For those who missed the Amitabh J’accuse, let me remind readers of the thespian’s complaints. There was the controversy about the invitation list to his son’s wedding, then the "manglik" matter where he is supposed to have dragged his future daughter-in-law to embrace trees; there is the notorious TV advertisement in which he claimed UP was virtually crime-free, and, of course, the buying, selling, donating and finally reclaiming of land gifted. At least in two of the four "slanders" Outlook could be described as the principal slanderer. It is not my purpose here to defend, withdraw or amplify the material which appeared in Outlook; I just wish to make a few parenthetical observations on Mr Bachchan’s seemingly justified grievances.
For Amitabh to protest that he gets bad press is curious. If anything, he gets very good press, even a fawning press. Since he is incontestably the biggest name to have come out of Hindi cinema in the last four decades, he could claim he deserves all the adulation and applause. The point I am making is that in reality the Indian media uncritically worships the Big B and generally gives him the red carpet treatment. If there is the odd lapse, it is because Mr Bachchan has got himself publicly embroiled in anti-Congress politics. Now, you may argue that since India’s first actor and India’s first family are massively estranged, he needs some political cover. Unfortunately, such a defence strategy can be a double-edged sword. It can further be argued that he probably overdid the political cover bit, sometimes needlessly provoking the easily-provoked Gandhis. (By the way, Mr Shahrukh Khan, who on current form could quite easily walk on water, better watch out. In case there is a change in government, the Big Khan’s political leanings could land him in roughly the same kind of soup the Big B finds himself in.) For high-flying film stars, to be on close terms with high-flying politicians may at times seem hugely profitable; the closeness, alas, always carries a price tag.
Some weeks ago, I met Mr Amar Singh socially. As always, he was the picture of courtesy. I requested him to convey to Mr Bachchan that I remained a gushing Amitabh fan, notwithstanding any criticism which may have appeared in Outlook, and which may have led Mr Bachchan to conclude that I took my instructions regarding covering him professionally from a certain address in Janpath. Just in case Mr Amar Singh forgot to convey my message, I am re-sending it through this column.
