It was 10.20 pm… I had finished rehearsals and was on my way back home… I was doing my routine of standing outside his bungalow for a couple of minutes to feel inspired and motivated.. and finally… finally… I got to see the man!! It was Amitabh Bachchan, in his huge white car entering his bungalow. No driver, nobody else in the car. He was driving himself…looked quite relaxed..must have returned from a long drive..or may be he was just driving down from Jalsa (his other bungalow) to Prateeksha (where he lives, sleeps, writes)!
You know what?!? I was really tired that day since I was in office for 8 hours and then rehearsed for 2 plays. But after I saw him, I instantly got the energy to rehearse for another 48 hours if required! Such is the power of this man!! He has lead a life which inspires one and all! He fell, he stood up. He fell again, and stood up yet again!! We always hear about how the true winner is one who keeps fighting and never gives up! Well, Amitabh Bachchan is the perfect example. He has had his share of flops, bad decisions, accidents, and everything that can screw a person’s happiness! But he fought!! And today, he continues to be India’s finest star actor (very difficult to be both!).
Although Amitji did not see me when I saw him, I quietly said to him – “Hello Sir, you are the greatest man the Hindi film industry has seen! And I hope to work with you soon… And when we do work together, I’ll tell you how much I love your work, how I stand outside your bungalow for a while every now and then because it makes me feel good, how you are the greatest inspiration for any aspiring actor, and (he’ll hate this) how I dream of being better than you some day!!” 😀
Love you Mr. Bachchan! Not matter what the critics say, you’ll be loved by millions and billions and zillions of people 🙂 May God bless you with good health and more love, more success, more opportunities to work with new talented actors who love you!! 🙂