Big B becomes Doctor Bachchan, gets honorary Doctorate from DU

New Delhi, Nov 4 (UNI) For thousands of students of the Delhi University who gathered today at the precincts of the DU convention hall to witness one of the most celebrated students of the University receive a doctorate, it was as if time stood still! For, in their midst was Amitabh Bachchan, one of the Nation's biggest heartthrobs, who was today conferred an honorary Doctorate by the Delhi University, making him the first Bollywood star to receive this honour.

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan was conferred the 'honouris causa' degree by Delhi University vice Chancellor Deepak Pental along with other luminaries like Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, cartoonist R K Laxman and prominent scientist C N R Rao, at a special convocation function here. A thunderous applause greeted the Big B, as he is known to the legion of his fans, as he received the honour for his exemplary contribution in the field of cinema.

Present among the thousands of students in the audience were students from the Karori Mal College, where the Big B studied during his stay at the University almost four decades ago.

Accompanying the superstar at the function was his family - wife and MP Jaya Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan.

In his speech on the occasion, Mr Bachchan recounted his days as a student of the Kirori Mal College where he received his first grounding in theatre and performing arts.

He reminisced how, like all youngsters, the carefree atmosphere of the college, after the disciplined life in school, was a welcome relief to the youngsters, opening them to a whole new set of experiences.

Clearly overcome by a feeling of nostalgia, Mr Bachchan said, "It goes without saying that there is a palpabale nostalgia...about the hours spent at the coffee house, at the bus stop outside the Miranda, yes, yes, always outside the Miranda House," Bachchan said as audience erupted into a huge laughter.

Mr Bachchan completed his three-year B Sc degree in 1967 from Kirori Mal College.

He said it was at the DU where he first received "serious" encouragement as an actor.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who received the honour for her contribution to good governance in Delhi, also reminisced her days in Miranda House, amid cheers from several students from the college present. Dedicating the honorary degree to Delhiites, Ms Dikshit said she was humbled by the gesture of the University.

''I am overwhelmed. I never dreamt of it. But I would also like to tell you that not many in my field of life achieve anything to deserve this kind of honour," she said.

"This award goes to the will of the people of Delhi." More UNI AR PK BS 1551