Breathing easy at O2, London

The Unforgettable Tour showed at the O2 Arena, London during the weekend and buzz is that it was the best-attended show for the Bachchan bunch.

The highlight of the UK leg was Shilpa Shetty, who grooved to current chartbusters including Race, Beedi, Its Rocking and Mauja Hi Mauja. London couldn't get enough of their favourite star.

Amitabh, Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh, Vishal, Shekhar and Shilpa Shetty performed and after each act there was a unanimous 'Encore'.

About the show, Shilpa Shetty says, "I have been at O2 Arena as part of the audience before but dancing on stage in front of 18,000 screaming fans gave me a different high. The audience response was phenomenal.

They gave a standing ovation to Mr Bachchan after his performance. It was truly an Unforgettable experience."
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Big B sweeps 20,000 spectators off their feet in London at The Unforgettable Tour

This has never happened before. On Saturday night history was made at the posh 02 Arena in London. 20,000 spectators got to their feet for more than half an hour to watch Big B perform live on stage.

Speaking from London the Big B says, "What you've heard is absolutely right. This is unprecedented, and overwhelming. I've never gone through this experience before. Throughout my performance at the 02 Arena, the audience didn't sit at all. All 20,000 of them stood on their feet while I performed. It was a deeply moving and humbling experience. I've never been in a performance like this ever. And perhaps the audience too had never felt like this before. The entire venue was sold out. We all got standing ovations. The audience just freaked out."


The Big B's enthusiasm is understandable. At a time when the entertainment industry was singing dirges for Bollywood world tours 'Unforgettable' concerts have been an overwhelming success for the Bachchans. Now that 'The Unforgettable Tour' is almost over, it can be told. It was the Big B who held the concerts together.

In every city that the Bachchans performed in the US, West Indies and England, AB by far is the main attraction with Abhishek and Aishwarya forming the sidelights. Even Shilpa Shetty who joined the Bachchans in London admits as much. "The Big B is such a rock star. Performing with him was an eye-opener."

Adds Preity Zinta, "Let's admit it, the crowds came in such huge numbers mainly to see the Big B. We were the side attractions. The way the audiences everywhere reacted to him had to be seen to be believed."
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The Press Conference of The Unforgettable Tour at St. James Park Hotel in London

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"Performing live is far more fulfilling experience than in front of camera" - Big B

"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Firstly, our apologies for being late. We've just got off the plane from New York, baggage, getting dressed and trying to cope with the jet lag has been taking its toll. That's why I'm wearing dark glasses. I hope that you'll understand. It's been several years since I've been on a concert of this nature and I'm truly enjoying the experience. It's not my age to be on stage anymore but I'm being provoked by the youngsters and the younger generation. The fact that this is going to give me another opportunity to meet the fans and to be with the audiences has got me on board. We've had a wonderful trip so far and as we approach our last leg, we do look forward to giving it that little bit extra in the last miles, as we all say. Thank you for your support. Media, you've been wonderful with us throughout this tour and we hope you'll continue doing that. We truly appreciate the contribution of Wizcraft for putting up a show which has surpassed some of the previous efforts that have been done by us. Once again, Thank you so much for being here everyone". With this speech, everyone sitting in the Press Conference put their hands together for one man who has brought and is bringing the Indian Film Industry and it's lovers across the globe together with each passing day - The indispensable and the undisputed, Mr Amitabh Bachchan.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. The Unforgettable Tour's London Press Conference was just that apt moment for those who love and cherish Indian Cinema. So, Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel brings you the exclusive chit-chat with the Unforgettable Stars from London's St James Park Hotel where the entire gang interacted with the U.K media, strangely, in a very fun loving and a humorous mood after a long one hour wait. Well, let me tell you, it was worth the wait!

Being a live show, how did you physically train yourself to cope up with the stress levels?
Amitabh Bachchan - Oh dear. Thank you for reminding that I need physical training (everyone laughs). I think that we all have a routine every morning or evening or whenever we work in front of the camera. When the show was initiated, I think that we needed to get a little more energy because there is a lot of singing and dancing. Being on stage live is a totally different experience from being in front of the camera where you have the benefit of re-takes. But yes, we've been doing our regular gyms and rehearsals for over three months and hopefully it's working well.

Q. This goes out to everyone on the panel. Out of all the performances, except your own, whose performance did you enjoy the most?
Amitabh Bachchan - Vishal and Shekhar (everyone laughs).
Preity Zinta - We all liked each others performances but above all, Mr Bachchan's dialogues. That was my favourite part from the Tour.
Riteish Deshmukh - I agree with Preity. I think when Amitji recites his lines, it's extremely emotional and gets difficult to perform after that.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - The whole show is awesome. We've genuinely enjoyed all the performances. But Pa's dialogues are just totally in the movement. Every entertainer works and performs for the audience. So it's the audience's response which is the most memorable at every venue. They've just been exceptional.
Abhishek Bachchan - Having Dad on the Tour is a great honour for all of us present on the dais right now. Needless to say, he is a star attraction. Whenever he is on stage, everybody backstage just stops everything and focuses on his performance. Coupled with that, I'd like to believe that the show is very interactive and the way the audiences have performed has been truly unforgettable.
Amitabh Bachchan - For me it's a little bit depressing backstage when I watch these youngsters move (other actors laugh) because I can't move like that now. I feel depressed and I hope that some day I'll be able to do what they do on stage.
Abhishek Bachchan - Yes...so he comes out on the stage and knocks us straight out (other actors laugh).
Vishal Dadlani - Yeah...and then comes out on the stage and says 'Aaj Khush Toh Bahut Hue Honge Tum, Haiii?' (Amitabh Bachchan laughs)

How strenuous has the schedule been for you so far?
Preity Zinta - It's been hectic because we've been travelling the world over but it's been fun. I think the most hectic has been last nights travel. None of us has slept on the plane. But we're here in London and it's nice to see such a big gathering. There is a lot of excitement and fun associated with this Tour. So you don't feel the stress that much.

How much of the show is really rehearsed and is there something somewhere, some kind of a surprise for the London show?
Wiz Viraf Sarkari - The show is absolutely rehearsed.
Preity Zinta - Not when Abhishek is there (laughs).
Wiz Viraf Sarkari - We've been rehearsing before we kick started the show for about a month in Mumbai. Every last performance happens to be a rehearsal for the next performance. I think there are some special moments in the show especially when the stars are jamming into each others acts.

How is the London show going to be different from the other shows you've done so far in the Unforgettable Tour?
Amitabh Bachchan - Oh! (After a pause) We have Shilpa Shetty in this one (everyone laughs).
Preity Zinta - When we had this show in San Francisco, my brother came for the show. I asked him how he found the show, to which he said that it is the best show he has ever seen because everything he knew about Indian Films was a part of this show. He could really identify with it. I think that's why the show is different and hope that you come and see and....
Abhishek Bachchan - (completes Preity's answer)....have the same opinion.
Preity Zinta - Sorry I am a bit slow (laughs)

The Tour must have been a special one for you Mr Bachchan as you must have spent some quality time together with your family?
Amitabh Bachchan - All of us are just one big family. It's not just the three of us. It is great fun being together. We often don't get time in Mumbai even though we are in the same city working on different films in different studios near by, live near each other. We do not get time to even see each other. That goes for the members of my immediate family as well. We all live under the same roof but many a times, days go by and we don't see each other because of our shooting schedules. But this has been a wonderful experience. We travel together, move together, perform together, laugh together, pull each others leg after the show is over. I hope that we can spend many more days like this.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Riteish said something really sweet yesterday. He turned around and said that as soon as we go back, we all are just going to keep coming for breakfast and lunch and dinner as often as we can. We must meet up if we could because it's the Unforgettable Team should continue as we go back. We are beginning to feel it now. The time we've spent together has been so wonderful and we are all feeling the same way as Riteish.

Is the brand Bachchan for world domination?
Amitabh Bachchan - (After a pause) No! (everyone laughs)

What sort of happiness do you get by doing a live performance as suppose to the one in front of the camera?
Amitabh Bachchan - Good question. I think that when you're on stage and perform live, it is far more fulfilling experience than when you're performing in front of the camera not knowing what kind of reaction you'll get. Because here the reaction is immediate, because visually you can see what it's doing to you, what you're doing to the audience. I think it's a lot more satisfying which is why when Aishwarya said that it's the audiences performance which is keeping us going and on stage. When we hear the screams and the roars and the applause, that provokes us and gives us that extra energy to perform better. I doubt very much if that kind of experience happens in front of the camera. It's just a very muted performance without reactions. At the most you get the director coming out and telling you that it was a good shot. A lot of time passes since we start working on a film. Sometimes a year before you can actually get to hear that appreciation or not. Here this is a lot more enjoyable.

How does this Tour compare with your other Tours?
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - The tour is unforgettable for multiple reasons. We always feel unfair when you ask us to compare the tour experiences, film experiences or any of our work experiences because each one at that given point of time is extremely special. We give our all to it and we come out all enriched with experience that down the line if you ask us to choose, it's like telling a mother to choose between her kids. But this Tour, personally for me, is extremely special because this is my first tour with the love of my life (hugs Abhishek) and it's his first world tour. It will always be like...We did this together. It's again special because it's got my mother-in-law and she is here with us too. Moments spent with her were memorable and will be cherish for a long long time (everyone claps).
Preity Zinta - I'd like to be a bit humorous. Actually, this is the first time that another heroine has taken care of me. So, if I go to have lunch or dinner at her apartment or room, she always serves me and takes care of me. So, I think that's pretty unforgettable (all laugh). I've always been pampered by Ash and there will never be a Tour like this again. So I'd like to thank Wizcraft and Mr Bachchan and everyone on this Tour. As a performer, it's a different story all together seeing Mr Bachchan perform. And really...I've grown up watching Sholay and watching his films. So it's amazing and I know that such thing will never happen again (all applaud).
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - I'd like to add the fact that even though today I'm family and I do call him 'Pa' and that kind of comfort level, you know but it's just over a year now since I'm a part of the Bachchan family. I've been a part of this industry for a while and to grow up watching Pa's films is an honour. It's a dream to be doing this show with him. I am so glad Pa agreed to be a part of this Tour. He is a legend here...
Amitabh Bachchan - (humorously)....This is getting extremely embarrassing and I'd like to leave now with your kind permission (all laugh out loud).
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - No way.
Amitabh Bachchan - Stop!! (then smiles)
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - You're too sweet (laughs)

This is your first world tour Riteish. How's the experience been like and what steps have you taken to support the climate change which is associated with this tour?
Riteish Deshmukh - It's quite strange because I just finished shooting a film with Amitji. (looking at Mr Bachchan) Sorry Amitji, apologies but I had to mention it. As a child when I used to watch his films I was like ....Oh man! It's Amitabh Bachchan film. I never dreamt that one day I'd be doing a film with him. To share any kind of screen space and stage space with him is an honour and I'll always cherish it. The day when Abhishek called me for the world tour about a year and a half back, I immediately said, 'Let's go and have fun'. They've really taken care of me. As I've mentioned before many times that I am the youngest member of the Tour and the youngest one is the most loved one. I got to know Vishal and Shekhar and Preity a lot more through this tour. I got to know Ash know as well better. I am glad that because of Wizcraft, this day has seen the light of the day. About the climate change, about couple of years ago, I got aware of the seriousness of this issue and what we could do to help it. I watched the ads all over and people talking about it. I do what I can do to support this cause and I think we need to take actions at our own level to make a change at a larger level.

You are an artiste who doesn't return annually for tours be it at various intervals of your career. Frank Sinatra once quoted that each tour has its own memories and emotions that are associated with that phase of your life you're in. What does the Tour represent to you and how have things changed in the three decades you've spent bringing our cinema to international shores?
Amitabh Bachchan - I think initially what it demonstrates is the resilience of Indian cinema and the fact that our presentations and our performances and the way we come out to perform has not only increased in numbers but increased in the way it's presented. I keep repeating this story again and again. In 1973, I came out here with Jaya and was invited for a show in Southall and there were five people in the theatre. Two were Jaya's relatives and there were three ushers. Now we've matured to huge venues and a large number of people coming out to see us, the most memorable for me was at the Wembley Stadium. So every year with the awareness of Indian Cinema growing across Indian shores and different parts of the world, this is great news and if we can through our concerts and meet and greets and our performances create that atmosphere where our films are going to be watched by a larger number of people then I'm very happy to be associated with this. The entire film fraternity - my colleagues, my seniors, my juniors, they've all worked very hard with a great amount of confidence and aggression to make sure that the legacy of Indian cinema continues.

What is the nature of your relationship with the Indians in India and abroad?
Amitabh Bachchan - Well, primarily we're really proud of our country, our history, our culture. It goes to thousands of years. We're proud of the fact that we fought for our Independence and the largest democracy in the world and we're really proud now that the way India is progressing after the economic liberalisation. India today is a recognised force and I hope to see that India is no longer referred to as the third world country or a developing nation and should be referred to as developed nation (everyone applauds). Those that chose to go out of India and settle abroad and work, one must acknowledge their desire to do so but what I have noticed is that in spite of them going out and settling abroad, they still have never forgotten their roots and that's why we come and relate with them.

You've been writing on your blog throughout the Tour. Are you really enjoying the process of writing it?
Amitabh Bachchan - I've not been just writing during the tour. I'm now on Day 120 (i) and as soon as I get off from this Press Conference, I'll start the Day 121. I just feel that it's a wonderful medium to express myself, to express thoughts and ideas that come to me, to be able to connect to my fans and well wishers on a daily basis and an immediate basis. I know that the media, through its wonderful medium, will transfer the relationship that we have with you through your newspapers and television. Blog is something where we get to talk to them directly. We get their responses directly. It's a wonderful experience and I don't have to see the morning papers to check out what I said or what my reactions are or to wait for a week or a month to get a feedback in reverse as to what that particular article meant to several people. I write my thoughts and within seconds, at times even faster, I get a response and that's marvelous. I think very large percentage of those who visit my blog are complimenting. There are abuses as well, there is dislike and debate and there is discussion too. I encourage that. I do not ask my server to monitor any remarks that comes to me because I think it's important to give space to people who do not agree with you. It's wonderful to know that the whole world does not have to necessarily agree with what you have to say just because you happen to be a film star. I'm very happy what I'm doing and hope to continue that (everyone applauds).

Who was the brain behind this Tour and who selected whom for this Tour?
Amitabh Bachchan - All of us, everyone's brains. All of us selected each other (everyone laughs and then applauds).

There are so many other causes to support. So why only climate change, why not poverty? Climate change is a western cause which is finding its way back home in India. Did you find the cause or did the cause find you?
Amitabh Bachchan - When IIFA was celebrated in Yorkshire, that's the first time two years ago that Wizcraft International and the founding committee decided that we would acknowledge the cause of global warming. There was an association called 'Global Cool' which was based outside England and we joined hands with them and are very strongly behind it. When we took this cause with this tour, we thought that this was something universal. We felt it would be out of place to be performing in Houston for a village in India and we felt that if we're touring the entire world, we should look at a cause that encompasses everyone. I think that all of you would agree that global warming is indeed a universal cause that all of us should look after. You mentioned it being a cause too western. I think that is not entirely correct. I think all of us are victims of global warming. It could be that the U.S and the developed world is largely responsible for the emissions. But in time to come with India developing and the kind of development that is taking place, we will also be victims of the same kinds of emissions and therefore perhaps the West is trying to warn us to take pre active measures before we get into a situation that they are in now presently. I think that is very wise. At this year IIFA in Bangkok we had the good fortune of honoring Dr Pachauri whose work on environment got him the noble peace prize. During his lecture which he gave at the business forum, we were made aware of several other factors which we were terribly excited and moved with. One was the idea of growing more trees and joining a campaign of a billion tree program. I'm happy to state that we have now managed to go beyond the billion figure. Dr Pachauri also stated that 33% of the world is still without electricity. It's a little contrary to global warming to try and work with electricity. But he wanted to use Solar energy to try and get electricity to the villages. A large number of that 33% comes from India. Hopefully, through this Tour we will be able to at least contribute to one village. As the Tour goes to different countries we want to increase the number of villages we can lend our support to. He has given us all a solar lantern. It's a kind of system that is well prevalent now in some of the villages in India and we hope to be able to propagate that (all stand and applause).

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The Unforgettable Tour Diary: Day 24 - It's time for Olympic cheers and costume goofs

- This time around, the word 'Unforgettable' was more suited for the stars themselves than the audience. Reason? News of Abhinav Bindra winning an Olympic Gold spread like a wild fire and though everyone out there was elated, the man who was seen celebrating most was none other than Amitabh Bachchan. He wasn't making any effort whatsoever to conceal his excitement and was more than vocal in letting everyone know about him being overjoyed at India's moment of pride!

- Talking about Olympics, apart from performing on stage (obviously) and blogging (obviously...again!), Amitabh Bachchan is constantly cued in on all the recent happenings at the biggest sporting event. He is watching the sport in all the time available to him and is not just aware about everything interesting which is happening on a day to day basis but also well versed with the medal tally and the works. He was as excited as a child the moment news broke about Bindra winning Gold Medal for the country.

- Meanwhile on stage, he was doing his part and winning his audience time and again. A cast was spell on Chicago crowd as Big B continued to pull something or the other out of his magic hat. Hit dialogues from his yesteryear films, trademark dance step of 'Jahaan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai' [Kaalia], the title track from Don - everything just added on to spellbind the audience.

- For the first time in the US leg of the tour, there was no Madhuri Dixit to join the stars. However, youngsters took it on them along with Big B to ensure that her absence was compensated for by their bravura act. It was a small venue which could accommodate 9000 people but the buzz is that an additional 2000 paved their way into the venue. Yet another night. Yet another event. And some more magic!

- The venue boasted of huge production values and as stated by quite a few members from the audience as well as promoters, the city had never witnessed any Bollywood show like this before. LED screens were all over with special electronic curtains creating a surreal feel. Wizcraft, people behind 'Unforgettable', were in their complete elements here and they put their Commonwealth Games experience to full use here. The stars are especially excited about the man named Paul who has come up with a fantabulous job while playing the role of an outstanding technician.

- Talking of people behind the stage, Vishal can't ever forget a lady by the name of Noreen! It could have been one messy Sunday but Noreen ensured that there was no letdown whatsoever. Read on to know what really happened!

- Apparently, Vishal's costumes went missing and there was no time to launch a search. Reason? The show had to begin at 7:00 PM and it was already 6:20 PM. Stationed at his hotel, Vishal had to get something on to suit the mood of the stage and performance. This is where Noreen came to his rescue! She took him to a nearby mall and used her fashion experience to the fullest. In 20 minutes flat, she along with Vishal ran from one store to another, picked up stuff, didn't bother trying them out, dumped them into one huge bag and rushed to the venue. Of course, it was a fun of a different kind which Vishal got out of the entire experience.

- Meanwhile buzz continues to be high all over the USA, courtesy an aggressive promotion and publicity which is happening in New York - the epicenter of all the action. At Times Square, every 5 minutes there is an advertisement of 'Unforgettable' which has been playing throughout the tour duration. Now that's quite a high for the troupe since this prominent advertising junction has been witness to some of the top international stars enjoying this kind of coverage.

- After all the weekend fun, it is time to chill out, relax, watch some films and hang out in general for all the stars. From here, it is going to be Independence Day celebrations with New York being a witness to an 'Unforgettable' concert slated to take place on 15th August.

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Some Unforgettable pics

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Sound glitch makes audience the hero

DAY 15

- Show No. 5: And it would sound like a cliché if commented that Houston turned out to be yet another madness in motion over the fortnight gone by. Houston not just carried forward from San Francisco but turned out to be notches above that. And of course, Toronto, Trinidad as well as LA. With approximately 15000 strong crowds thronging the venue, it was yet another starry night where audience was the ultimate winner!

- Audience was the ultimate winner? But why? Well, read on. For all the performers out there, they had an assignment cut out for them. They had to rehearse well. They had to wear the best costumes. They had to keep their energy level high. They had to do something creative while in the realms of staying within the content charted out for them. And yes, they had to occasionally be innovative as well. However, at Houston, audience proved that it could be quite some force when given an opportunity!

- And this opportunity came, courtesy a technical glitch. For close to a minute, the sound completely disappeared even as the performance was happening on stage. And this performance was from none other than Amitabh Bachchan while he was singing 'Rang Barse'. Big B was going great guns, the dancers along with him were in great mood as well, and suddenly, in the middle of the act, the crowd stopped hearing voice from the stage. This is when they impromptu decided to join the fun instead of being a spoilsport. From here on it was crowd's turn to take it on from there, and rest, as they say, was history!

- For this entire minute, the crowd continued to clap, sing together in unison, get on the seats, dances on the floors and ensured that the momentum only went up instead of dipping. Shiamak Davar's troupe which was dancing on the stage didn't get hassled as well and went on with the performance without being bothered by the technical glitch.

- Looking at the way audience was reacting to the entire situation, it was difficult for Riteish, Vishal, and Shekhar to hold themselves any more. While seeing it all from the sidelines all this while, they too jumped on the stage and joined the show on the stage. Clapping hard and dancing even harder, each and every person on the evening ensured that it was one of the BEST ever of their lives!

- Talking about Vishal and Shekhar, after four rocking shows behind them, it was irresistible for them not to check out how it really feels from the audience point of view when the performances are on at the stage. This is why this time around they decided to have a clearer dekko from closer to the audience than seeing it all either from backstage or sidelines. They watched Big B perform to dialogues from Agneepath ['Apun Ka Aaj Maut Ke Saath Appointment Hai'] and Deewar amongst many others and as it comes from the horse's mouth, there wasn't a single eye around, which was not moist. - Apart from the show, which was undoubtedly huge with a starry presence, there were quite a few behind the scenes incidents, which made a follow up to this evening together. Apparently, after the press conference a day earlier followed by a 'Meet and Greet' event, all the stars were together in the hotel elevator except for Amitabh Bachchan. As they stepped out at one of the floors, Big B happened to be around who invited everyone to have dinner at his place.

- The conversation which followed was quite eventful for everyone as it went from 8:30 PM in the evening till 2:00 AM in the morning. Conversation revolved around everyone narrating some special incidents from their lives which were hitherto untold. Apart from some of the real bizarre incidents told, there was one heartwarming story which surprised everyone around. This was the one where Big B threw some light around his visit to Kabul for the shooting of Khuda Gawah.

- Apparently during his travel to Kabul, the city was facing troubled times. While Big B traveled in a helicopter, he was escorted by two helicopters at either ends for security reasons. As his helicopter hit the helipad, he wasn't allowed to step down. Reason? As per the Afghani tradition, a special guest isn't allowed to step down on the ground. Instead, he is carried to the destination. So there came a huge 'Pathan' who carried Big B all the way from the helicopter to his destination.

- There is an emotional tale about this 'destination' as well! The moment Bachchan entered the village, he saw horde of people out there on the streets. While he was humbled by the fact that everyone came to greet him on their land, he was shocked to know the real reason behind this huge assembly of people. As goes the legend, they all had vacated their houses since they wanted to extend him the invitation of staying over at their place. As per locals, since there were no hotels worthy of his stature to accommodate him, they wanted Bachchan to pick and choose any of the houses which he deemed comfortable enough. An emotion-struck Bachchan eventually had to relent and was a guest of an Afghani family during his stay at Kabul!
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When a fan fell in love with Ash

DAY 13

- Ever since the performance at San Francisco, the team of 'Unforgettable' has been in a chill-out mode. Madhuri Dixit returned to Denver, Abhishek and Aishwarya flew back to India for a short while, Big B decided to spend some time in New York, Preity Zinta stayed on in SF itself with her niece, Vishal Dadlani decided to make an early visit to Houston...

- Meanwhile good reviews continue to keep the show's momentum on. Last, one heard that the show all the way in London is seeing great booking as well. However, the sad part is Vancouver trip being canceled. Apparently, the stars were more than willing to perform but the promoter made it impossible for everyone involved. General sentiment for the team was to go ahead with the show and make it happen for the fans. However, the promoter messed up on the arrangements and the team decided that rather than work with someone who didn't know his job, they rather make way out of it!

- However, in spite of 'thoda gham' here, there is a lot of 'khushi' for the international recognition that the stars are getting. A few days back, each of the stars from the show was handed over a commendation from none other than the Attorney General of California for their contribution to culture togetherness. Quite a matter of pride for them since the recognition came from the member of a foreign government.

- Being a small family that makes Bollywood, people continue to keep meeting at some juncture or another. Karan Johar was there in town for his work on his next directorial venture My Name Is Khan and happened to show the teasers of Dostana to the privileged lot. The vibes are great and it appears that Karan along with his writer Shibani Bathija (who was accompanying Karan and has earlier written his Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna as also Kunal Kohli's Fanaa) indeed have a rocking rom-com waiting to be grabbed!

- While watching the promo of Dostana, came across as a pleasant surprise for Vishal, it was sad for him to have missed visiting a 'Jazz' event. Certain unforeseen circumstances required him to skip it though he is sure that in days to come, he would check out at least four different concerts once the Houston show is through!

- Talking about Dostana, there was quite some 'dostana' demonstrated by an enthusiastic fan in the recent concert. Waving from the crowd, he seemed to be in love with stars. This is why when Abhishek hit the stage, he shouted at the top of his voice - 'I Love You Abhishek'. Respecting his loving gesture, Abhishek too shouted by - 'I Love you too'. This is when the fan screamed back, 'I Love your Dad as well' to which Abhishek replied, 'But I Love my Dad more than you love him.' Well, the story didn't end here. The moment Aishwarya came to perform, the same man made his presence felt, this time claiming to be in love with the entire Bachchan family including Ash! Ash did acknowledge him and thanked him for his love and affection! No wonder, it turned out to be some evening for the guy!

- Members of 'Unforgettable' had a pleasant experience while on the sets of Kambakth Ishq a few days. In spite of the film boasting of primarily an international crew, the songs being played on location were those from Bachna Ae Haseeno. In fact, a crew member (named Willoughby) got so excited by hearing the film's title track that he decided to get a tattoo on him with plain and simple words 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' being pierced upon! Yes, he has been quite serious ever since he was informed that the words stood for 'Watch Out O Beautiful Ones'.

- As the mini-vacation period comes to a close with the next concert being planned for the evening of Saturday, August 2, stars have started to gather once again. Abhishek and Aishwarya would be back in the evening, Amitabh Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit are back, Vishal is already in the town while others too are expected to be there before the day comes to a close. From here on, it would be time for some quick reconvening before the BIG night arrives!

- To make this BIG night further more exciting than any of the four concerts held earlier, Vishal and Shekhar are planning to spice up the proceedings further. While all this while they have been enthralling the audiences with songs from Om Shanti Om, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Bluffmaster and Tashan, they may add or get some replacement running with tracks from Salaam Namastey, Jhankaar Beats and even Waise Bhi Hota Hai - Part II ('Allah Ke Bande'). Now it has to be seen how the magic of a Deewangee or a Dil Dance Maare is further enhanced in Houston!
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Abhishek, Riteish, Vishal and Shekhar climb the speakers

DAY 09

- Within 24 hours of rocking the show at LA, the stars were already on the job in front of San Francisco crowds. With back to back shows over the weekend, fatigue was bound to set in but the moment lights went on and thousands of fans screamed in unison, it was business as usual for everyone who forms a part of 'The Unforgettable Tour'! The business of announcing their arrival. The business of entertaining people. The business of making sure that everyone out there got much more than what they could have ever bargained for.

- No wonder, young bunch of four freaky guys - Abhishek, Riteish, Vishal and Shekhar - decided to do something different. In fact, they didn't quite decide to do this; it just happened. So what were they up to this time around? Well, if the stage wasn't big enough for them to jump around all over, this time they didn't even leave alone the speakers. Climbing up the speakers on the stage in both the directions, the four broke themselves into a pair each and stood up and clapped while the world watched. This act was to be seen to be believed!

- While it appeared in LA that 20000 people had occupied the seating area of 12000 people then San Francisco wasn't really left behind. At least in LA people chose to occupy their seats and at maximum get into the aisles; here at SF, no inch of ground space was left vacant. So much so that people stood up on the chairs and were seen clapping hard and trying to have a dekko at the stars on the stage.

- Well, the stars did oblige, as they have been doing in the 3 concerts that have been held so far! Amitabh Bachchan came up with an astounding performance when he recited ever-so-popular dialogues from films like Kabhi Kabhie, Silsila, Deewar and Agneepath. The crowd, which otherwise was at its vociferous best, went silent the moment Big B's voice loomed large. Last one heard, the magic of 'Khush To Bahaut Hoge Tum' is reverberating the city of SF till this hour!

- A thing to be remembered about Big B's performance is that rather than just being physically connected to the audience, he is also making an emotional connection. This is something which can be observed when he walks up on the stage and recites his dialogues. While some of them get the legendary actor all moist eyes, even audience isn't spared of the emotion. It is actually surreal to witness people continue to give the same kind of love, respect and affection to the spoken dialogues which were first heard 25 years back!

- Vintage Bollywood is continuing to enthrall the crowds with Madhuri Dixit rocking the show once again after LA. Onlookers claim that they have been waiting for a moment like this for years now. And it is indeed quite some moment when she merely winks and passes a glance to the waiting audience. No wonder, people out there are loving each and every moment when Madhuri graces the stage with her presence. The 'Dola Re' wave continues!

- Yet again, the impeccable arrangements are meeting with quite some appreciation from the stars. Since the SF show happened within 24 hours of the one at LA, the team of 'Unforgettable Tour' didn't quite have time in hand to check out the sound arrangements. Moreover, there wasn't a tech-rehearsal either and it was all left to the organizers (and of course God!) to make things happen. Fortunately for everyone involved, there wasn't a slightest of blemish as the show went seamless from first till the very last minute. With a clockwork precision to boast of, it was one evening to be remembered!

- Just before Vishal and Shekhar were required to go on stage for their performance, Abhishek met them back stage and together they made a resolve to storm the city of SF further. 'If LA was good, this had to be great' - they promised each other. No wonder, the 'Bluffmaster' act turned out to be the best ever of the tour so far. Making sure that there was never a single dull moment as everyone jammed on stage, the team of Vishal, Shekhar, Abhishek and Riteish were at their energetic best in this segment. Of course, speakers turned out to be their stage this time around (remember the incident mentioned at the very beginning of the feature?!)

- There is a special Gujarati section which goes on when Vishal and Shekhar come on board. With Abhishek and Riteish joining them for this part, it turned out to be one complete mad house all over again. Any casualty? Well, Vishal's voice went for a toss after the show and it was only hours later that he came back to a sane state!

Thankfully, it is going to be a week long break for everyone from this point on. After spending some more time in SF, the team would be moving to Houston on 29th July. With the show being planned way down on 2nd August, it is going to be some massive party time for all the stars in the interim!
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Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan with other stars at The Unforgettable Tour

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When Madhuri-Ash reunited for 'Dola Re Dola'

DAY 08

- The BIG evening arrived. The evening of 26th July. The evening when Madhuri announced loud and clear, yet again, that she is THE lady when it comes to making hearts 'dhak dhak' go all over again. Worldwide. And she did that in style. Making her debut in 'Unforgettable' at Los Angeles, she made a grand entry where she arrived with a horde of dancers who graciously made way for her to take center stage. What followed from there on was sheer magic!

- It was just the sound of 'Ku Ku Ku' (from the famous 'Choli Ke Peeche' composition by Lakshmikant Pyarelal) which was good enough to send the crowds in ruptures. No, Madhuri didn't perform on this number but the one which kick started the event was 'Ek Do Teen', yet another LP composition from 'Tezaab'. With a phenomenal crowd backing behind her, she went on to do many more tracks including A.R. Rahman's 'Kay Sera Sera' (Pukar).

- However, the highlight of the evening was her pairing with Aishwarya Rai for the number 'Dola Re Dola'. Ismail Darbar's magic spellbinded a 20000 odd crowd yet again as Madhuri and Ash matched steps in perfect rhythm all over again. LA was enthralled but there was a lot more in the offering!

- Buzz is that 20000 patrons out there at the venue were actually occupying a space which was meant for 12000 people. No wonder, there were people all over including aisles. Production values at LA, rightly considered to be the 'Mecca of global entertainment', were huge and as per insiders, they were even better than what the stars had witnessed in the opening show at Toronto!

- With great sound to match, the props and lighting were great too. LCD curtains, backstage LCD screens, gizmos - all of them contributed to the LA concert matching standards as witnessed in international shows. As someone rightly pointed out backstage, it seemed as if nothing lesser than Madonna was performing LIVE!

- Talking about international standards and Madonna, audience didn't care less since they had Amitabh Bachchan amidst themselves. Though everyone from Riteish Deshmukh to Madhuri Dixit had their golden moments while audience too having all the right reasons to rejoice, the atmosphere was altogether different with Big B taking center stage. He sung his famous numbers from the 70s and 80s all over again but the moment of the event was him reprising his unforgettable trademark dance steps for the number 'Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai' [Kaalia]!

- Big B taking center stage comes with a story by itself. As everyone is aware by now, he has been indisposed for last so many days. He wasn't in his best spirits till moments before his act and was wrapped in muffler and shawl. However, the moment he got into his costume and arrived in front of a roaring crowd, it was a different Amitabh Bachchan altogether. Not showing any signs of discomfort, he gave the appreciative 'junta' it's paisa vasool moments!

q - Meanwhile the 'bachcha brigade' has been in it's elements as well. Riteish is enjoying all the attention he is getting while kick starting the events and the LA concert was no different. Getting madder with every passing day, he is now used to the thunderous response his acts have been getting him. Even though the songs and the dances remain to be the same from one show to another, it is the improvisation and sheer comfort while occupying the stage which is making all the difference.

- Ditto for Preity Zinta who has been dancing away to glory with her many songs including the ones from 'Kal Ho Na Ho' [Shankar Ehsaan Loy]. Humor too is accompanying her wherever she goes since now she is being termed as a Lady Soldier. Reason? The flu has spread it's wings over the 'pretty woman' as well and at LA, she too took the stage in spite of being unwell!

- However, the man who is continuing to get more and more whacky day by day is Abhishek Bachchan. Yet another show, yet another entry from the crowds. And this time around, he also had a cradle/suspended platform (akin to what one witnesses with those who clean windows at high rises) for company as he juggled from one end of crowd area to another! He went berserk and also did the crowd, which continued to make this tour one evening to remember for all!

- While so much happened on stage, back stage drama was in full force as well. Vishal Dadlani shares an interesting anecdote. Apparently, while working on the sound design for the show, he was interacting with the Sound Engineer who belonged to LA and had earlier worked on setting the stage for international concerts. Oblivious to the stars for which he was working for this time around, he wasn't clued in to the legend called Amitabh Bachchan. This is when Vishal woke him to the fact. He gave him a simple analogy. He asked him how would he react if he worked setting up the platform for someone like Elvis Presley. All dreamy eyed, the Engineer's obvious answer was - 'Unbelievable and over the moon.' To this, Vishal replied, "Bro, today you are doing it for someone as legendary as Presley. Get your best work in place, stay tuned and do check out the response from the audience. You would have lived you dream!'

While it is obvious that the Engineer as well as thousands of fans did get to live their dream, it was another concert on another day, just in a matter of hours for the stars. As they moved out of a enthralling response in LA, it was time to board flight for San Francisco and rock the show. Again!
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Time for some 'dhak dhak' to kick start!

DAY 06

-It was BIG so far, it is bound to be BIGGER from here on. 'Dhak Dhak' Queen Madhuri Dixit has joined the show and stakes have gone further up from here. There would be seven shows in USA over next few days and as is pretty much expected by now (looking at the response in Toronto and Trinidad), they are all already sold out. And yes, Madhuri would be featuring in each of these shows.

- Talking about Madhuri, the young ones on the show are already smitten by her charm and grace. That she is gorgeous is hardly a secret but her friendly and cool persona has impressed everyone out there. No wonder, Abhishek, Riteish, Vishal, and Shekhar can't help being mighty impressed by her demeanor.

- Further publicity for the tour is on in full swing in LA. There was almost a daylong press conference held in the city and to everyone's mighty surprise, apart from (obvious) arrival of Indian media, there were also dozens of US based media people present for covering the event. Believe it or not but in there were channel representatives from Afghanistan as well as Persia. Yes, there were Indians galore as well (quite a few belonging to 'Desi' channels and web portals) but what was heartening was to see Fox channel running a special on Unforgettable as well. Videos from the press conference and the tour were beamed by an hour on the channel with international repute! No wonder, LA is rightly termed, as an international center of entertainment

- While there is quite some 'khushi' in the Unforgettable camp, there is a hint of 'gham' as well! Amitabh Bachchan is ill and has been down with flu. It is widely suspected that Shekhar is the reason behind that! Reason? He caught flu the moment he landed in Toronto and while he has more or less recovered, seemingly it has been passed on to Big B! Last one heard, everyone is laughing around and keeping a distance from the composer!!!

- Flu means that Amitabh Bachchan has been out of circulation for two days now. So while all the youngsters are having fun and attending press conferences and cracking jokes and roaming around, the Senior B is keeping all precautions to be in his best shape before the mega event on the night of 26th July. Being grounded by Mrs. Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, Big B has his laptop for company and is keeping himself busy blogging with his fans and followers around the globe!

- Meanwhile, if Madhuri Dixit has made nostalgia come alive all over again for her US fans, Aishwarya Rai is turning out to be the perfect representation of the Indian film industry. She is enjoying a pleasant double role here. While for a wide section she is representing India, for quite a few Americans she is being treated as 'one of them' due to her presence in International cinema for last so many years. She is being queried about the release of the latest installment of 'The Pink Panther' and other impending Hollywood projects. However, not to be carried away and respecting the troupe she is a part of; Ash is sending out clear vibes that she is an Indian at heart and well demonstrated her priorities.

- Going by the true spirit of 'chilling out', everyone went for the screening of 'The Dark Knight'. While Abhishek, Aishwarya and Riteish couldn't resist having a dekko at the film within a day of their landing at LA, Vishal and Shekhar went a day later! Once again, appreciation for the special effects and action in the film came for all around appreciation.

- A lot happened in terms of Bollywood meeting Hollywood over the week gone by. While the team of 'Kambakth Ishq' can't top going gaga over Sylvester Stallone, the team of Unforgettable too had an encounter, which would be unforgettable for them in years to come. They came across face to face with Kevin Costner in the hotel where they all are staying. Costner was in town for the premier of his latest movie 'Swing Vote' and met everyone individually. He has been invited for the show and it has to be seen if he too gets bitten by the Bollywood big!

- Those who visited Universal Studios to witness the shooting of 'Kambakth Ishq' were in for some surreal moments awaiting them. It was quite an experience to see Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor and the likes to be shooting on the sets of a Hollywood studio, something that is unprecedented. There were countless onlookers at the shoot was in progress. Later in the evening, Sabeer Khan (director of 'Kambakth Ishq') celebrated his birthday by taking Vishal, Shekhar, and Anvita (dialogue and lyrics writer of the film) for a private gathering in a Japanese gathering. Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, Aftab Shivdasani, and the film's crew joined them as well. All of them have been extended an invitation for the show now!

- On the personal front, even Vishal and Shekhar were in for some surreal moments as they got to spend some quality time with Madhuri Dixit all by themselves. The two were strolling around in a mall where they happened to see Madhuri as well. She, along with her husband, looked like a little lost in finding directions in the mall and was looking for a mall. This is when the composer duo came for her rescue (!) and bailed her out. Smiling ever since then, they haven't stopped gushing and blushing! Jokes apart, one facet of hers which has been managed to impress them both is her pleasant and chilled out nature. Not carrying any airs or starry tantrums around her, Madhuri stayed on to be humble-as-ever in her conversations!

- Talking more about Madhuri, highlight of the evening of July 26 is going to be, what else, but the coming together of the Queen and Ash for the 'Dola Dola' number. Envisaged to be executed at a grand scale, everyone is looking out with a bated breath for this one performance. Looking at the response in Trinidad where maximum applause came for anything and everything which was pure Indian in nature and presentation, it won't be surprising if this Ismail Darbar composition goes to win accolades all over again.

Stay tuned!
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Overwhelming response indicates likelihood of 3 additional shows

DAY 04

- Let's talk about the big news first. As per reliable sources, looking at the overwhelming response in Toronto and Trinidad, the tour has been extended by a day. Instead of Amsterdam hosting the grand finale on 29th August, Düsseldorf has been added to the scheme of things. While a show being held on 30th August at Düsseldorf is a certainty, there are also chances of a couple of more shows being added to the tour in the first week of September. Stay tuned for more updates!

- Coming back to what stars did in the day gone by. Well, most of them decided to enjoy the day off and catch up on some well deserved rest. The best part about their stay in LA was some good Indian food though! Everyone from Bachchans to Vishal and Shekhar (who arrived a day later after chilling out for an additional day in Trinidad) was treated to sumptuous Indian food which came as a bonus.

- Vishal, his wife, Shekhar and the rest of the band spent most of their time traveling. After their flight being delayed by an hour, insult to the injury came in the form of their aircraft continuing to hover around in the air before landing at LA. It was way past 1 AM that they eventually checked into the hotel.

- The hotel is a beauty in itself though! An exclusive super posh hotel at the famous Sunset Strip in LA, it boasts of a personalized villa for each of the stars (yes, you read it right)! Not just it offers a private dining hall and other basic facilities for everyone residing out there, it also boasts of a common courtyard where friends can come together for a chat. With a welcome champagne bottle helping everyone in regaining energy, the hotel is making sure that it turns out to be one 'unforgettable' outing for the visitors from India.

- No wonder patrons are extremely exercised about the hospitality extended by the hotel. Not just are the arrangements impeccable, for those looking at flexing some muscles, there is a famous gym out there which is touted to be THE BEST in America. Ahem ahem, someone out there is already thinking of getting into an extensive work out! However, what Vishal is longing for is the BEST BREAKFAST in America. Well, it's his tummy doing all the talking on an off day!

- Each of the stars is busy making his/her own plans of visiting varied zones in LA. While all of them have plans to get together for the screening of The Dark Knight later in the evening, in the day time a few of them are also planning to visit Universal Studios. Vishal for sure is quite excited since he would be catching up with the crew of Kambakth Ishq which is currently shooting at the studios. The common person present would be Anvita Dutt Guptan who has written the lyrics and dialogues of both Kambakth Ishq and Bachna Ae Haseeno.

- Meanwhile, Shekhar has all the plans to blow away his hard earned money in a matter of a day! Reason? He is aiming at hitting the jackpot in numerous casinos in LA. Has he ever won in the past? Well, he claims so, though people close to him state otherwise! Will he turn lucky? Stay tuned and we would report on that as well!

- Stupendous success of Toronto and Trinidad has resulted in word of mouth spread fast in the European continent as well. Since the show has been widely successful so far, number of other European cities (where there are currently no plans for the show to be hosted) are also showing keen interest in hosting the stars from India. Will they oblige and make it 'unforgettable' for the Europeans as well? Well, it is a wait and watch situation. Till then, everyone is looking at chilling out for one more day before getting ready to hit the stage once again on 26th July!
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