Aaradhya’s fan sends her gift from Dubai via grandfather Amitabh Bachchan

Photos: Aaradhya getting gifts from fans, not granddad Amitabh Bachchan 

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s equally famous two-and-half-year-old granddaughter Aaradhya received a special gift from a young fan in Dubai. Big B was promoting his soon-to-release film ‘Bhoothnath Returns’ in the city. Amitabh Bachchan posted the pictures of receiving the present from a little girl. The young fan had wrapped the gift for Aaradhya, but opened and revealed the contents to Big B before

The young fan had wrapped the gift for Aaradhya, but opened and revealed the contents to Big B before repacking it.

repacking it for ‘the little one’ again. Amitabh Bachchan said: “This little beauty, who walked through the crowd to give a gift she had wrapped herself for Aaradhya .. insisting that she open it to show me what it was, explaining the contents, putting it back the way it was wrapped and making sure I would give it to the right person .. a delight to be with kids … they are so simple and yet so vulnerable, yet so so correct ..” to help us personalise your reading experience. Amitabh Bachchan flew to Dubai hours after celebrating his

wife and actor Jaya Bachchan’s birthday on April 9 in Mumbai with his son Abhishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya, daughter Shweta and grandchildren Aaradhya, Navya Naveli and Agastya. Also Read: Big B, son Abhishek, daughter Shweta’s special birthday dinner for Jaya Bachchan Big B was touched by the warm reception at The Emirates. Big B had tweeted, “The affection and the warmth of the people, the efficiency, the discipline so admirable.”Source: The Indian Express

Read More........ → April 13, 2014

Big B turns 'taaqat ka bhooth' for energy drink brand

Mumbai, Jan 14 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has donned a new look for energy drink Complan's campaign, and says it is his "taaqat ka bhooth" (ghost of strength) avatar. The 71-year-old posted photographs of his look on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com on Tuesday. He is seen in long hair, spectacles and a white cloak to complete the look. "It's the 'Taaqat ka bhooth' for the engagement as a celebrity endorsement to a product called 'Complan'," he posted. He attributes the new avatar to the "handiwork of many stylists". "The concept of this outlandish clothing was the handiwork of the many stylists that now occupy the space so generously accorded to not just cinema, but the varied other efforts that require a band, a stage and a tentative entertainment platform or stage," he added. However, Amitabh admits to initially being hesitant to sport the new costume. "I was very hesitant to put this up for fear of it being run down, but my reasoning on this was that, a great amount of good work was being planned, by others, so there was the reason that I went in the Reliance Studios and did greater and more valid work," he posted. Amitabh can be seen in campaigns of products like Daawat Basmati Rice, Maggie and Parle's Gold Star cookies, among others. Source: Article, Image: flickr.com

Read More........ → January 24, 2014

Rekha extends friendly hand to Jaya Bachchan

It was a rare moment for Bollywood buffs and industry insiders - veteran actors Rekha and Jaya Bachchan were caught greeting each other warmly at an awards function where megastar Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with a lifetime achievement award. At the Life OK Screen Awards held here Tuesday, Rekha was seated and enjoying the show when the Bachchan trio of Amitabh, Jaya and Abhishek came in midway through the event. While Abhishek was busy giving out media bytes on the red carpet to the electronic media, Jaya walked in whereas Amitabh was talking to a guest. Jaya came forward and saw Rekha but instead of walking away or avoiding her the duo exchanged a warm smile, said a source. Rekha got up and greeted Jaya who also clasped the former's hand amicably. Both the screen icons looked resplendent in gorgeous pink saris and sparkling jewels at the event held at the MMRDA grounds here. At one time Big B and Rekha shared a roaring chemistry on and off the screen. Their last Bollywood project together was Yash Chopra's 1981 entertainer Silsila which also starred Jaya. But since then, the duo who acted in films like Namak Haraam, Do Anjaane, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Mr. Natwarlal, Suhaag and Khoon Pasina, have not worked together. At the 20th edition of the Screen Awards, Amitabh was recognised for his over four decades of contribution to the world of Hindi cinema. Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra and actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha handed over the special award to the 71-year-old. Source: Hindustan Times, Image: https://upload.wikimedia.org

Read More........ → January 16, 2014

Cricket won't be the same without Sachin: Big B

Mumbai, 11 Oct 2013, ( IANS) Sachin Tendulkar is retiring from cricket after the second Test match against the West Indies and Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says the news came as a shock to him. "I heard the news and I was shocked," Big B told reporters Friday on the occasion of his 71st birthday. Batting great Tendulkar Thursday decided to quit from all forms of international cricket after his 200th Test against the West Indies in November. "Sachin is the heart of cricket. He is a phenomenal athlete. He has not just excelled himself in cricket, but he is also a symbol of great excellence. It's unimaginable to see him retire. Cricket will not be the same without Sachin," said Amitabh. --Indo Asian News service, uma/ar/vt. Source: Article, Image: flickr.com

Read More........ → October 25, 2013

Steven Spielberg in a conversation with Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan met celebrated Hollywood filmmaker Steven Spielberg, yesterday, who is here to celebrate the success of his Oscar-winning film Lincoln which is co-produced by his production house DreamWorks and Anil Ambani's . Big B shared a few pictures from this meeting on Twitter and his blog. "A scintillating evening with Mr Steven Spielberg .. films relations scripts trends future .. and more !!," he posted on the micro-blogging site. Taking to his blog, Bachchan wrote, "An evening with an institution .. an evening spent in conversation in the presence of select fraternity and press .. an evening of sharing cinema with prolific maker, inventer, story teller, innovator and one who continues to surprise us with his genius ..

An honest evening - simple and filled with candor !" "Present too, the best in-house fraternity of the time .. a rare presence, but one that lent the evening a feeling of ‘family and brotherhood’," he further added. Also present at the event were Bollywood bigwigs like Abbas-Mustan, Ashutosh Gowariker, Kiran Rao, Javed Akhtar, Sudhir Mishra, Zoya Akhtar, Rajkumar Hirani, Ramesh Sippy, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Anurag Kashyap, R. Balki, Gauri Shinde, Prabhu Deva among others. Source: Page3

Read More........ → March 14, 2013

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan honoured by John Walker & Sons

Amitabh Bachchan was clicked at an event held to honour him as the ‘John Walker & Sons Game Changer of the Century’ Before leaving for the event, Amitabh Bachchan wrote on Twitter: “Working from by BB .. Long traffic drives .. Off to Taj again for another recognition - 'The Game Changer ' .. Really ? Hmmmm” He wrote after the event: “And while I was picking up Award for the 'Game Changer' of the century, Abhishek picks up Award, Best Actor in Comic role for BolB.”Source: Page3

Read More........ → December 20, 2012

Won't get another Amitabh Bachchan in next 100 years

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is turning 70 on October 11 and film director R Balki, who has delivered hits like 'Cheeni Kum' and national award winning 'Paa' with Big B, describes the Bollywood legend as a once in a lifetime actor. Balki also feels that Indian cinema is living a special moment with the veteran actor. "He is once in a lifetime actor and the best way to respect and be friendly.. and love him would be to continue adoring him," Balki said. The ad filmmaker feels that such a multi-talented actor is a rarity. "He is an icon. We are fortunate enough to be living in an era where people like him are there. And I don't think one will get to see another Amitabh Bachchan in the next 100 years. I don't think it can happen," Balki added. "Besides his talent, hard work the personality and his acting skills is a difficult combination to get all together. It is a special moment in Bollywood in which we are living. He is the heritage monument of India," he said. But there are certain things that Balki dislikes in the 69-year-old actor. "The dislike part is he does not drink and smoke, so I can't smoke in front of him. I like everything about him – the way he conducts himself, his wit and humour, his genuinety, his intelligence and his commitment and love for acting," he said. After working with him in several ads and three films, Balki feels its always an honour to work with an actor of his stature. Balki directed Bachchan and Tabu in 'Cheeni Kum' (2007) where a 34-year-old falls in love with a sixty-plus man. While 'Paa' (2009) saw the senior playing the role of a child suffering from progeria. Also, in wife Gauri Shinde's directorial debut film, 'English Vinglish', Bachchan is seen in a cameo role. Balki was the co-producer of this film. "I think it is an honour to work with him. As long as he is ok and doing films with me I am privileged. He is an absolute amazing actor. I don't think so there are any filmmakers who don't want to work with him," Balki said. "He does provide his inputs, suggestions. But he will never force his point of view," he added. Balki is working on another project which will star Bachchan. "I would not do a film with him if it does not suit him. Fortunately, the ideas that we have worked upon till now were for him.. There is another idea that I have for him and I think he will be best for that (film)," he said. He is the biggest motivating force in filmmaking. The moment I have an idea I tell him and if he likes it he agrees. I did not have to convince him, he got convinced by the subject of the films that we have worked on till date," he added. Big B is one such actor who has a huge fan following not only among the older generation but also the younger lot. And Balki is no different from anyone and he admits that he is the biggest fan of the great actor. "I am his huge fan and that is the biggest relation I think I can have with him. I think it would be presumptuous to call him a friend, I would be over exaggerating, I think it would be like disrespecting him," he said. And now that Bachchan is turning a year older on October 11, Balki feels the actor is still like a 40-year-old. "He is bull shitting about his age... For me he is just 40-year-old. He is lying. I think his energy is superb. He does not look or behave like a 70-year-old man, he is so cool," he said.Source: Screen India

Read More........ → October 25, 2012

70-foot painting for Amitabh Bachchan's 70th birthday

Even as actress Jaya Bachchan lines up a slew of events, gifts and surprises for hubby and mega star Amitabh Bachchan, who turns 70 Thursday, a young fan of Big B is working tirelessly 24x7 to gift him a "touching and a very big gift". Raj Kapoor Chitera, 26, is making a 70-foot oil painting which will show various milestones in Bachchan's personal and professional life. Chitera, a resident of Allahabad, has done such work in the past too. In his earlier works, he has tried to push the case for implementing the death sentence awarded to Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist after the attack in Mumbai in November 2008 that left 164 people dead. He has also taken on the theme of pollution of the Ganga. In 2011, he drew a 1,500-foot long painting on Tendulkar to mark his 38th birthday. Chitera told IANS that he was a die-hard fan of Big B, and proud to belong to the city from where the Bachchans trace their roots. "Through

B Town Wishes Amitabh Bachchan On His 70th... by moviezadda 

 humble present, I this want to show Amitji how he still is a smashing hit with his fans, all of us Allahabad  residents," Chitera says proudly. Originally from Ambedkarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, the painter now lives in Allahabad. Producing a large painting for a big occasion is something Chitera is passionate about. Chitera says his Big B work will be in oil paint and on a roll of veneer, so that he "can send it to Jalsa (Amitabh Bachchan's residence in Mumbai) later". "The painting will have shades of all sorts, you will see a picture of Amitji's bachpan (childhood), his marriage to Jaya Bhaduri and his subsequent successes at the box office," the artist says, adding that the painting too, like a film, would have a story line. The films depicted in the painting would include "Abhimaan", "Shakti", "Sholay", "Zanjeer", "Coolie" and "Baghban". Chitera has been a painter and sculptor in sand for the last ten years. On Oct 11, Amitabh Bachchan's 70th birthday, Chitera would also be simultaneously doing a sand art gift for Bachchan, which will be executed at the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. While Amitabh Bachchan's birthdays have thus far been largely private affairs, this time, the family has decided to make it a mega event as he turns 70. Media reports suggest that Jaya Bachchan, along with Piyush Pandey, will organise a two-day art exhibition - B Seventy - set to open Oct 12 at the Nehru Centre Art Gallery in Mumbai. The exhibition is likely to host 70 Indian artists, including Manu Parekh, Paresh Maity, Anjolie Ela Menon, Akbar Padamsee, Badri Narayan, Satish Gujral, Gieve Patel, Jayasri Burman, Arzan Khambatta, Farhad Hussain, Satish Gupta, Sujata Bajaj and Praneet Soi, among others. The lone effort of this artist from Uttar Pradesh, however, will stand out. And not just for its size. Source: Hindustan Times

Read More........ → October 11, 2012

Aishwarya Rai meets Hillary Clinton

Now that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been appointed the new international Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS she’ll be a regular visitor to the UN headquarters in New York City. During her recent trip, Ash met a number of high-profile personalities including US Secretary Of State Hillary Clinton. “While attending the Shared Responsibility and Global Solidarity event, that was attended by former-British PM Gordon Brown (Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Global Education), Ash met Clinton briefly,” says a source. Ash also met Hollywood actors Michael Douglas, Forest Whitaker, Naomi Watts and former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal during her trip. International supermodel Christy Turlington also met Ash at a dinner hosted by the UN Secretary General at the Museum Of Modern Art. “She met Deepak Chopra, and other heads of states as well. She had a very busy weekend, but Ash enjoyed it,” adds the insider. Despite repeated attempts, Ash remained unavailable for a comment. Source: Hindustan Times

Read More........ → October 06, 2012

Not just poster girl for UNAIDS, will do ground work: Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the newly appointed UN Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS, says she does not want to be just a "poster girl" for the organisation but will undertake the ground work to help the agency achieve its goal of eliminating new HIV infections among children by 2015. In her new role, Bachchan will help raise awareness on issues related to stopping new HIV infections in children and advocate for increased access to anti-retroviral treatment. UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe announced Bachchan's appointment as the Goodwill Ambassador in a press conference here. Bachchan said it was an "honour and privilege" to be working with the UN on eradicating AIDS/HIV. "I will initially be like a student, holding the hand of the organisation which will lead me to the real picture on the ground. I don't want to be just a poster girl, don't want to be just part of a platform that will have my face and quotes and voice," Bachchan said. She is planning to travel across India and other countries, interact with people, appeal to governments and talk with pharma companies to see what needs to be done. Bachchan said she had been approached several years ago by the United Nations to be part of several programmes and causes but due to her packed movie schedule, she could not make the time to be associated with the initiatives. "Now I am planning my time forward," she said adding that having been "wonderfully blessed" with a daughter, she can now take time off. "It has been an absolute pleasure to take time off and take care of my daughter," Bachchan said. She said she is at a "good" point in her life where she is planning her career ahead, while also giving time to her family and daughter. Lending her support to social causes like AIDS is not just the cliched "Miss World" talk, Bachchan said. "This is a turning point in my life. I wanted to be associated with the UN at a time when I could actually contribute to the work and the causes," she said, adding that having the blessing of celebrity will allow her to take her message to a larger audience. Bachchan said not many women in India, affected with HIV/AIDS come forward and seek help due to fear of social stigma, lack of awareness and education. She said there is need to spread awareness among women and children that there is hope for them and they should come forward to get adequate medical care for themselves. "By coming on board, I hope to give further impetus to the work that UNAIDS has done and further contribute to the help spread the message," she said. She said it is a "hugely positive step" that UNAIDS believes it is possible to eliminate new HIV infections among children by 2015. "UNAIDS' passion is infectious and I would like to contribute to it. This is shared responsibility and we can achieve it and make it possible," she said adding that it will be a "blessing" to have a generation born free of HIV. UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe welcomed Bachchan to the UNAIDS family. "Bachchan is respected and admired by millions of people around the world. I am convinced that through her global outreach, Bachchan can help UNAIDS reach its goal of eliminating new HIV infections among children by 2015," Sidibe said. The main focus of Bachchan will be to advocate for the Global Plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children and keeping their mothers alive. This plan was launched at the United Nations in June 2011. The Global Plan focuses on 22 countries including India, which account for more than 90 per cent of all new HIV infections among children. Twenty one of them are in sub-Saharan Africa, where the estimated number of children newly infected with HIV fell by 25 per cent, from 360 000 in 2009 to 270 000 in 2011. Progress in sub-Saharan Africa has been made possible through rapid improvement in access to services that prevent new infections in children. There was a dramatic increase in coverage of services in the 21 sub-Saharan African countries between 2009 and 2011: from 34 per cent to 61 per cent. HIV transmission rates from mother-to-child have also declined since 2010 with the introduction of more effective prophylaxis regimens. "Through her work in raising awareness of the issues and advocating for increased access to services Mrs Rai Bachchan will be instrumental in helping to ensure that no more babies are born with HIV and that their mothers stay alive and healthy," said Sidibe. "We look forward to working with her to reach our collective goals." UNAIDS is the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS that leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. Source: Indian Express

Read More........ → September 26, 2012

Bollywood's most lovable teachers

A teacher is often deemed next to the mother. If a mother gives you life, the teacher tells you what to do with it. Today is Teachers’ Day and we bring you a look at some of the memorable teachers seen on screen in Bollywood. Sometimes strict, sometimes fun and sometimes a disciplinarian- a bevy of Bollywood actors including Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah and Shahrukh Khan immortalised various avatars of teachers on big screen. On the occasion of Teacher's Day Sep 5, IANS lists some of the actors who gave some inspirational performances on screen. Amitabh Bachchan: Whether it is a strict Narayan Shankar in Mohabbatein, an eccentric Debraj Sahai, who gives new life to a deaf, blind and mute girl in Black or an honest Prabhakar Anand ofAarakshan, who fought to bring a change in the educational system without compromising on his morals and principles, Amitabh Bachchan brought alive various aspects of a teacher's personality through these films. Source:  ApunKaChoice

Read More........ → September 07, 2012

Satyamev Jayate Aamir Khan graces Time magazine cover

Bollywood star Aamir Khan features on the cover of Time magazine following the huge success of his TV show Satyamev Jayate. "He's breaking the Bollywood mold by tackling India's social evils. Can one actor change a nation?" says the blurb on the cover, which features a close-up of the actor looking intensely into the camera. The TV show brought social issues to the fore. It started with the issue of female foeticide, traversed over various burning social issues informing, educating, sensitising and touching audiences' hearts and ended its 13-week journey with the spotlight on the right to equality. Time had earlier featured Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Parveen Babi on its cover. MORE ON SATYAMEV JAYATE: Aamir Khan to be govt’s mascot against malnutrition: Khan, who had raised social issues through his 13 part successful television series Satyamev Jayate, had asked people to raise voice against atrocities against women and children in India and make government act. READ NOW Aamir Khan's Satyamev Jayate was doctored: Resul Pookutty: Aamir Khan’s recently concluded Satyamev Jayate is under fire again, this time from his own fraternity. Oscar-winning sound specialist Resul Pookutty has hit out at the humanitarian TV show for being “doctored.” RESUL SPEAKS Satyamev Jayate had huge impact:  Imran Khan: Actor Imran Khan believes his uncle Aamir Khan's TV show Satyamev Jayate, which brought social issues to the fore, has had a great impact on the society. "It has had an impact... Some people, of course don't agree with what he is saying or doing. But they are talking about it," the 29-year-old said here. MORE Is change here to stay?: Satyamev Jayate. If you’d been watching the show, you know what a roller coaster ride it’s been. Even if you haven’t, you can’t have escaped the after-show talk, the opinions, the shock, the awe. The nation oscillated between tears and disbelief, anger and despair, criticism and pride. But many saw a ray of hope. FULL STORY Satyamev Jayate wraps up, Aamir bids adieu: Farewells are bittersweet- bitter because the journey has to be halted and sweet because of the experience the journey turned out to be. Aamir Khan, the mind, producer and the host of the show affected everyone wonderfully with his raging social issues, sensitive opinions and more than anything, delicate sentiments. READ HERE, I’m shy, Shah Rukh’s not: Aamir Khan Actor Aamir Khan admits to feeling low after getting exposed to the grim reality through his show Satyamev Jayate. He says, "Sometimes I feel completely shattered and depressed about how things are and how desperate the situation is and in such

situations me and my team go into a complete low."AAMIR SPEAKS  LATEST ON AAMIR: Aamir Khan enters Brazil with Fanaa Aamir Khan may be currently in Chicago shooting for Dhoom 3. However, he is all set to make his presence felt in Brazil. Fanaa, which had arrived more than half a decade ago, is seeing a theatrical release in the country. What is surprising is that this is one development which has caught even those associated with the film by surprise. MORE Aamir, Imran to work together in P.K. If all goes well, Imran Khan will share screen space with mamu Aamir Khan for the first time. Buzz is that after Ranbir and Ranveer refused to play the part, Aamir recommended Imran for Rajkumar Hirani's P.K.FULL STORY Aamir Khan skypes from Chicago A few days ago, HT Café wrote about Aamir Khan travelling to Chicago, USA, with wife Kiran Rao and son Azad. The actor will be busy with the shooting of Dhoom 3 during the trip, but he will also make time for his family when he is away from  sets.READ  Advance booking opens the for Talaash: Talaash makers have opened the advance booking in select theatres and that too when the film is still over 100 days away. Talaash stars Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor. VIDEO, Source: Hindustan Times

Read More........ → September 05, 2012

Amitabh Bachchan carries Olympic torch

Amid loud cheers from hundreds of his fans, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan today carried the Olympic torch at Southwark here, a day before the opening ceremony of the sporting spectacle. The 69-year-old actor in a white track suit covered a 300-metre distance running and walking occasionally and waved at the cheering crowd, as the Olympic Games torch relay entered the 69th day today. Ahead of his participation in the relay, Bachchan said it was a "proud moment" for him and the country to be invited to carry the Olympic flame. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and NRI businessman Laxmi Mittal were among others who were part of the relay team today. "OK!! HERE IT IS : Have been invited by London Olympic Organizing Committee to carry the torch in the relay tomorrow... Honored to be asked to carry the Olympic Torch in London at Southwark around 10:30 AM !! A proud moment for me and country," Bachchan had tweeted yesterday. The 32.7 mile long relay of the Olympic flame on its final leg has participation of legendary personalities from all over the world and all walks of life, including Lawrence Dallaglio, Lewis Moody, Jim Anderson, Phil Packer, Darren Fitzpatrick and Tom Davis. Bachchan is not the only celebrity to lend the Indian touch to the 2012 London Olympics. Indian music maestro AR Rahman teamed up with his Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle to compose a track for the inaugural event. "It's a track in Punjabi celebrating the Indian influence in the UK. It's a part of a medley in the Olympics opening ceremony, according to Danny Boyle's creative wishes!," Rahman had written on his Facebook page. Ilaiyaraaja's song is also set to feature in the medley of music tracks to be used in the inaugural programme. Source: Hindustan Times

Read More........ → July 27, 2012

Now do vote for 'The Greatest Indian' list

From Jawaharlal Nehru and Lata Mangeshkar to Vikram Sarabhai and E. Shreedharan - a list of Indians who have shaped the country since its independence, have been listed under various categories as part of an initiative by History TV18 and CNN IBN to win "The Greatest Indian" title. As many as 50 nominees across five categories - political leaders, arts and social leaders, movie related, entrepreneurs and idea leaders and sports and administrators, have been short listed for the initiative. Based on British show "The Greatest Briton", which has been adapted in 21 countries so far, the series, which went on air Monday, is set to trigger a debate on who is the greatest Indian after Mahatma Gandhi. "I'm sure this series will trigger an enthusiastic debate in homes, offices and public places around the country," Rajdeep Sardesai, editor-in-chief, IBN18 Network, told in a press statement. According to Ajay Chacko of A+E Networks | TV18, the poll will help youth recognize the achievements of country's key individuals. "This partnership with CNN IBN enables HISTORY TV18 to bring forth the inspiring figures over the years, after the Mahatma, who have had the maximum impact on the country's present and future. "While the jury and nationwide polls will ultimately lead to the search for that one individual who's contribution to India has been overwhelmingly acknowledged as the most enduring, it also gives us Indians a chance to be aware of the contributions of many other great individuals from diverse fields," he told. The jury for the entire process consists of a panel of 28 Indians from different walks of life. It includes names like Shashi Tharoor, Nandan Nilekani, Rajkumar Hirani, Soli Sorabjee, Shabana Azmi and Arun Jaitley among others. Along with the nationwide poll, equal weightage will be given to the jury's selection as well as a separate market research poll conducted by The Nielsen Company. At first, a shortlist of the top 10 'Greats' will be decided, followed by the selection of the 'Greatest Indian'. The shortlist of top 10 'Greats' is slated to be revealed July 1 and the second round of voting will begin soon after. The initiative will culminate with the announcement of The Greatest Indian in a glittering ceremony to be telecast around Independence Day this year. As part of the nationwide poll, viewers can cast their vote by visiting the website TheGreatestIndian.in or giving a missed call to a unique number assigned to their nominee of choice. Here are the names of some leaders listed under each category: Political leaders - Atal Bihari Vajpayee, B. R Ambedkar, Indira Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, APJ Abdul Kalam Arts and social leaders: Baba Amte, Mother Teresa, Pt. Ravi Shankar, M. F. Husain, Bismillah Khan Movie related: Amitabh Bachchan, Raj Kapoor, Rajinikanth, Satyajit Ray, Dev Anand, Mohammad Rafi Entrepreneurs and idea leaders: Homi Bhabha, Dhirubhai Ambani, Ghanshyam Das Birla, J. R. D. Tata, Ramnath Goenka, Amartya Sen Sports and administrators: Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Dhyan Chand, Viswanathan Anand, Milkha Singh Source: Garam Gossip

Read More........ → June 09, 2012