back to normal but needed more rest, hospital sources said Wednesday. 

"He had a peaceful night last night and is now stable. He just needs some rest now," a hospital official said. 

"The decision on his discharge could come any time. He woke up at around 6.30 a.m. and had a light breakfast before reading the morning papers," he said.

Bachchan, 63, was flown in from Delhi late Monday and was admitted to hospital for severe abdominal pain.

Son Abhishek and wife Jaya have been with Bachchan right through.
 
Bachchan suffering from colitis, improving (LEAD)
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Nov 29 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan was suffering from colitis but was improving Tuesday, doctors attending him at a hospital here said.

"He (Amitabh) is suffering from colitis, inflammation of the colon in the left side of the large intestine," Narendra Trivedi, vice president of Lilavati Hospital, where Bachchan was admitted Monday night, told IANS.

He said Bachchan could be discharged in a day or two. "His general condition is absolutely stable and he is comfortable." 

Bachchan, 63, admitted to the executive suite on the 11th floor of the hospital, was being treated by family physician Jayant Barve by injections and oral tablets.

"He is mobile and fully conscious. We have kept him on liquid diet. He walked around his room for some time today," Trivedi said.

Bachchan was brought here from Delhi, where he was first admitted to the Escorts Hospital following complaints of stomach ache. 

As Bachchan recuperated at the hospital, his fans offered special prayers for him at the Siddhivinayak temple in the city for his speedy recovery.

One of the most loved actors of the country and BBC's star of the millennium, Amitabh Bachchan has an unprecedented fan following not just in India but in several other countries too.
  
Special prayers for Big B's recovery
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Nov 29 (IANS) A day after Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan was admitted to a city hospital, special prayers were offered Tuesday at the Siddhivinayak temple here for his speedy recovery. 

"When we heard about Mr. Bachchan's illness we thought we should do the pooja (prayers) for his speedy recovery," Sanjay Bharadwaj, Siddhivinayak Temple CEO, told IANS. 

He said the temple was still receiving several calls for performing special prayers for Bachchan. 

The prayers were held at 11.30 a.m. and part of the offering was sent for the Bachchan family at the Lilavati Hospital where the megastar was admitted. 

Bachchan, 63, had complained of stomach ache and was first admitted to a hospital in Delhi. He was later flown in here by a chartered plane Monday night.

Hospital authorities said the actor was in a stable condition and undergoing tests, the results of which were awaited.

"I took the offerings to the hospital, but unfortunately could not meet the family members," said Kishore Joshi, a temple trustee.

According to temple officials, Amitabh's wife, actress and parlimentarian Jaya Bachchan, had visited the temple on four consecutive Tuesdays in the early 1980s when the actor had met with a life-threatening accident during the shooting of his movie "Coolie". 


Stable Amitabh in Mumbai hospital
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Nov 29 (IANS) Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan is reported to be stable and has been put under observation at the Lilavati Hospital here Tuesday.

Bachchan was brought from New Delhi late Monday after he complained of abdominal pain. 

The 63-year-old actor was admitted to the hospital around 10.30 p.m. Monday and has been undergoing several tests, the reports of which are awaited, hospital authorities said.

"He (Bachchan) is resting and is comfortable. We ran a couple of investigative tests and are awaiting the results," Lilavati Hospital vice president Narendra Trivedi told IANS.

Bachchan, who is recuperating in the executive suite on the 11th floor of the hospital, has wife Jaya Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan with him. 

Bachchan was first taken earlier Monday to the Escorts Hospital in New Delhi. He flew to Mumbai in a chartered Reliance Industries plane accompanied by Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh.

Several dignitaries, including business tycoon Anil Ambani and wife Tina Ambani, received him at the airport. 

Bachchan was in Lucknow Sunday for a poetry recital programme organised on the occasion of his father and poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan's birth anniversary.

He then left for Dehradun in Uttaranchal where he experienced pain in his abdomen.

One of the most popular actors of the country and BBC's star of the millennium, Bachchan has an unprecedented fan following not just in India but also in several other countries.
 
Amitabh Bachchan admitted to Mumbai hospital 
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Nov 28 (IANS) Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan was admitted to a private hospital here late Monday night after being discharged earlier from a private clinic in New Delhi where he was treated for a stomach ache.
 
Bachchan, 63, was flown in here after being discharged from the Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre in New Delhi.

"He was admitted to the hospital due to some stomach pain. Now his condition is stable and we have discharged him after all the required check ups," Naresh Trehan, the executive director of the Escorts hospital, told reporters.

Trehan said that Bachchan's condition was normal.

"We conducted some medical tests and all the reports were normal. He is feeling comfortable and he has been given medicine," said Trehan, who attended on the star.

Bachchan, who was in Lucknow Sunday, was admitted to the Escorts facility early Monday morning.

Besides his wife Jaya and son Abhishek, Samajwadi Party leader and close friend Amar Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav visited Bachchan in the hospital in Delhi.
 
Amitabh Bachchan discharged from Delhi hospital (NIGHT LEAD) 

Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Nov 28 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who was admitted to a private hospital here with a severe stomach ache, was discharged late Monday, hospital officials said.

"He was admitted to the hospital due to some stomach pain. Now his condition is stable and we have discharged him after all the required check ups," Naresh Trehan, the executive director of Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, told reporters.

"We conducted some medical tests and all the reports were normal. He is feeling comfortable and he has been given medicine," said Trehan, who was attending on the star.

Bachchan, who was in Lucknow Sunday, was admitted to the Escorts facility early Monday morning.

Besides his wife Jaya and son Abhishek, Samajwadi Party leader and close friend Amar Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav visited Bachchan in the hospital.

 
Amitabh in Delhi hospital, condition stable (LEAD)
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Nov 28 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who was admitted to the Escorts Hospital here Monday here with a severe stomach ache, is now stable, hospital sources said.

Bachchan, who was in Lucknow Sunday, was admitted to the Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre at around 6 a.m. 

"He was admitted to the hospital due to some stomach pain but his health condition is absolutely stable. We have conducted some medicals tests and there is nothing to be worried about," Naresh Trehan, the executive director of Escorts, told reporters.

Trehan, who is attending on the star, said doctors have given medicines to Bachchan and he could be discharged later Monday. 

Samajwadi Party leader and close friend Amar Singh told a news channel: "He was admitted to the hospital as he had a lot of stomach pain. But all tests reports are normal and there is nothing to be worried about." 

Amitabh in Delhi hospital with stomach pain
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Nov 28 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was Monday admitted to the Escorts Hospital here with a severe stomachache.

Bachchan, who was in Lucknow Sunday, was admitted to the Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre at around 6 a.m., hospital authorities said. 

Though hospital authorities refused to divulge any details beyond saying that he was fine, Samajwadi Party leader and close friend Amar Singh told a news channel that his condition was absolutely stable.

"He was admitted to the hospital as he had a lot of stomach pain. But all tests reports are normal and there is nothing to be worried about."

Bachchans conspicuously absent at IFFI
By Saibal Chatterjee, Indo-Asian News Service

Panaji, Nov 28 (IANS) What started off as a mild undercurrent fuelled by a misunderstanding appears to have assumed the form of a full-fledged cold war between Amitabh Bachchan and family and organisers of the 36th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). 

As the festival enters the fifth day, the shadows of the ubiquitous Bachchans loom large over the event although none of them is actually physically present in Goa at the moment. In fact, the current first family of Mumbai filmdom seems to have decided to boycott the ongoing festival lock, stock and barrel.

Amitabh Bachchan, who was Monday admitted to a Delhi hospital with stomach pains, was among the most prominent invitees to the IFFI last year but was ignored this time.

He has at least four films in the festival programme - "Black" in the Mainstream section, "Paheli" in the Indian Panorama, as well as "Anand" and "Chupke Chupke" in the Hrishikesh Mukherjee tribute. 

In happier times, the megastar would probably have been only too keen to attend the festival to pay a tribute to one of his all-time favourite directors, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, if not to promote his own relatively new films. 

Son Abhishek Bachchan, too, has a key role in the Bengali-language Indian Panorama film, Rituparno Ghosh's "Antarmahal", which incidentally has been co-produced by the Bachchan-owned company AB Corp.

But at the screening of "Antarmahal" on Sunday afternoon, producer Jaya Bachchan was conspicuous by her absence. The company's CEO, Ramesh Pulapaka, represented AB Corp at the show. 

The film's director couldn't make it to INOX Panaji either - he is currently shooting his next film in North Bengal - but he did convey a brief regret message to the audience through one of his actresses, Roopa Ganguly. 

Jaya Bachchan, however, extended no such nicety to the festival organisers. Pulapaka, on his part, made a short, officious speech before quietly merging with the backdrop.

Jackie Shroff, Roopa Ganguly and Soha Ali Khan were present at the screening, but there was no sign of Abhishek. His name wasn't brought up even once during the presentation ceremony.

Is there any chance of the cold vibes between the Bachchans and the Directorate of Film Festivals ending any time soon? 

Well, Amitabh is slated to be here on Dec 2 for the French Day bash on the invitation of French ambassador Dominique Girard. Not only is he expected to be present at the party, he is expected to make an important announcement on behalf of the French and probably his own production company.

But that still wouldn't be tantamount to a formal endorsement of the 36th IFFI by an obviously cut up Amitabh Bachchan.