Amitabh is back after his illness

Excerpts from the Interview:

It's good to see Amitabh Bachchan standing at his feet once again.

Internally I'm feeling very weak and I'm yet to cure wholly. More 6-8 weeks is required for that and to be absolutely fine might require some more months. So I'm still uncertain when I'll be able to resume work again.

Are you finding it hard to work at the moment?

Yes I'm restricted from doing any kind of work. It doesn't matter how big or small it is. But I'm being advised to avoid working until and unless I overcome the physical weakness. I'm still in the pangs of weakness. Above that I've to be very cautious not to go around in public places as I might get infected. For now I can just say that I'll only be able to work again after my body permits.

Your fans and industry people have all been worried about you once you were admitted in the hospital?

I was in the ICU and was not aware of the hysteria that has been created. After I got outside the ICU I realized what was people's contemplation about it and it really touched me. In my hospital room I could watch people's emotions, prayers and love over the television. I cannot put down in words how I felt at that moment. I'm very much grateful and thankful to them.

Did you imagine that owing to a mere stomachache you could be admitted in the hospital?

I was just clueless when all the things were happening around me. In Delhi the problem couldn't get diagnosed properly. The perforation was in the lower intestine and the infected area had got stuck in the larger intestine. Thankfully the poison didn't spread much in the stomach. In Mumbai decisions were taken hurriedly and at the right time. The doctors were ready to take down on the operation.

The tax problem came up then. Did you feel agitated by it?

Not at all they were doing their job. My being in the hospital had no bearing with their job and so it is irrelevant to think about it in that way. If I'm committed to them for some issues they'll surely find their way out to me. I only required signing a cheque. I always pay my tax but I should be verified about the amount that I should pay. So I can't blame them for anything.

Do you have lots of assignments in hand to wrap up?

Some work is at hand but it is nothing immense. I'm thankful to my producers who've been very understanding and co-operative towards me. They want me to get well totally before I resume working with them again. I've films with Karan Johar and Ravi Chopra. Then there is KBC.

(Laughs) Yes my episodes have ended. I've talked to them about it. But in this condition I might just not record now. So they might have to repeat the earlier episodes.

Are you enjoying the break from work?

After a long time I'm having so much free time in hand. But I'm not feeling impatient and looking forward for my body to recover well. I'm able to do small works in home that I never had time to attend while I was working. I'm also spending some valuable time with my family. I had been to Tirupati and Goa with them. I'm enjoying the break.