DU confers honouris causa degree on Amitabh

New Delhi, Nov 4: The Delhi University today conferred a honouris causa degree on mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan for his contribution to the Indian film industry.

This is the first time that the University has conferred an honorary doctorate on a film personality, an alumnus of the Kirori Mal College.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, noted cartoonist R K Laxman, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister C N R Rao were also bestowed upon the degrees at a special convocation this morning.

They were presented the degree in recognition of their work in their respective fields.

The entire convocation hall reverberated with rapturous applause as Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Deepak Pental honoured the legendary actor, who completed his BSc degree in 1967.

In his brief address, Bachchan fondly recalled the years he spent in the Institution and thanked the University authorities for the honour.

Bachchan's family, including his wife Jaya and son Abhishek, were also present at the function.

The University will also honour historian Romila Thapar, industrialist Ratan Tata and prominent writer Mahashweta Devi at a convocation to be held later, the official said.

Britain's prestigious De Montford University in Leicester conferred the honorary doctorate degree on the Indian mega superstar on July 19.

The Government of France has decided to honour Bachchan with its highest civilian award 'The Legion d'Honneur' (Officer of the Legion of Honour) at an award ceremony to be held later.

UNI