Sporting a red Puneri pagdi and angavastra presented by chairman of Pune festival, Suresh Kalmadi, Bachchan won many hearts by declaring to Pune's bhaiyo aur beheno, that he promised to appear at the festival every year, and apologised for refusing several earlier invitations due to ``lack of time.''

As lezims and dhols reverberated the Nehru Stadium, and crowds stamped and pleaded at the gates to be let in, history blended with the present. A mock Chhatrapati Shivaji leading a flag-bearing Shivshahi entourage, son Sambhaji, Madhavrao Peshwa and Lokmanya Tilak strode across the stage, to mark the tradition of Ganesh pooja from yesteryears.

In keeping with the spirit of patriotism that has swept the festival this year, it was Aye mere watan ke logon, a tribute to the martyrsof Kargil, rendered by Bela Shende of `TVS Saregama' fame that set the function rolling; though few noticed, for all necks were craning toward the vague direction of the Big B who had barely arrived, while photographers scuffled to capture the star, and cameramen tottered at the edge of the stage, blocking everyone's view.

Performing at the festival for the tenth time to present the premiere of her performance of the year, dream girl Hema Malini in a turquoise Narayanpethi saree, received the Pune Festival award from Kalmadi, instituted in '96. ``It is with the blessings of Ganesh that my daughter Esha will perform at the festival this year,'' she said, expressing the honour and love that Pune has bestowed on her every year as the compelling forces behind her selecting Pune to perform her premier every year.

Sporting a red bandhani turban, Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of the Pune Festival, declared Pune the destination of the 21st century and promised that the 2000 festival would be far more grandiose. ``Ouraim is to convert Pune into a tourist city,'' said Kalmadi, expressing his pleasure at finally succeeding in securing Amitabh as the chief guest.

Voicing similar sentiments, Amitabh praised the festival for taking Ganesh festival beyond the boundaries of Maharashtra, and for securing for Pune a proud place on the international map. In a more religious vein, he attributed the Kargil success to the blessings of the Vighnaharta. ``Pune holds a special place in my heart for it is here that I proposed to Jaya, then studying at FTII, '' he confessed, to resounding cheers.

The web site that will take the festival to millions in 80 countries, punefestival.eth.net, was unveiled at the stage, flanked by garlanded statues of Shivaji and Tilak.