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Amitabh Bachchan’s mother
shifted to ICU
Amitabh Bachchan sings rap songs 'He's my guru. I learnt so much from him,' Rekha Amitabh Bachchan Birthday Celebration. 2007... Eklavya India's official choice to the Oscars Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan played to the gallery recently Amitabh gets best actor award for 'Black' Put Me In Jail : Amitabh Bachchan Bachchan, Sarika bag best actor, actress awards Amitabh Bachchan to return Pune land to its owner: Rane Amitabh Bachchan may Face Action in Land Issue Amitabh, Abhishek visit Siddhivinayk temple What is the after effects of global warming - Amitabh Bachchan warns Neighbour Leaked Wedding Snaps :- Amitabh Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan is the top tax-payer in country Bachchan apologises for scuffle between media, security staff France's highest civilian honour for Bachchan BACHCHAN SLAMS BOLLYWOOD TAX RICH LIST Bollywood legend AMITABH BACHCHAN is furious about a new list of India's biggest taxpayers - insisting he should be top. The actor - dubbed The Big B - insists he personally pays a staggering 155.9 million Rupees ($3.78 million/GBP1.9 million) a year in income tax, more than fellow actors Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh, who were listed above him in the Indian rich list. Bachchan, 64, says, "I'm surprised by the report and I've serious doubts about its authenticity. Because my name isn't mentioned anywhere among the top most taxpayers of the entertainment business. This gives the utterly false impression that I make pots of money and don't pay up enough taxes." The icon adds that since the marriage last month (Apr07) of his son Abhishek Bachchan and Bollywood queen Aishwarya Rai, his family pays even more money to the Indian government. Bachchan adds, "Abhishek Bachchan has paid 47.5 million Rupees ($1.15 million/GBP575,000). And now that Aishwarya Rai is a part of the family, approximately 50 million Rupees ($1.2 million/GBP600.000) tax money has come from her. This makes it a total of 253 million Rupees ($6.15 million/GBP3.07 million)."
Big B may offer tusker to Guruvayoorappan Tuesday January 16 2007. Actor Amitabh Bachchan is likely to offer a tusker to Lord Guruvayoorappan during his family's visit to the temple in February. His son Abhishek and fiancee Aishwarya Rai, the hottest Bollywood pair who were engaged on Sunday, will accompany him to the well-known Sree Krishna temple. Bachchan's wife, Jaya, will also be present. However, when contacted, Thrissur Collector and Guruvayoor Devaswom administrator M Beena told this website's newspaper no application for the offering, known as nadayiruthal, has been received from the actor so far. As per the temple rules, a veterinary expert committee has to examine and clear the elephant for the offering before the Devaswom Managing Committee puts its seal of approval. An elephant costs upwards of Rs 10 lakh.
Ash-Abhishek get engaged......... Amitabh
Bachchan extremely proud................
Bachchans offer prayers at Siddhi Vinayak Amitabh Bachchan sings a song in Ram Gopal Verma’s Nishabd
Times of India survey on Indian of the year.... Raj Babbar attacks Amitabh Bachchan.....
Amitabh Bachchan Remembers His Father November 29, 2006 Today is the 99th Birthday Anniversary of Harivanshrai Bachchan, one of the best known poets of India and the father of Dr Amitabh Bachchan. In a moving tribute the son remembers his father and shares some precious memories with us: "He sat on a ramrod rock hard chair with a simple wooden table on which he wrote. He always had a glass of hot water on the table. Every time his fingers ached after hours of strenuous writing, he dipped his fingers into the glass and then continued writing all over again." "One morning during his walks, he saw a huge boulder along the way. He decided that he had to take the boulder to his doorstep one day. It was an unexpected and impossible feat for a frail man like him. He decided to use his mind and move the boulder a few steps ahead everyday. It took him months but he did not stop his efforts till the boulder reached his doorstep one morning to the surprise of his entire family" "His popularity and adulation among the massive crowds was unbelievable. My popularity for whatever it is worth is nothing when compared to his. He was a real big star. His resonant voice and the sound of the applause of the people still reverberates in my ears,” he said…" Big B also talks about the time when his father came back home from England after completing his Phd and instead of presents gifted the family 300 pages of the draft of his thesis all written in pencil in his own handwriting. He also remembers his father's favorite advice : “Keep your head on your shoulders. Keep working very hard and do whatever you do sincerely. Success is ephemeral.”
Bachchan gets interim
relief in tobacco case
27.Nov.2006.Amitabh Bachchan
is scheduled to perform a puja along with his family at a Varanasi temple
Monday.
Politics? No Thanks!"
says Amitabh Bachchan
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| Amitabh Bachchan will
be Bhishma Pitamah in Mahabharat remake
The film, based on an ancient Sanskrit epic will be directed by Ravi Chopra who earlier directed the very successful TV series Mahabharat that spanned 94 episodes over a two year period in 1988 and 1989. The series was one of the biggest television hits in Indian broadcasting history. "No one can be better for the role of Bhishma Pitamah than Amitabh Bachchan," Ravi Chopra told Star News. Mukesh Khanna who impressively essayed the role of Bhishma Pitamah in the TV series has expressed satisfaction that the big screen role had gone to India’s most accomplished actor. Rani Mukherjee is widely expected to be cast as Draupadi. Yesterday, in a press conference at Varanasi when Mukherjee was quizzed on the possibility of her being cast as Draupadi, she refused to confirm the news but significantly enough did not refute it. Other cast members are yet to be decided. Indeed, Ravi Chopra in his conversation with Star News warned that the film was as yet in its early planning stages and it would be premature to get into any further casting details. Considering the fact that the film is budgeted at 100 crores the rest of the cast may well include many other leading Bollywood stars. Mahabharat is one of the world's longest written epics and its commentary on goodness, charity and prudence is widely quoted by Indian parents while bringing up their children. Bhagavad Gita, the most sacred Hindu text, is an intrinsic part of the Mahabharat The film is expected to feature special effects that Ravi Chopra says will rival those produced in the West. "The film will be made with great special effects like those people saw in The Lord of the Rings," he told Reuters recently. The film will be released in two 3 hour parts on consecutive weekends |
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| Amitabh Bachchan To Sign
In Nishabd
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan ’s passion for singing is not new. But it seems he is taking it more seriously now than ever. After lending his vocal chords to the theme song of Ravi Chopra’s upcoming movie Babul , Big B is now singing for Ram Gopal Varma’s Nishabd . And this time, Big B will be singing to the tune created by musician-turned-filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj , who is said to be especially called by Ramu to compose a song for Mr. Bachchan. Vishal has already rendered melodies in Ramu’s ‘Satya’. In Ramu’s words, Vishal was “the best person to bring in a mood-driven theme” to the otherwise song-less movie. The lyrics of the song, entitled ‘Rozana’ (Everyday), are penned by a young poet Munna Dhimani. According to Vishal, it is difficult to classify the song in any particular genre.Ramu wants to start a new trend in Bollywood by releasing this track only from the film. Meanwhile, after completing the recording of the song Vishal wants to make a film with Big B. How we wish, it would happen. |
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| KBC-2 is returning with
Big B-ang
November 09. 2006.London: Fans of popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati are in for a treat with its host superstar Amitabh Bachchan saying that 24 more episodes are in line."Twenty-four episodes from the previous lot are pending. Now we are talking to the Star TV how we can complete these episodes. It will be done," Bachchan, who was here as the brand ambassador for IIFA said.Asked how soon the serial would be resumed, 64-year-old Bachchan said it was up to Star. "They are working it out."He said Sarkar II was in the making and he, his wife Jaya and son Abhishek will feature in Pradeep Sarkar's Parineeta. About his role as Gabbar Singh in Ram Gopal Varma's proposed remake of Sholay, Bachchan said "It is a challenging role. Let us see." With Bollywood planning a string of remakes and some eminent personalities criticising the trend, the actor said "we can't stop people from criticising. At the same time we can’t say it should not be done. Remake of any film will add to creative enhancement. Whether it is good or bad is a different matter." Asked about his views on parallel cinema, Bachchan said "I don't believe in parallel and artistic cinema. Cinema is Cinema." On whether he planned to set up a film Academy, Bachchan quipped "I don't have the acumen to start an academy. I am barely managing to be an actor and I would like just to keep it to that." Emphasising his role as brand ambassador of IIFA, Bachchan said "I have come to talk about it, propagate the movement. It is good for the film industry and good for India. It is good for the host nation. It brings cooperation and brings communities together." He said he was happy that IIFA has been somewhat responsible for increasing interest in Indian cinema outside Indian shores. "I hope it continues and we want IIFA to grow bigger and greater and bring about coordination and cooperation between the host countries and ours. Hopefully we will see it being quantified in the years to come." About ABCL, he said it was "functional and operative." |
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| Amitabh remembers his
university days
Wednesday, November 08. 2006. Mumbai: After receiving his honorary doctorate from Delhi University, Amitabh Bachchan relived his student days. He said that the event brought back a "surge of memories". "I was there in Delhi with my entire family Jaya, Abhishek, Shweta, my son-in-law and Amar Singhji. This is my third doctorate and given to me by the vice-chancellor. The first was from Jhansi University and the second at De Montfort (in Leicester)," Amitabh said. "It was nice being on the Delhi University campus on Saturday again. I went there after a very long time. I do keep going now and then. Lots of changes have happened. A whole contingent from the college was there cheering. It felt really good," said the star that caught the acting bug during his undergrad days in Kirori Mal College. Amitabh, who got the doctorate last weekend, wanted to spend more time on the campus but the crowd's restlessness forced him to make an early exit. "I met up with old friends. Delhi University is much like Cambridge University in the way the campus is laid out with all the colleges bunched together. A surge of memories came back to me. But, I must tell you, receiving the degree at Delhi was very different from De Montfort. In England, the trumpets are blown and the organ plays. Here in Delhi Vedic mantras were recited.” Reminiscing on his college days, Amitabh said: "I look back with great affection at my college days. After the regimented life in school and the discipline observed by your parents in the house, college is very liberating, just attending classes, relaxing in the canteen, going off to see movies. There's a freedom of choice of thought and you can use your time as you want. "I bunked classes to go to the movies, stood outside girls' colleges and got into buses with them. When I mentioned this in my speech in Delhi, there was loud jubilation since 50 percent of the students were ladies. (Delhi chief minister) Shiela Dikshit, who was present, enjoyed that. Amitabh wished to act in
plays. He said that he always acted in plays in his college days.” Acting
was always an abiding passion. I was always in plays in college. I did
my father's Hindi translations of Shakespeare. I miss watching theatre.
I wish I had time to watch plays now. I'd love go back on stage. But it's
a frightening thought."
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| Each character in Ram Gopal
Varma Ki Sholay has been redefined with a new film concept environment
design roped in for the remake of the cult classic.
One eye gray, one eye brown – actor Amitabh Bachchan is sporting a never-before look as dreaded villain Gabbar Singh “With Amitabh Bachchan playing Gabbar and Ramu's realism, it required great detailing,” says publicity designer Rajeev Chudasama from Green Thumb Studios who has been roped in for the movie.  Amitabh and Ajitabh Bachchan
challenged Income Tax dept. order in HC
DU confers honorary doctorates
on Amitabh Bachchan, Sheila Dikshit
Amid thunderous applause,
DU Vice Chancellor Deepak Pental conferred the `honouris causa` degree
to Bachchan, Dikshit, Laxman and Rao, the Scientific Advisor to Prime Minister,
for their exemplary contribution in their respective fields. Industrialist
Ratan Tata, historian Romila Thapar and writer Mahashweta Devi, who were
also chosen by the university for conferring the degree, could not make
it to the function.
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Amitabh completes 23 scenes in five hours....more |
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| Sunday, October 29, 2006:
(Varanasi):
It was a sudden treat for devotees at Varanasi ghat early Sunday morning as Big B Amitabh Bachchan was in the holy city to shoot for his ad film. Bachchan was accompanied by Samajwadi Party General Secretary Amar Singh and with elections nearing in the state this seemed to be more than just a film publicity."I will not give any details but all I can say is that we are shooting an ad |
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| Big B turns composer, The actor has composed and sung two songs in Baabul more.... | ||
| DU to confer honouris
causa degree on Amitabh
New Delhi, October 26 The Delhi University (DU) will confer a honouris causa degree on Amitabh Bachchan at a special convocation on November 4 for his contribution to the Indian film industry. Noted cartoonist R K Laxman, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister C N R Rao and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit will also be presented the degree at a special convocation on November 4, a DU officials said.These awardees will be presented the degree in recognition of their work in their fields. The university will also honour historian Romila Thapar, industrialist Ratan Tata and prominent writer Mahashweta Devi at the convocation to be held later, officials said. Bachchan who was recently conferred a honorary doctorate by the De Montford University in Leicester, completed his three-year B Sc degree in 1967 from Delhi University’s Kirori Mal College. |
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It's Hema and Sallu on the dance floor! more.... |
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| Sholay
OCTOBER 16, 2006 The remake of Sholay planned by Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) is drawing a lot of flak. But then knowing RGV he is probably looking upon the criticism aired in the media as just free publicity. Hema Malini, the quintessential village lass Basanti in the original Sholay, is not pleased with the remake of Sholay. She unabashedly told Star News, "...(Sholay) has to be seen many times. Not made many times." Equally unabashedly, and with a lot of duplicity, she also told Star News that the role of Basanti in the remake should go to her daughter Esha Deol, something that RGV appears to be resisting. Interestingly, no one, least of all Ram Gopal Varma, is sure at this point of time as to how closely the remake will conform to the original story line. But then scripts have never been important for Bollywood producers who tend to play power brokers more than film makers Ram Gopal varma acknowledges that he shoulders a grim responsibility in filming a remake of Sholay but asserts that he is upto the challenge. Somewhat speciously, he claims that he is eminently qualified to produce the remake because he is the biggest fan of the film, having seen it 27 times within the first year of its release! He claims that his imperative for the remake is to cast the story in a new light, "I just want to see it in a new light." Whatever that means. Lata Mangeshkar, who sang the catchy number Haan Jab tak hai jaan...jaane jahan...main nachoon gi, that preceded the climax in the original film was dismissive about RGV's attempt to make Sholay. Speaking largely in jest she said, "I hear there will be a remake of Sholay. It is a film that should not be touched. I will say that if you stick your hand into burning embers (sholay) you will simply burn it." Amongst those associated with the making of the original Sholay, Amitabh Bachchan is perhaps the only one who shares RGV quixotic quest for a remake. Bachchan who will play the role of Gabbar Singh in the remake, is on record stating that he has always wanted to play Gabbar Singh. "We are not making the film to compete with the original. We are doing it to express our creativity", he said recently. "Artistic liberty may be expressed in any form that the artist pleases." The use of we, instead of I, is a clear indication how closely Amitabh identifies himself with the remake. The fact is, Amitabh owes RGV a lot and his involvement in the Sholay remake could well be a payback for the blockbuster Sarkar (2005) and the forthcoming Sarkar 2, both films handcrafted by RGV for Amitabh and his, still not quite on his own, son Abhishek. While Amitabh makes his point
about artistic liberty well in doing so he unwittingly acknowledges the
abject bankruptcy of Bollywood's film making. A bankruptcy that forces
stalwarts like him to act in pathetic self serving remakes by producers
like RGV, rather than scale new heights with filmmakers ready to push the
envelope in a manner that forces Bollywood to snap out of its collective
mind block.
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| Amitabh – global brand
with an Indian face
OCTOBER 15, 2006.NEW DELHI: Many see Amitabh Bachchan as a materialistic and overexposed actor who is not ready to sit on his laurels but works relentlessly to build a larger-than-life media image never seen or heard before in Bollywood. The actor, who rules both the small and the silver screens, has entrenched himself so deeply in the endorsement arena that he is giving the King Khans a run for their money. According to media reports, Bachchan’s take home last year was around Rs190mn ($4mn), far more than mega star Shah Rukh Khan’s who earned Rs130mn ($3mn). Khan’s earnings include his endorsement deals for Pepsi, Hyundai Santro and Lux. What really sets Bachchan apart from other ageing big stars is while most have faded into oblivion or been reduced to doing father or uncle roles, Big B, as he is called, rules the roost even at 64. The small screen played an important role in giving him a new lease of life. After a rough patch in the 90s, he barged into Indian homes with one of the most popular quiz shows of Indian television Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) and the famous BPL advertisement. There was no looking back for him since then. "We want to reinforce his image of being a global brand and also as the most saleable face of India. He has about a dozen endorsement offers," Sunil Doshi, CEO of Alliance Media and Entertainment, the company that manages Bachchan’s endorsements, was quoted as saying when the second season of KBC set rolling. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Doshi has surpassed his own expectations with Bachchan becoming one of the most commonly seen faces on the small screen. Bachchan is endorsing everything - from pens to cars to hair oils to chocolates. His reach can be estimated from the fact that he was signed as a brand ambassador for Reid and Taylor. Earlier, Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan endorsed the product. "Amitabh Bachchan is an icon with a universal appeal and has helped us reach out to the real ‘Bharat’. While it is too early to quantify the results of our new campaign, our business associates are extremely excited about Mr.Bachchan’s association with Reid and Taylor," Tarun Joshi of Reid and Taylor said."In fact, agents and retailers have told us that customers have started asking about the ‘Amitabh wali suiting’," Joshi said. 
An All-India 2005 Celebrity Track Survey conducted by Hansa Research amongst respondents aged 15-50 years ranked Bachchan at the top. Big B also topped a celebrity likeness poll for two consecutive years - 2003 and 2004. Describing his phenomenal success after KBC, well-known filmmaker Ravi Chopra, who signed Bachchan for his superhit Baghban, said: "When he was doing KBC, I think the whole process helped him and people got a feeling that he is a very genuine person. People looked at him as a fatherly figure and believed that he will not give wrong suggestions. People started to respect him so much that they started believing what he said. "And this image worked for the manufacturers. When I see an ad that has Amitji, I feel ‘he is saying it, then it must be true’. Because people look at him with so much respect." When Bachchan debuted on the small screen, the risk factor was very high because at that time he was perceived as a decaying actor, failed politician and businessman doubling under heavy debt. In spite of a three-decade long successful innings, when it came to his second innings he wasn’t getting his due in Bollywood. With KBC’s phenomenal success, not only did Bollywood throw open its doors for Big B, the endorsement offers started pouring in as well. The manufacturers felt that his name will lend credibility to their brands and they went berserk to sign up the actor whose popularity defied age and norms. His larger-than-life image made him one of the most expensive celebrities endorsing brands. His endorsements apparently cost between Rs50mn and Rs120mn. Despite the rate, Indian and multinational companies make a beeline for him. The domestic brands usually opt for a short-term association with Big B. But for multinationals like Reid and Taylor or Pepsi, renewing the contract with Bachchan is not an issue. According to a report, ICICI Bank did not renew its deal with Bachchan in 2002. Maruti, which roped in both Bachchan and his son Abhishek for Versa, is lying low for a while. Many feel Bachchan is overexposed as he is endorsing too many products. But Chopra disagrees. "I don’t think he is overexposed. And I don’t believe in over-exposure. He is a damn good actor and if he is doing it in style, then it doesn’t matter how often he appears." Chopra is right because Bachchan proves his versatility in ads too - if he comes across as a suave gentleman in Reid and Taylor, his lingo and mannerisms in the Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate ad where he proudly introduces his cow Radha as Miss Palampur is totally rustic. And he carries off both the personas convincingly.For the manufacturers, using a sportsperson is risky because their performance has a direct effect on sales. With actors there is no risk, more so with Bachchan. In short, Big B is the safest bet. |
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| OCTOBER 12, 2006.
Bollywood mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan turned 64 on Wednesday. But Bachchan
will not celebrate his birthday in a grand style as his mother is not keeping
well. His mother Teji Bachchan is unwell and the star will be spending
time with his family on his birthday. "I will be at home with the family.
There will be no celebration as such because my mother is unwell for some
time now," Bachchan said last week at a promotional event. But for the
hundreds of fans who will gather outside the Bachchan residence ‘Pratiksha’
in suburban Juhu to catch a glimpse of the star on his birthday, this will
make little difference.Every year, the star comes out in the balcony to
greet his fans who gather outside to meet him from all over the country.This
year's birthday celebration, however, will be more subdued than earlier
years when the Bachchans held huge parties to celebrate the Big B's birthday.Bachchan's
60th birthday especially was celebrated in a grand manner where his company
AB Corp was launched and a book written by Jaya Bachchan on him was released.
Amitabh Bachchan celebrates his 64th birthday today and even though the actor will not be having any grand celebrations due to his mother’s illness, his die-hard fans all over India will definitely celebrate their bollywood icon’s big day. Amitabh has decided not to have a bash as his mother is unwell. However Amitabh as usual will spend the day with his family and loved ones. The start of Amitabh’s birthday saw hordes of fans gathered outside both his bungalows ‘Jalsa’ as well as ‘Pratiksha’. Many fans have been coming over to his residence since quite a few years and bring him gifts too. Even little school children were seen outside the actor’s residence holding placards wishing Big B a very happy Birthday. Radio channels began airing birthday wishes for Amitabh from common people as well as other bollywood celebs. Many people sent messages to radio channels wishing Bachchan senior and even called up on the show to personally wish the actor. Television channels too showed their good wishes for the actor by airing his films throughout the day. In some parts of the country people even prayed before Amitabh’s picture and gave charity in his name. Everywhere there were celebrations wishing Big B a happy birthday and a prosperous and successful life ahead. Amitabh too made an appearance for the people outside his home and thanked everyone for their blessings and good wishes. Nonetheless Amitabh who receives so much of public adulation and adoration remains humble and down to earth. Amitabh has been in the film industry for the last four decades and during his time in bollywood he has made an impeccable mark in Indian cinema and has even been titled ‘Legend’ and ‘Icon’. He is well known not only in India but in other countries as well. He has done several hit films in the past like Deewar, Sholay, Amar Akbar Anthony, Namak Halal, Satte Pe Satta, Lawaris, Coolie, Agnipath etc. After taking a five year break from films he made his comeback on the small screen in a television serial Kaun Banega Crorepati, the show was a phenomenal success and he went on to capture the hearts of his fans with films like Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham, Bunty Aur Babli, Khakee, Sarkar, Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna etc. Amitabh will also be conferred
with a new title as his birthday gift, the French government has decided
to confer on him the highest civilian award, the ‘Officer of the Legion
of Honour’ for his contribution to Indian and international cultural life.
Earlier too this year Bachchan was honoured with a degree of Doctorate
of Arts by De Montford University in Leicester, United Kingdom for his
contribution to movies in India. Big B as he is fondly called will be seen
in many forthcoming films like Babul, Cheeni Kum, Nishabd, Sarkar 2, Eklavya
and Ramgopal Varma Ki Sholay. We wish Amitabh Bachchan a very Happy Birthday
and a long innings in bollywood
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The French embassy in India, which made the announcement on Wednesday, the 64th birthday of the film-star, said the award was also in recognition of his efforts to bring together Indian and international cultures. 'According to protocol, Dominique Gerard, the French ambassador to India will speak to Amitabh Bachchan and seek a date from him for the official ceremony during which he will be given the honour personally,' Mohamed Bendjebbour, a French diplomat told the daily. Created to reward eminent military and civil merits in the service of France, Legion d'Honneur is the highest distinction that can be conferred to a French citizen or foreigner. Among the eminent Indian personalities to have received the honour are film-maker Satyajit Ray in 1987 and environmentalist RK Pachauri in July this year. Bachchan, a national icon in India, is well known in many countries around the world. BBC Online voted him 'Star of the millenium' above Hollywood greats like Sir Lawrence Olivier and Charlie Chaplin. Bachchan, popularly known
as Big B, has dominated Indian cinema since he quit his job as a freight
broker in Calcutta and joined Bollywood more than three decades ago.
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Amitabh conferred honorary
doctorate
London, July 19-2006 In yet another feather to his cap, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was today conferred with the honorary degree of Doctorate of Arts by a British university in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the movie business in India. Sixtyfour-year-old Bachchan, a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, received the degree at the graduation ceremony of the De Montford University in Leicester. The university had earlier conferred a honorary degree on former South African President Nelson Mandela for his charity work. De Montford University attracts a considerable number of students from India every year. Bachchan said he was deeply humbled by this recognition. The megastar said his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan had done PhD in English Literature from Cambridge University way back in 1954 and was referred to as “Dr Bachchan” and whatever he is today is because of the academic influence of his parents on him. Amitabh Bachchan, who arrived here yesterday accompanied by Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, is expected to call on Jack Straw, leader of the House of Commons, and other members of the Tony Blair Cabinet tomorrow. |
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| Ash, Abhishek to enter into wedlock?
LiveIndia.Com Correspondents Bangalore/Mumbai, February 11, 2006 Are they, aren’t they? Not just seeing each other — but getting married? That’s the question stalking tinsel town’s two most happening actors: Big B’s baby Abhishek Bachchan and almost-Hollywood Aishwarya Rai. “If I was getting married,” exclaims Abhishek, “I’d be busy celebrating. But I’m busy working.” Aishwarya’s father Krishna Rai rages: “No comments from my side. Who started this story in the first place?” It all started with an alleged visit by Abhishek’s uncle, Ajitabh, to Ash’s family astrologer, Chandrashekar Swami, in Bangalore. The venerable Swami, on his part, ratted out details like “Kundali milgayi” (the horoscopes match) and “Sheegrameva kalyana praptirasthu” (the wedding will happen) to Eenadu TV. “I have known Aishwarya’s father and mother for a long time… We come from the same village, and they consult me regularly... God willing, the wedding will happen soon,” he told ETV. No way, say close family friends. A relationship between the two isn’t ruled out — but not any engagement. “Abhishek is not even close to his uncle, so why would he trust him with something like this?” says one source. Another friend claims that Abhishek has always been candid about his relationships with his friends. “When he was serious about Karisma, he told us about her,” she says, adding that “though Ajitabh visited Amit uncle in hospital, things between the two are still far from normal.” The buzz about Abhishek’s romance with Rai intensified after the duo returned from the shooting of JP Dutta’s Umrao Jaan in Jaipur. And now the two head off to Brazil to shoot for Dhoom 2. What’s going to happen in the second half? |
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| Big B undergoes MRI scan, family says
he is fine
MUMBAI: Superstar Amitabh Bachchan got a CT scan and an MRI done at Nanavati Hospital late on Monday night, even as the news of his visit triggered a wave of speculation about his having to undergo another surgery. Nanavati's medical superintendent Ashok Hatolkar said Bachchan was here for "routine CT & MRI scans" and both tests were clear. The media turnout at the hospital swelled as the news of the star’s presence spread. Coming close on the heels of a report that Bachchan may need another surgery for hernia, the midnight check-up caused quite a stir Speculation didn’t subside even though hospital sources said all is well with the Bollywood icon as per the CT and MRI scans. Industry sources insisted Bachchan is scheduled to undergo another series of diagnostic tests over the weekend before the family decides on another abdominal surgery — a diagnosis that family friends and well-wishers pooh-poohed. The family lobby maintained he is fine but weak.  |
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| Amitabh to donate Rs 9cr diamonds to
Balaji
Tirupati, Jan. 15: Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is to offer a diamond ornament worth about Rs 9 crores at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, temple officials said. The actor, along with wife Jaya Bachchan, son Abhishek Bachchan and friends Anil Ambani and Amar Singh, had offered prayers at the temple on December 28 and 29 following his recovery from surgery. At that time he had offered to donate “something unique” to the lord in thanksgiving. When Amitabh told the temple officials of his intention, they suggested that he offer a diamond-studded kati varada hasthalu (diamond wrap for the hands) since the temple had only one set of them. Temple authorities told him that the ornaments could cost about Rs 9 crores. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) executive officer A.P.V.N. Sarma said the board had sent the design and the measurements of the ornaments. He had sought time to make the offering, Mr Sarma said. The Tirumala temple is famous for big offerings. A Swiss devotee, Ms Elizabeth, had pledged her entire property, worth Rs 5 crores, to the TTD in memory of her husband in June last year. She requested the TTD to perform Tiruppavai and Abhishekam one day in the month of December every year. During a recent visit, Tamil superstar Rajnikant had promised digital screens worth Rs 1 crore to the TTD to display information. Many of those donating huge sums prefer to remain anonymous. An unidentified devotee offered a one-kg gold satari (used to bless devotees after giving theertham) in December last year. In the same period, another pilgrim gave a Rs 1.40-crore diamond-studded gold face mask which had 1.5 kgs of gold. A diamond necklace worth Rs 15 lakhs was given by a Delhi-based businessman in November last year. On December 19, an unidentified devotee offered Rs 20 lakhs. In many instances, devotees deposit large sums of cash in the hundi. At other times, the anonymous offerings are of diamond-studded jewellery and, in one case, a diamond crown. The TTD’s Anandanam scheme is run with interest on Rs 150 crores in deposits (by July 23, 2005) donated by devotees. The scheme, which costs about Rs 1 lakh on average, feeds 15,000 devotees on ordinary days and 30,000 devotees on peak days. The TTD pranadana scheme, meant to provide free medical aid for white card holders, has received Rs 3 crores from November 2005. |
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| Amitabh Upset Over Tax Reminder
Amitabh Bachhan, is upset about being treated like any other Indian. As Big B lay in his hospital bed with abdominal pains and images of bad films and over-acting (majority of his endless career) racing through his brain, he was allegedly approached by an IT official who had the temerity to remind him of tax arrears. Like any other rich Indian, Amitabh was incensed by being asked to pay taxes and that too while he was genuinely sick. Our man Sheru tracked down the offending IT official and pressed him for his opinion: "If Big B was to die on that hospital bed, it would have been extremely difficult for us to determine who would have inherited his tax problems. And we are not talking small change here either: Amitabh's tax arrears could've saved several lives as he himself battled for his own. I guess thats not something Big B likes to think about." But with friends like the entire UP government, Amitabh would not lie
down quitely. As any self-respecting crore-pati would do, Big B has also
chosen to complain about 'aam-aadmi' treatment accompanied with accusations,
that in our assessment, are products only of his gut-feelings albiet very
sore gut-feelings. Sources close to Big B (is that a grade for his acting/movies?)
say that the actor defaults on taxes every fiscal year as he considers
it his bollywood-right to do so. Afterall, Bollywood and Black Money go
hand-in-hand, singing and dancing in the gardens of mediocrity.
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| As Big B lay ill, taxman came knocking
Wednesday, December 21, 2005 NEW DELHI: When Amitabh Bachchan lay in Mumbai’s Lilavati hospital recuperating from a stomach ailment that had millions of his fans praying for a speedy recovery, he had other things to worry about than just his health! The Income-Tax department chose precisely the period of his illness to slap a Rs 4.5 crore notice on him, according to sources close to the Bollywood icon. A surprised Bachchan reacted to the seemingly insensitive move by writing a cheque of the amount sought, even though he had disputed the claim before an IT tribunal. |
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| MUMBAI: If all goes well, Amitabh Bachchan
will appear in his first international project to be directed by Deepa
Mehta.
Deepa, revelling in the immense success of ‘Water’ in Canada - the film continues to be a record-breaking grosser in its seventh week - is waiting for Bachchan's green signal. "The lead in my film 'Kamagata Maru' can be played by no other actor except Bachchan," Mehta said. "The hero of my most ambitious and expensive film has to be a man of substance, stature and wisdom. I can't think of anyone else but Bachchan," says Mehta. Meanwhile, Deepa has finalised the rest of the cast. Seema Biswas, who has received the maximum raves in the international press for ‘Water’, and John Abraham will play key roles in ‘Kamagata Maru’. Deepa has also penned in Terence Stamp, the charismatic British actor from ‘Billy Budd’ and ‘Adventures Of Priscilla Queen Of The Deserts’, to play the crucial role of a lawyer. |
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| December 17, 2005
Amitabh Bachchan back home from hospital LiveIndia.com 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.  |
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| Amitabh Bachchan is cheerful and doing
fine
10th Dec 2005 09.32 IST By LiveIndia.com Bollywood mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan , who is recuperating at Lilavati Hospital after a surgery for an intestinal ailment, is doing fine and fast improving, hospital sources said on Friday.Sixty-three-year-old Bachchan, who began his semi-solid nutritive food since Thursday, a week after surgery "is cheerful and doing fine," the sources said.Bachchan was admitted to Lilavati Hospital on November 28 and was operated for diverticulitis of small intestine on November 30.Meanwhile, Doordarshan has rubbished allegations that Bachchan's illness was not given "adequate" coverage by the public broadcaster. It said its news channel had given an update on the superstar's health in almost all major bulletins since his hospitalisation on November 28. "Beginning from November 28 when Bachchan was hospitalised, DD News has given an update on the superstar's health in almost all its major bulletins, including an extensive coverage on December one, the day he was operated in Mumbai's Leelavati Hospital", Doordarshan said in a statement. "It was a conscious decision by the editorial hands that while presenting news on Amitabh Bachchan's illness, we should not create any hype so as to raise unnecessary scare among millions of viewers," Amitabh Chakrabarti, the Head of DD News said. The news of Bachchan's illness was covered in 63 bulletins over a period of one week, he said. There was no effort to downplay Bachchan's illness as alleged in some media reports, Chakrabarti said. Samajwadi Party General Secretary Amar Singh had alleged that Congress President Sonia Gandhi was responsible for the "blackout of news pertaining to Bachchan's hospitalisation in Mumbai, on Doordarshan". |
| Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who underwent a major surgery for inflammation and perforation of small and large intestines at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday, would be out of action at least for a month, hospital sources said on Thursday. 3-12-2005. |
| Four Lucknowi kachoris, that Amitabh Bachchan
had munched, during an event in Lucknow, may have caused the stomach infection,
believes a source close to the actor.
Bachchan was to release a documentary by poet-writer Ashok Chakradhar on the life of his father, the late poet Harivanshrai Bachchan, when he was served the mouth-watering kachoris. Bachchan, who rarely eats food cooked outside, could not resist the temptation and dug into them. “As the kachoris were pungent and very spicy, these could have caused the infection. Bachchansaab is known to have cholesterol-controlled hygienic food, especially cooked for him,” said the source. However, Dr Narendra Trivedi, spokesperson, Lilavati Hospital, refused to confirm what had triggered the infection |
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Rajesh Chopra's comments Please |
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