Amitabh Bachchan conferred honorary doctorate

London, Jul 20: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been conferred an honorary doctorate by a British University for his contribution to the movie business in India.

While receiving the honour by the De Montfort University at Leicester, the megastar said, ''This is a very humbling experience.

It is an honour for the Indian film industry.'' According to a De Montfort University spokesperson, ''Our graduation ceremonies are the highlight of the academic year, when we celebrate the success of our graduates. An important part of this is the awarding of honorary degrees to individuals who have achieved distinction in their fields and who will provide inspiration to our graduates and students.'' ''Amitabh Bachchan is a well-known figure in the creative industries and his energy and professionalism will be an inspiration to our graduates and students across the board, and especially to those wishing to pursue careers in this sector,'' he added.

The University had earlier conferred an honorary degree on former South African President Nelson Mandela for his charity work.

After the ceremony, Mr Bachchan met the local Asian disapora, accompanied by friend and Samajwadi Party MP Amar Singh and Keith Vaz, MP Leicester East Keith Vaz, before heading off to the Walker stadium, where he was presented a No 9 t-shirt of Leicester City Football Club.

In London, he will meet leader of the House of Commons Jack Straw, Secretary for Education Alan Johnson and secretary of state for Europe Alan Johnson. Today, he will be meeting secretary of state for Culture Alan Johnson.

UNI