Abhishek detractors should eat loads of humble pie: Amitabh
Subhash K. Jha - 2/7/2007
Yes, the brand endorsements continue and have never been so good, contrary to certain media analysts, who recently headlined that "The King Is Dead Long Live The King". It is a rather prolonged thesis on my diminishing and expired brand value and the rising value of my colleague and dear friend Shah Rukh Khan.
Firstly, the King is not dead. The prayers and good wishes of the people of this country keep insuring that time and again. All my clients have renewed their contracts (Dabur, Emami, Reid & Taylor, Cadbury, Parker) and if I might add, at enhanced rates for a substantial period of time.
Fresh and new products are in negotiations and soon we should be announcing their presence in my life. In particular, one historic endorsement... more of which later. ICICI did not renew with me, and the reasons for that I would not like to discuss in public.
No, it is not difficult to find time for films and endorsements. A very proficient schedule manager in our organisation ensures that. Family and social events are a pleasure to be associated with and they find their own time.
But what really satisfying is the campaigns highlighting social and national causes. Polio and India Poised are a pleasure, as have been the campaigns for Uttar Pradesh, I being the brand ambassador for the state.
These are done, obviously, without any monetary considerations, and fill me with a sense of great pride and fulfilment. Let me also say, nothing and nobody lasts forever... not Shah Rukh Khan, not me. It's how long you last and what you achieve within that time, that matters.
Your movie assignments remain as dense this year as they were last year. Which are the films we can look forward to? Every other day we've a director clamouring for your attention and pouting when he doesn't get it.