Birthday wishes poured in from all over India and abroad as super star Amitabh Bachchan turned 62
Monday.
Outside the gates of his home "Jalsa", the scene was like that at any major religious festival with
thronging crowds waiting hopefully in the morning sun with banners, bouquets and token gifts, hoping for
a glimpse of their idol.
Though there is some confusion about his age with some saying it is his 63rd birthday, Amitabh laughs
it off.
"The fact is I'm entering my 63rd year today," said the star.
On the occasion of his birthday, his company AB Corp Ltd is opening a new suburban office.
"So far we were functioning from a small apartment. Now we've a proper office. Jaya has done it up,"
stated the proud husband. "I'll just go there and warm the office seat. Then I plan to be home for the rest
of the day. What better birthday gift to myself than to be at home."
"In fact the birthday wishes started early this morning at my gym where TV crews and media persons
appeared. I went through another kind of exercise at the gym today. Now there are TV vans
outside."
The previous night Jaya Bachchan invited close friends for a small intimate get together.
Karan Johar came with his mother and with Aishwarya Rai after shooting fresh episodes of his new talk
show "Koffee With Karan" with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ash and Gurinder Chadha. Karan, Aishwarya,
Sanjay and Gurinder had dinner at a hotel before Karan and Aishwarya proceeded to the Bachchan
residence.
Big B was inundated with birthday sighs as he outlined his plans.
"Nothing! Abhishek is in Varanasi shooting for Shaad Ali's 'Bunty Aur Bubbly'. I'm joining him for a day
on the 15th, after which I proceed to shoot for Romesh Sharma's film in Mauritius.
"I was supposed to be working with Vipul Shah for his film 'Waqt' today. But I'm taking the day off to be
at home with Jaya...
"Then in the evening the young very talented sculptor Arzaan Khambatta, who has made some very
wonderful sculptures of me, has called me to inaugurate his exhibition. What he does with metal is
really amazing. I'm so thrilled and honoured with what he has done for me.
"He has made one sculpture of me in one of my typical dance poses from my films and a five-foot one
sitting on a chair. He's superb! I'm very excited about it. What better birthday gift?"
The phone rings non-stop. His secretary Rosy is hard hit. The boss' birthday means at least 15 times
more calls and visitors to attend to.
"I don't know why people shower so much affection on me for my birthday. I'm deeply grateful to them.
But to me it's just another day," he said.