| How well do you think Aishwarya Rai will fit in as the Bachchan bahu?
Traditionally, she will be the 'bahu', but for me and my family, she will be our daughter!
Perhaps you could direct me to a gauge that measures the 'wellness' of the presence of a daughter in the family, so that I may adequately respond to your rather odd query!
(Yes, Mr B. Perhaps at this point, all other queries except Abhishek's performance in Guru will sound odd to you.) What are the qualities that you like in Ash?
They have already been expressed in another interview, but if you do not mind repetition I shall express it again. 'Her inner beauty is far greater than her much renowned outer.'
(True, but I didn't think you would repeat yourself ad verbatim, ad nauseam.) There were reports that Mrs Jaya Bachchan didn't approve of Abhishek's choice as she didn't want a star bahu. Comment.
I wish to physically see these reports! And I would appreciate it greatly if you refrained from hiding behind journalistic ethics, of protecting your source. For, how else would we reconcile ourselves to the fact that this is not titillated manufacturing, for good copy.
(I'd like to point out that protecting one's source is not hiding behind journalistic ethics, it is the first rule of journalism. And speaking of reports, would you also like to see trade reports of Guru while we're at it?) Have you set Abhishek's wedding date?
Not yet.
(I'm guessing you will announce the date at a time convenient to you. Erm, when is Abhishek's next release?) Is it true that the wedding will be held at Amby Valley and a reception organised by Wizcraft in Mumbai?
Since nothing has been decided yet, this query falls in the realm of heightened speculation.
(Didn't you also brush off Abhishek and Ash's romance as "speculation" a few months ago?) The buzz is that you, Abhishek and Ash will be going on a world tour from August to Europe, USA and the Far East?
Yes it is true. Along with a host of other prominent artistes and colleagues. And we are working on the modalities so that we can make a media announcement shortly.
(Great. I'm looking forward to the three of you dancing to Kajra re. Again.) When you say Abhishek's future films will be super hits aren't you playing the doting dad bit too far? Predicting the future is difficult.
You sound as though you would not wish that! Yes, I am a doting dad and you are not going to tell me how 'far' I can go with that! Predicting the future is always difficult, but also, so very motivational. Better to be tough and motivational than diffident!
(So are you saying that Hirthik's papa, John's papa and Viveik's papa are NOT doting dads?) Which is more difficult: being India's No 1 respected icon or a loving dad?
India's No 1 respected icon' is far too presumptuous an epithet for my bearing. I have never believed in it and never shall. And being a loving Dad is never difficult. It's a given!
(Ah, the humble Mr B that I love and adore finally surfaces!) Aren't you pushing the doting papa title too far?
I shall push it to the end of the universe! You got a problem with that?
(Frankly, I think it's more YOUR problem than mine.) People feel that you want Abhishek to take on your mantle. Comment.
I am not in possession of any mantle. But even if I were, yes, it would be the proudest moment for me, if he were to take it on. It's what every father wishes. But has he not already?
While shooting on a street in Bangkok a mother pointed to me and screamed to her little son, 'Look, look! That's Abhishek Bachchan's father!' Life could not have been better!
(Have you ever considered writing fiction? Something tells me you'd be good at it.) Once Ash gets married to Abhishek all of you will come together under Brand Bachchan. What is your perception of Brand Bachchan?
I know only one word — Family Bachchan! I do not understand the meaning of the word Brand Bachchan.
(All those ads, and you STILL don't know the meaning of Brand Bachchan? Sigh.) A lot of people feel that you announced Ash and Abhishek's engagement last week to make sure that the Guru collections got better.
My respect for you as a journalist suddenly dropped!
(Thankfully, I'm the sort of journalist who craves respect from the readers and not the interviewees, so I'll survive this.) Is it true that you had the kiss between Aishwarya and Hrithik in Dhoom:2 removed from the theatres?
My respect for you dropped further — careful — before you lose all of it!
(Please refer to answer above!) Till when would you like to go on acting?
My dear friend and colleague, Shah Rukh Khan, feels I should continue till I am 110 years old! I would tend to agree with him! Disappointed?
(Oh no, Mr B, please continue working. I love you in Technicolour. It's your new off-screen persona that worries me.) Have you recovered from your health problems completely?
Yes. Prayers from well-wishers such as yourself have ensured that. Thank you!
(I'll continue to pray for your good health. After all, my life would be so dull without such wonderful chitchats, no?) Any resolutions for 2007?
I make no resolutions. I just RESOLVE!
(I like that attitude. I might just adopt it!) Have you seen Shah Rukh's KBC3?
No.
(Right. And I'm the Queen of England!) | 
Anupamaa
Music Corner
5