'She asked me. I'll be doing it'

Amitabh Bachchan accepts Asha Parekh's offer to reopen her hospital at Santa Cruz

Amitabh Bachchan accepts Asha Parekh's offer to reopen her hospital at Santa Cruz

Amitabh Bachchan will reopen the Asha Parekh Hospital on March 28. The Santa Cruz-based hospital's new management was keen on the Big B's presence for the occasion.

Fresh Beginning: Asha Parekh and Amitabh Bachchan

"It is a big day for us and the management was determined to have him. We wrote to him and then I personally called him.

He was gracious enough to accept our invitation. We will be honoured by his presence," says the yesteryear actress.

Says Bachchan, "Yes, she asked me. I will be doing it."

Though the hospital re-opens its doors on March 28, patients will be admitted only April 10 onwards. "This is because we want to fumigate the premises thrice.

We have completely redone the place. Everything is brand new from the OT to the nurses' quarters. It is like a brand-new hospital. As we don't want to take any chances, I am keen that the place is free of any bacteria."

Speaking from Bangalore where she is attending a niece's wedding, Parekh adds, "Ever since the hospital closed down in November 2007, I have focussed all my energy into the reopening.

It was the saddest day of my life when the hospital had to turn away patients. The goings-on at that time really upset me. Anyway what happened has happened, we are keen to begin afresh."

Parekh, who is best remembered for her roles in yesteryear flicks like Teesri Manzil and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki adds that this is the reason her television production house also lies dormant for now. "I only wanted the hospital to be back on track; everything else could wait."

Generous donations

The reopening has been possible, she says, thanks to numerous donations from well-wishers and individuals. "Bank Of India has given us a loan of Rs 10 crore. I think we are blessed," she says. "But we have worked hard for it and gone through the rigmaroles."

Apart from the new management, the staff is also new. "When the hospital downed its shutters, most of the staff were given VRS so it is now difficult to take them back."

Parekh has been associated with the hospital for over 35 years. "Though it is named BCJ Hospital, everyone knows it as Asha Parekh Hospital.

It must be at least a 100 years old. I used to visit the place with my mother who was a social worker. Later, I became a part of it. There was a time when I wanted to be a doctor. I am fulfilling this ambition indirectly," she says.

The hospital closed down in November 2007 after union workers allegedly went on a rampage. Some attacked the staff and also raised allegations against the trust's committee members. After a notice period, the hospital suspended operations.