Exit Chavan,enter Bachchan

Conspicuous by their absence were the leaders,including MP Suresh Kalmadi of the Congress that witnessed an upheaval after the actor shared the dais with Chavan at the inauguration of the northernbound arm of the Worli-Bandra Sea Link in Mumbai last week. Chavan,who was also scheduled to attend the event,had rushed to the literary meet a day earlier,on Saturday. He had avoided a direct reply as to whether he would attend Sunday’s function as well. On Sunday,Chavan did not show up while even the Congress ministers shunned the event.  Kalmadi’s name was mentioned in the programme schedule.

NCP ministers Jayant Patil and Laxman Dhobale,were present in the audience. Organising committee chairman Satish Desai was the only Congressman present on the dais.

Bachchan smiled his way through the sammelan. He played down the “differences” as part of life. On the recent controversy,he had this much to say: “Maharashtra has given me everything; name,fame,home,wife,children,close aides and even critics. Criticism is also essential in life. A black mark is applied on the cheek of child as lucky charm (kala teeka). I consider the opposition a lucky charm.”

Earlier,people had occupied the chairs by 5 pm though the programme was scheduled at 6.30 pm. The crowd applauded his every gesture. “I congratulate Maharashtra on the golden jubilee year of its foundation. Pune has been the centre for Marathi literature and language and its contribution to Marathi culture is immense. I am overwhelmed to stand on this sacred land.”

He paid tribute to Marathi poet Vinda Karandikar who passed away recently. “I have been staying in Maharashtra for 41 years and I consider myself part of this state.”

He then recited two lines each of Suresh Bhat’s Labhale Amhas Bhagya Bolato Marathi and Ram Ganesh Gadkari’s Mangal Desha Pavitra Desha Maharashtra Desha. He also recited his father’s Jeevan Ki Apadhapi Mein,Khoon Ke Chhapein and Bharat Ke Saap. On demand,he also recited a few lines of Agneepath.