"But today I wish to address an issue that has been played out for months and one that perturbs me no end. It is the matter of my relationship with Shah Rukh.
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. It is hurtful and unwanted and I wish to bring with all sincerity a final end to this much imagined ugliness.
So I shall start with myself first.
If there has been, for any reason whatsoever, a lapse or error on my part I wish to apologize for it right here and now. 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. It is not my nature and does not fall within the confines of my upbringing. I am filled with remorse if some have felt otherwise. I would wish that this plea of mine coming directly from me be given its due merit of forgiveness.
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. Despite his exalted position and authority he has always acknowledged my existence however diminished or insignificant it may now be. He has always shown great affection for Abhishek and given him elder brotherly advice voluntarily. Having worked together with Jaya 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.
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.
There are well wishers on both our sides, committed and passionate. If they are upset for something that I may have done or not done it is deeply regretted. I have never shirked the responsibility of an error nor shied away from correcting a fault. Forgive my errors if any I pray and allow me the intent of correction.
The spoken and the written word are vulnerable indicators of perception. Each expression can connote through the liberty and guile of intelligent juxtaposition, a different meaning. The language that we use ensures that. In this intriguing world of thriving middlemen it is possible to accomplish it.
And I direct the attention of my readers today to an earlier paragraph above on 'the strength of the tongue and the spoken word..' and with folded hands very humbly submit to those that desire to prolong mischief and anger and animosity. Please stop. You have the power with you to bring change. It is not just a matter of Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. It is a matter which embraces a much wider spectrum.
I thank you for your patience, for your concern and for your understanding -
Amitabh Bachchan"
So much has been portrayed in the Indian media about AB Sr.'s - SRK's so-called rivalry. Do you feel Amitabh Bachchan is speaking what he truly feels about this relationship with SRK? Don't hesitate to share comments / views / opinions.Taken from : http://blogs.bigadda.com/ab/2008/05/15/day-28i/#more-86
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