Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan and Abishek Bachchan are proud parents of a baby girl born two days ago. Below is what Grandpa Amitabh Bachchan had to say about his grand daughter on his blog:

“The soft innocence of nature rests in my arms, oblivious of what else happens around her. Occasionally she opens her large and what looks now to be eyes of the lighter hue, which those that have dealt with similar, know shall change with time. Often the gentlest of smiles quiver across her pouted upper lip, the shut eyes bringing expression through the brows and the settling down to that dream she must dream. Her head covered in the littlest of head gear she will ever adorn, snuggles into her mini quilt of varied colors dominated by the pink softness of its material.

As I look down upon her I bring myself back to the visual when I had placed her Father in just condition into my Father’s hands, to be heralded into our home. I stare at her in silence. She reciprocates in similar vein. It is too delicate a moment. I am unaccustomed to such delicate state. Should I shake my arms cradle like to give comfort, or maybe simply remain still as family cameras and members gather around. The ladies about, ogle with baby like sounds intermittently, and deliver diverse opinions on who she resembles. There are animated conversations of how this state of delivery was reached, in some intricate terminology and detail. These words are new to me. I have not heard them. Or perhaps not heard them often enough to know them. After a pregnant pause it is time for her to be airlifted from within my arms. I give this angelic face a prolonged look …

Dad ! I hold the 9th Bachchan in my hands .. this family that you started .. !!

Amitabh, Ajitabh, Shweta, Nilima, Namrata, Abhishek, Naina, Bhim and now .. this beauty, unnamed so far … I hope you and Ma look upon us from above and bless us and your latest addition. To carry forward what then may have seemed a somewhat limited expectation. The tradition continues and may it prosper by your love and your aashirvaad.

It has been a tiring day for all, especially the Mother, who has shown exceptional strength and courage. It has been a day of great joy and combined happiness. It has been a day of immense emotion. Tears of joy have erupted among all that were from family and about Aishwarya all along. On occasion they have tried desperately to occupy mine as well. But as the ‘official’ camera recorder of the event I have secretly dropped a few behind the eyes of the lens that I hold. These are rare moments and rare reactions.

A new life a new generation has begun . . . ”

Visit Amitabh Bachchan’s blog for the rest of what he has to say.