Amitabh & I {Part 2}

Part 1 = http://divsfilmifreak.blogspot.com/2010/03/amitabh-i.html

I have divided my memories of the meet in a film formats

{Concept, Making, Promo, Movie, After effects and Final Verdict}

CONCEPT:

4th Feb 2010 was the first time I entered ‘JANAK’ the workplace of Shri Amitabh Bachchan. Sadly Sir was not keeping well and thus the meet was canceled. Again after a week I Re-Visited ‘JANAK’ but thanks to the P.R.O I was unlucky again. I had met loads of Stars and Super Stars from Hindi film industry, but the meet for Megastar was not an easy one. Thus got an opportunity and a chance to create a Video for Sir, which consist of Rare stuffs and was shown to him on the big screen with loads of fans and media around. Sir loved the video and accepted my wishes and bouquets. And the cherry on the cake was him replying it in the blog. I was on top of the world. But still not satisfied, as it was a public meet and not a personal meet.

More than 9 months later, I decided to do something for Sir’s birthday and it was at that time when Kishore Bhatt {U.K} suggested me to do something with my collection of Big B’s All films {Inc Guest App, Regional and more}. So I started the “BIG B – MAHA YAGYA” where I kept watching a film of Sir’s in chronological manner and will share some details {like diary format} about it. For proof sake I use to capture the image of that film’s scene from the VCD/DVD/VHS i had. Initially the comments were less, but people started liking the picture selection of mine, which motivated me to write more about the particular film. Thus I decided to share Trivia’s, Inputs of other celebrities whom I had met, Rare Stuff, Etc. This added the much required spice to the comments and was liked by many.

MAKING:

I was on verge of completing 50 Days and Kishore wanted to celebrate it with my B’day by making me meet BIG B. sadly on that time he was busy with ‘SAVE TIGER’ campaign and thus my meet dint take place. After that my health conditions started going bad and suddenly I got a call from Another sweet FMXT Nidhi. She said “I am coming to Mumbai to meet Sir and we all are going to go”. I asked her “We??” and she said “Yes I asked them about your meet and they said they are not able to contact me, but I have told them you will” and I smiled back saying “who won’t?” I immediately checked my FB and found Kishore’s message about the meet, I confirmed him and he gave me number of Barun. Barun and I connected within seconds of our talk and he said I will be going with Dharmesh and Fly. But still nothing is confirmed.

With pain in Kidney and happiness in heart I was having a different phase of my life. I was given the dates {which were changed and my meet was re-scheduled with Devkishen Ji, Alok & Sameer} of meet and the countdown began. Sadly Nidhi too became unwell and her meet was on verge of cancellation. I too had to get myself admitted to hospital, but now with this opportunity there was no way I was going to do that. I got good support from my family and doctor. He kept me on high dose of medicines and prayed that I don’t get the pain attack again. I too started avoiding long visits and tried to take as much rest as much I could. This worked and pain dint trouble me till the D Day.

PROMO:

On 24th Dec 2010 I got up with loads of Excitement in my heart, but with that my pain too had started a bit. I tried to overlook at it and went ahead with the chores of the day for the event of lifetime. I was making another Video for sir which contained all his Regional films, Guest App Films {inc Naya Bakra, Commander, Charandas and more}, Documentaries and other footage’s {Thanks to the bad health, I was not able to add many more rare interviews, shooting videos, deleted scenes and many more in the video; thus copied them on pen drive}. I got it burned on DVD {As my laptop DVD writer has gone for toss}. After loads of discussion with my wife regarding the gift for sir, we bought a fantastic gift from exclusive collection of DEYANI. It was a designer creation of LORD GANESH in form of JULIUS CESAR {Coming from the world of Architecture and Interior Designer, I knew JANAK has god collection of artifacts and this one being a designer collection will find its place out there}. After a decent haircut and shave, I and my family were ready for the great moment. Last time I had met Sir wearing a Blazer, thus this time I decided to go in total Traditional avatar.

We left home co-coordinating with Alok and Sameer. We left bit early as wanted to buy some more stuffs for sir, but as sir keeps writing about Mumbai’s fantastic traffic at late mid-day too we got stuck in traffic. Thanks to the extra time kept, we decided to go directly to ‘JANAK’ and at 5.30 sharp we were there. I called up Alok {in whose name the meet was registered}, but was not able to connect with him. Thus we entered inside and I met Rakesh who immediately recognized me for my last visit and was very happy that this time I will finally meet the man himself directly.

I proudly showed the painting and whereabouts of JANAK to my family {as had visited there earlier}. I called up Alok and came to know that he was too stuck in traffic jam. At 5 mins Rakesh came and said Sir is here and ready to meet you in next 5 mins. I told him I am waiting for my group people, who will be coming any moment, he offered me to meet alone and then if my group people come at time they can join me. I was in dilemma, but remembered the bitter taste of not meeting sir. So decided to wait for my fellow mates. My family too respected my decision. Within few minutes we were joined by 5-10 more people who were from Amitabh Bachchan Yahoo group. Sameer and Alok too joined us, but I guess it was late as Rakesh had Re-Scheduled out meet with Yahoo group guys.

I connected myself with Yahoo group guys and we all started chatting about unreleased films of Sir. Wow it’s always fun to chat endlessly about Sir and his movies with like minded people. We were moved to bigger area and were waiting for Sir. All were nervous and tensed.

MAIN MOVIE:

And the Man himself in flesh arrived and all out jaws were out {I am sure some flies must had entered in out open mouths at that time, as started having butterflies in stomach}. He was looking so smashing and there was “TEJ” on his face, a divine look I must say. We all started taking his blessings by touching his divine feet. My son was the first to go to him and ask for Autograph on DVD cover of SHOLAY {Rare Version – I already had Ramesh Sippy’s Autograph on it and now got Sir’s next on the list is Dharamendra}. PRATYAY {My Son} decided to write a Dairy from this day {as it’s his best day of life} and thus asked Sir for his autograph on it. Sir was so happy to hear about the Diary and along with his autograph wrote all the best wishes on few pages. After Pratyay’s turn, it was my turn and I gave Sir the Lord Ganesh gift which he loved it and was happy to see Lord in this different form of Art. He thanked me and at that time I Introduced myself “Sir I am Divya Solgama …” and before I could say more he replied back with a smile “ Oh so you are Divya Solgama, tell me one thing aap blog pe hamesha number two ki position pe kaise aate hai?”. I was zapped and asked him immediately like a small boy “Sir Do you read my comments”. He smiled and said “Jee haan main aap ka Maha Yagya padta rehta hu” “and sir pictures” “who bhi dekhta hu and mujhe achte lagte hai woh.., haan jawab nahi de paa raha hu, lekin mein sab pad raha hu..achi tarah kariye aap ka Maha Yagya.” I was so happy and wanted to dance, but then remembered the DVD {at that time the Yahoo Group guys too started getting their Autographs}. I gave the DVD to sir {he handed it to his staff} and told him that I have made this video of all Rare stuffs inc portions of NAYA BAKRA, COMMANDER, CHARANDAS and loads of more. The moment sir heard all these names he turned back to his staff and instructed him to hand over the DVD to him at night as he wants to watch it, and then thanked me for Lord Ganesh and DVD.

Then the group pictures session started and we all moved from the stairs platform to the different background. My wife was doing her duties by taking pictures of me and my son. After the pictures, Sir chatted with Alok and Family, followed by Sameer and were joined by Devkishen Ji too. At that time my wife went to Sir and asked for Autograph on NAMAK HALAL DVD. I told sir that this is her Fav. film and she has watched it for more than 160-170 times, and whenever we watch the film we mute the volume as she keeps repeating the dialogs. Sir looked at her and laughed in typical BIG B Style. I also told him that when I was trying to woo her I use to use some dialogs from Namak Halal to impress her and sir again gave a big laughter. At that time RACHANA {My Wife} told sir – 'Sir you still look so handsome' and you guys won’t believe sir smiled and was blushing. I asked sir for a Hug and he immediately hugged me and Pratyay. I also asked for a Solo picture and he called Rachana ahead to take a perfect picture and it was at that time I had a Picture perfect moment. In between I wanted sir to speak to Nidhi, but the network was bad and thus I and Alok requested sir to speak to Nidhi. I also told sir that it was Kishore’s idea to make the collection of Rare Videos {which included my earlier Video made in month of Feb and new collections} and gift it to sir and later upload it at BIG B Face book Group.

The show was on its last moment as Producer Bunty Walia had come and sir had a meeting with him. When he was to leave we told him to take care of his health and I requested him to sleep early and to take care of his health. In return he again smiled and said “Aap Bhi”. {later i came to know he knew all about my health conditions} And as sir started climbing the stairs I shouted loudly “LONG LIVE SAHENSHAH” and all cheered and clapped. Sir again Smiled {He has a Million Dollar Smile} and waved us the final goodbye.

AFTER EFFECTS :

We all were so happy and thrilled and were on verge of dancing. We all took group pictures and also took pictures with Rakesh and other places. We did not want to leave and wanted to catch more of Sir {which we did when he was moving around and we sang ‘Jitne Baazu Utne Sar’}. When we came out we chatted with yahoo Group guys {I don’t know why Santosh was referring to me as GURU, I loved meeting him and Manoj}. And then for almost 20 minutes I, Devkishan Ji, Sameer and Alok chatted on and on over Sir, Blog and all our FMXT’s. We never felt that we were meeting for first time and gelled so much with each other just like some old college friends meet at Re-Union. Man what an assembly of fans it was…with my 6-7 years old Kid to 75 years old Devkishan ji; fans from four generation were there. They all wished me to get well soon. We finally left on a promise note of planning a Big FMXT Mumbai Meet very soon.

As I sat in my car, my legs were trembling with tiredness and over stressed. But who cared, my whole family was on 7th sky and we were floating along with the clouds out there. I immediately called up Barun & Nidhi. Barun was so happy to know about our meeting, though it was just 20-25 mins but I guess Sir gave quality time to our FMXT’s {At least I got it and I am sure Alok and Sameer too}. Barun too told me to get well soon and be back to Maha Yagya. Nidhi on other side was not feeling well, but was happy that we all met sir. We were so sad and felt sorry for her.

I and my wife saw all the pictures, Autographs and remembered all the moments. I was so happy as Sir complimented me for my Maha Yagya and satisfied all my need and wishes { one was left, as I wanted to show the Video to Sir, but in the big arena Video facility was not available}. We were in my car for almost 45- 50 Min outside JANAK and then suddenly realized we were damn hungry and decided to celebrate our fantastic day.

FINAL VERDICT :

We left the venue thanking Kishore, Nidhi, Barun and Rakesh for today’s memorable day with loads of sweet memories. JANAK had been a bad experience for me in past and finally I got opportunity to be back at same place and meet Sir. My wife asked me “So are you satisfied with today’s meet”, I replied back “Aree Yeh Milna Bhi Koi Milna Hai Laloo – Aaai”…..and we laughed as we knew when it comes to Sir we can never ever get satisfied, and if we will then I guess that would be only after the last day of our life.

Amitabh & I

{I know I have been absent the whole last month –
Pls read the below article, which reveals the reason for my disappearance from the blog}

My mother says that the first movie which I had seen as an infant was SHOLAY, and maybe that must have been the one of the first reason for me loving Mr.Amitabh Bachchan so much. I grew up to his heroic films, Still cannot forget the larger than life films like AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY, NASEEB, SHAAN, MUQADDAR KA SIKANDAR, KALA PATHAR, COOLIE and many more. I started watching the First Day movies of his films, later it became First Day First Show as I grew up. There are thousand and one memories of Amitabh Bachchan and his films, like all other major Bachchan Fans does. But then there are few which might be bit unusual like after watching NASTIK and DEEWAR, me too became an atheist and use to recite the dialogs in front of God{and was caught once by my dad and had got some great bashing's of my life}. Same followed when I use to enact the death scene of MUQADDAR KA SIKANDAR or take a Gold Spot Bottle and sing “Log Kehte Hain Main Sharabi Hoon”. The Bashing by my father and Enacting the dialogs/scenes of Big B by me kept continuing, and the passion turned into obsession.

I use to love his super flop films also like JADUGAR, TOOFAN, AKAYLA, AJOOBA,etc had by hearted all the songs of such films too. His image was so big and dreamy for me that I used to believe almost everything and anything {larger than life stuff} said about him. For e.g. someone told me Amitabh has around 5000 Watches and Dark Glasses and whenever he meets a young fan of his he gifts them a watch or dark glasses, I remember wanting to meet him at that time and hoping to get a freebie by him. Some said he has a whole Island owned by him {I guess it was the SATTE PE SATTA wala island} and over there he only allows his die hard fans and enjoys with them by watching his films, songs and posters. When I bought his SUPREMO comics I use to believe he is real SUPREMO in his real life. These are only some few of the stories I use to hear and believe, the whole number was huge.

Years flew by the Passion was still intact , but with more of realism and less of dreamy Amitabh. I had a friend of mine when I was small and he use to collect picture cards of Amitabh Bachchan and had around 100+ cards and I use to always feel bit jealous of him but on other side also wished that I too posses something like this which can be my statement as an Amitabh fan. Then came my Movie collection phase and at that time I had decided that I will try to collect all Amitabh Bachchan’s films including his Guest Appearance films, Regional Films, Documentary, Stage Shows,etc. The hunt and search started and it was just few months back when I completed the whole collection. After that I started wondering what next, and the answer was to meet Mr.Amtabh Bachchan as I felt now I deserve to meet him as had his whole collection with me. Thus the new chapter started, which was to meet Mr.Amitabh Bachchan.

Last month on 4th feb at around 2.30pm Rj Anuraag Pandey called me and said “Bachchan se milna hain kya?” I was zapped and shocked and replied back “Milna hain ? boss you know the answer” and he laughed and asked me to immediately leave from my place and meet him. Anuraag knew my Obsession for Amitabh Bachchan, thus when an opportunity came he called me. I left all my work and immediately left for his office, later came to know this was for Radio promotion for TEEN PATTI. I and Anuraag took all the recording stuff and reached Mr.Bachchan’s Office “JANAK” which was a 3 storied huge Bungalow, where in Ground floor was full of Parking and 1st floor was AB.Corp office. Entire bungalow was filled with Mr.Bachchan’s Paintings, Murals, Awards, Trophies etc. We sat in a Study cum Meeting room where all Film fare Trophies were displayed and I felt I was in the palace ready to meet the King. We were told it will take around 10-15 Mins for Mr.Bachchan to come and thus I went to the restroom, there I was talking to myself that boss you are finally in the Den of Mr.Bachchan and now in his Rest room,etc,etc. The moment I came out we were told the meeting was canceled. It was so close and yet I missed it. We were told that there will another meeting next week as Mr.Bachchan was not feeling well that day.

Next week again we went to JANAK and this time I took DVD of SHOLAY, NAMAK HALAAL & PAA to get his autograph. Wore my best looking clothes and reached the place around 15 Mins earlier. We were joined by few another Rj’s of other radio station, out of which most were just there to do their job and were least interested in meeting the man, few dint even know anything much about him or had seen most of his best work. One or two called him Old Man,etc. I was least bothered as was just day dreaming my dream. I wanted to go to the rest room, but remembered the last time’s experience and thus decided not to have the bad omen. Finally the PRO guys came and told us that Mr.Bachchan was waiting in the above floor room, we rushed to the above floor and I could see Mr.Bachchan’s Hand {as he was sitting facing his back to the door} and just when I leaned forward to go inside I was stopped by the PRO. They said only 1 person at a time from a channel. I requested them that I just want to take his autograph and shake hands, the lady out there strictly refused it. I pleaded to her and after a while she said all the Rj’s are waiting, I replied back that I will wait as just want to meet for a few seconds only. I waited for almost 2 hours and when the last Rj was done I went back again and requested her and in reply she said I cant as international telephonic interviews are going to star, I told her Maam just few seconds and since no one is here, he wont mind, even Anuraag, who went out of the way and requested her along with few others but our request went through the deaf ears. We left JANAK without meeting the king.

Anuraag consoled me and said there will be more such opportunity so don’t feel bad, he promised me that he will do his level best as and when a opportunity will arise. I told him I felt more bad as those other Rj’s who dint deserved to meet him or dint care for him, met him and I was not allowed for just few seconds also. At that time I felt that there is no use of Knowledge or Passion in real life. Sorry Mr.Aamir Khan your theory of “Excellence ke peeche bhaago, success khud ba khud tumare peeche bhaagega” from 3 Idiots sounded bullshit to me as out here it was the success which overshadowed the excellence. I was so depressed and sad, I went home and sulked for so many days, my passion for movies and collecting movies started to puke me out whenever I thought of this.

Few days passed and just when I was trying to mellow down, My Guru Bhai G.K.Desai called me after the special screening of Shah Rukh Khan’s “MY NAME IS KHAN”. When I asked him how is the movie etc, he said “who sab baad mein, there was one situation in the film where SRK wants to meet the President of USA and he misses meeting him many times, then finally he does something unusual that in the end the President himself calls him and greets him. The reason I am telling you this is because even you should do something such that Mr.Bachchan too should call you and meet you with pride and not in such forgetful or massy manner”. I was shaken and yes agreed with G.K that what is the point in meeting him like a normal fan, and should meet him in a dignified manner.

Next day I and Anuraag went to Enlighten Society’s film screening of AGNEEPATH{This fine film society was showcasing Amitabh Bachchan’s new and old movies every Sunday morning}. Once the movie got over we went to a DVD store and met Tanvi who was one of the organizers from the team of Enlighten Society. She told us that in last Sunday of the month they are planning to have a fans interaction with Mr.Bachchan and then are going to award him a trophy for his 40 years in Hindi cinema. She said they want to make 4 Mini AV’s featuring Mr.Bachchan’s films from each decade and after each AV there will be interaction with him. Anuraag immediately introduced me to Tanvi and said he is the man who is Bachchan’s great fan and has entire collection of his moves. As the chat grew more I gave a suggestion of showing an AV featuring his Unreleased films clip, Regional films clips and Documentary Clips. Tanvi was totally in for it and loved the idea. I too was super excited as knew in my heart that by doing this, there are chances of getting another opportunity {kya kare boss …dil to baccha hai ji}.

Now along with this AV I had to make all other decades AV too, so I and Anuraag jotted down the films and scenes and I got all DVD’s and together we went to the editors place to make the AV’s. after the hard work of few days and few sleepless nights {worked till 3 am in night}. Tried to include his fav films, fav scenes, scenes which matched his personality, his nature,etc. in the Rare stuff {which I had prepared} added a scene where he is praising about his fans,etc. All the AV’s were ready and they looked great, and I requested the Enlighten society guys to give me a opportunity to put my name after the AV and later in show allow to present a Bouquet of flowers to Mr.Bachchan, they readily agreed after seeing the passion and hard work. But somewhere in my heart the fear of not meeting him was still there as had burned my fingers earlier.

After the work was done, the wait and excitement was growing more and more. Finally the D Day came and in morning I tried dozen of dresses and finally settled for a smart shirt, jean and a blazer. Then went to buy a bouquet of flowers and added some Lilies in it as knew he loved them a lot. Before the event there was a screening of his latest film PAA. My family and friends went inside the screening with all other members and boss the hall was House Full, people sat on stairs and gangway and saw the movie. After that the preparation for the event started. At that time Pranav {the founder of the society} came and told me that they will do my bouquet stuff in the end. I had no other options other than accepting it {but this was not done boss, you guys had promised me when you took my help for making AV''s and all my Collection}. Again the event was Jam pack and there was not a single space which was not occupied. I was standing near the stage exit and as turned around saw the man entering. Wow he looked so great, dashing and yes it was him..live..in flesh. For few moment all the applause's, cheers faded out in my ears as I was just watching him and only him, his eyes, smile, clothes, watch, shoes, jacket,etc. Then started the event with my AV of Rare and Unreleased Scenes {featuring unreleased film scenes, scenes from Bangla, Punjabi, Marathi and Bhojpuri films, Scenes from his documentary and stage shows - A Collection which took me years to collect}. I was watching the crowd reaction, my film on big screen and Mr.Bachchans expressions as I was sure he must be totally amazed to see all these after so many decades, and finally my name came on the Big screen once the AV got over and people applauded, and I could see Mr.Bachchan trying to read my name and I was thrilled. After that the event started and all other decades AV’s were shown and Interaction with the star too started which was done by Bhavana Somaiya. Loads of people started to gather near the stage and my fear started to grow more as I knew in end there will be a Kiosk and I would again be a looser. I started day dreaming my failure and at that time Anuraag called me and said to hand over the bouquet to the Super star. I went there and Anuraag introduced softly {as all other were busy in some other stuff and organizing place to keep the award for Mr.Bachchan} by saying that sir he is the one who made the AV’s and Mr.Bachchan took the bouquet with a smiling face and shook hands with me. The whole world slowed down and I could just see his smile and hear my slow heart beat. I remember that song from K3G "Main tham sa gaya zameen hilne lagi" And in fraction of second I was back on side stage and yes had greeted the King. Suddenly i was back in the real world and all noise and other people staring at me with smile and Mr.Bachchan was on his seat with the flowers {He seemed to loved the Lily's}and the event resumed its work. I wanted to dance, yell, do crazy thing, but just controlled my self, went back stage and jumped with joy. Came back from other side and stood just next to him for whole event and enjoyed watching and hearing him {he spoke so well about all the decades, shared a lot of great information, trivia's and rocked the evening}.

Once the event got over I came to know that the photographers could not get the perfect picture, but it dint bother me as I was in my trance. I dint shake my hand with anyone as it was touched by my Fav Actor. I had proved my self and yes made myself, My Family and Friends proud. Many people came and greeted me for my work and congratulated including people from Enlighten Society. I was feeling so great, relaxed and Ya Tired too{after standing non stop for so many hours in wait of greeting him}.



As it happens in film's that one day the good wins and all goes well, same to happened in my life too. It was victory of my Excellence, My Passion, My Love for Hindi Films and for all those people who love me and my Passion. When GK had told me the MY NAME IS KHAN chapter, I had replied back to him saying “Boss yeh sab filmo mein hota hain” at that time GK said “Boss tu bhi to Filmi hai, you take lessons and learning from films, so in a way films are part of your life so there are chances of such thing happening in your life too”. He was soo right and yes like a film and fairy tales my tale too ended on a great note and made me believe that films and fairy tales too becomes true sometimes just like in my case- Maloom…Eaih…English bolta hain.... :)





{P.S- Still in the Shock.....and thus i am pinching myself to see that its not the dream...Nah...not for this time... :)}