Amitabh seeks to make peace with Shahrukh

Amitabh seeks to make peace with Shahrukh Khan

MUMBAI: Making the first move to put an end to the much-publicised 'strained' relationship with Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has said he wishes to apologise if there has been a lapse or error on his part.

"It is hurtful and unwanted and I wish to bring with all sincerity a final end to this much imagined ugliness," Bachchan wrote on his blog.

"Despite numerous clarifications and denials from both Shah Rukh and myself through the electronic and the print medium there seems to be no letting up," Bachchan lamented.

Clarifying his earlier comments about television shows including the one hosted by Shah Rukh, Bachchan said he had never attempted to show SRK in poor light.

"I merely transferred talks I had with TV heads purely to seek opinion and not glory. What appeared was incorrect and loads of rubbish," he said.

Bachchan also added that he would apologise to Shah Rukh hundred times if there was any iota of doubt in his mind about his (Bachchan) conduct and behaviour.

Writing from France where he attended the opening of Cannes Film festival, Bachchan said: "If any expression or opinion of mine, deemed or otherwise towards Shah Rukh has been the cause for any grievance then I am sorry for it. I have never deliberately or with any false intent ever meant or said anything towards him, or indeed any colleague or member of my fraternity in my 40 years as a professional."

Bachchan said Shah Rukh has been and is a friend and a wonderful colleague.

"He has never ever crossed that very delicate line between familiarity and respect. On occasion I may have desired a little more of the former, but the difference in our age has perhaps been a barrier. He has never failed to reciprocate affection that has come from me and hopefully neither have I," Bachchan added.

The actor also said despite Shah Rukh's "exalted position and authority", he has always acknowledged his (Bachchan) existence however diminished or insignificant it may now be.

"He has always shown great affection for Abhishek and given him elder brotherly advice voluntarily," Bachchan said.

Bachchan said Shah Rukh has worked with Jaya and the two share a very warm mother-son relationship, reciprocated in equal measure from both.

"His closest friends are our common friends and are like family to us - Yashji, Karan Johar's late father and Yashji, Adi Chopra's father. Gauri his wife has always displayed great warmth and hospitality. Members of his close circle are also sincere friends with my daughter Shweta and her children," he said.

"Shah Rukh knows as do I that if there were to be a need for any clarification on either part, we would pick up the phone and talk to each other or walk across to either home and meet and resolve. If we have not on this occasion (actually we have never had any occasion) then it has shown how insignificant and unnecessary the occasion has been," Bachchan said.

Making an impassioned plea, Bachchan appealed for ending the speculations about his relationship with Shah Rukh. "with folded hands very humbly, I submit to those that desire to prolong mischief and anger and animosity. Please stop," he added.

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