There's a new spate of rumours regarding his health. In an interview with Subhash K Jha Amitabh Bachchan patiently answers them.

Q: The speculation regarding your health continues. How much have you recovered?
A: I am alive..and breathing. I am mobile and I eat normal food. I read, I respond to mail, meet the odd visitor and travel out to temples. So one can safely assume that my recovery is progressing well. Speculation is justified. The affection and concern of people - well wishers and fans - has been overwhelming.

For their sake, I shall succumb, to the the somewhat intrusive intent of the media. But media has a job to do and information is vital to them. No fault of theirs. If one is in public life there is always a desire and need among people, to seek information about their celebrity. Yes, the extent to which they go is debatable.

Competition in today's world is compelling. But they have been very kind and compassionate towards me, elevating and placing me on pedestals I most certainly do not deserve and am certainly not comfortable with.

Q: A recent report said you've to go back to surgery for hernia? Is that correct? If not where do you think these rumours come from?
A: No I am not going back for another surgery.. at least I hope not. But, with my kind of medical history, you never know. Mine is a human body after all. Who knows what surprises it has in store. Rumours can come from anywhere. The unfortunate part is that they generally invite belief.

Recently I have had to put on the television to find out what I am ailing from and where and how my treatment is going to take place. They generously also inform me, when I have stepped out of the house and when I shall be getting back !! Its amusing, but one learns to take it in the right spirit.

Q: Journalists keep quoting hospital sources to corroborate health reports on you. Is that right or even accurate?
A: Yes I would assume they get their facts from hospital sources. Where else would they go...? Whether they are accurate or not, is a call really on the integrity and honesty of the journalist and their very respected code of conduct. Every profession has its own regulations and yardsticks. I would like to believe that journalists in our country adhere to that. Whether it is right...? I cannot say.

The medical profession also has very dedicated norms and ethics. In most western countries there is a strict code of confidentiality between the patient and the doctor. The right to protect medical information on his condition rests with the patient. Disclosure is forbidden even to family members.

There has to be consent. I do not know if this practice is prevalent in India. I would imagine it does, knowing that we have some of the finest medical professionals in the world.

Q: Were you in Nanavati, not Leelavati, this week ? Is it all okay?
A: Yes I was. I went there for routine check ups. I often do. This one was to ascertain the recent repair and the doctors seemed satisfied. And...it was Nanavati and not Lilavati because of its proximity to the house.

And...midnight, because I did not want to disturb the hospital and other patients during normal working hours. The hospital graciously worked overtime to accommodate me.And...only Abhishek was with me, not Jaya as reported.

Q: When do you hope to be back at work...or even in public? Do you think you will be able to attend any of the awards function where Black is the outright winner?
A: I await doctors' instructions for this, so I really cannot say. Once their clearance comes in I shall be up and about. It hasn't yet.

Q: You're the highest tax payer in the film industry. And yet there's constant questioning and counter-questioning on your income tax. How do you hope to overcome this problem specially at a time when you are recovering from a major health setback....
A: Yes.. the media and the IT department declared that I was indeed the highest tax payer in the industry - 6.35cr approximately. Combined with Abhishek it would be around 7.5cr.

Q: This would rank amongst the highest individual tax payers in the country too. Big deal! If I have earned I must pay my taxes. This is mandatory for all citizens. So I have paid.
A: Constant questioning and counter questioning is a constitutional and legal right of the Department. Their actions are governed by the law of the land. Democratically, we as assesses have the right to challenge their judgement via appeals, tribunals and courts. Finally, law and its interpretation succeeds and is implemented. The icon for justice has always been the figure holding the scales, blindfolded..!! It cannot see if it is X,Y or Z...! No one is above it....

A notice , in my case, was sent to me in November, at a time, when I was in New York shooting for KANK. I requested time till I got back to comply. Since the amount assessed was coming out of several disputed deliberations, the department had agreed that I immediately pay 50% of the amount and the balance by the end of the year, or with interest, by year ending March 2006.

I made payments as agreed, on my return. But within a week of the previous dated notice I got another one demanding full payment. What made the department change its mind, I do not know. My counsel told me it was not normal for the department to do that. But, as a law-abiding citizen I complied with this too. Partially. Because in January we were granted a stay for a certain period of time.Thats all there is to it.

Q: There's a feeling of relief all-around, as you get back to your feet. As and when you get back to work, what would be your priority work-wise?
A: I still have to hear from my doctors on what I can and cannot do. A lot will depend on that. Commitments will get first priority. Work that has been stalled and incurring financial insecurities will get priority. New projects? Nothing at the moment.

Q: Out of the three Filmfare nominations for best actor two are yours and one is Abhishek's...
A: I feel deeply honoured and delighted that Filmfare and the jury think that Abhishek and me are worthy of nomination. I feel more about the fact that father and son share this rare moment. I think perhaps there are no precedents.

Different categories maybe but not in the same vocation. As a father I could not have asked for more. Actually I do. I would like him to beat me to it !!