Amitabh gets hug from Sir Attenborough for 'The Last Lear'

New Delhi, Sep 9 (UNI) Accolades and awards are nothing new for this Superstar of the Millennium.

However, the praise that came his way recently from one of the greatest name in the field of International cinema, for his performance in his forthcoming English film 'The Last Lear' would surely have left even Superstar Amitabh Bachchan a gratified man.

During a recent screening of 'The Last Lear' at the London Film Festival, the Big B, as the Superstar is known in film circles, received a ''laudatory hug'' from Sir Richard Attenborough, the director of the Oscar winner 'Gandhi'.

After its official selection and screening at the London Film Festival, 'The Last Lear', which features Amitabh Bachchan in a ''once-in-a-lifetime'' role of a Shakespearan actor, got a several minutes-long standing ovation.

Just when Amitabh Bachchan, who himself was present at the festival, was bowing down to humbly accept the warm audience appreciation, there was some murmur at the gates. Some security guards came to the organisers and requested them that Mr Bachchan was required backstage as a very important celebrity wanted to meet him.

When Mr Bachchan excused himself momentarily, he was stunned to find none other than Sir Richard Attenborough waiting to hug him! As soon as he saw Mr Bachchan, he hugged him and congratulated him on the astounding and refined performance that he has rendered in the film.

Coming from the legend who gave the world the 8-Oscar winner 'Gandhi', this is quite a compliment! Bachchan himself was very humbled and graciously accepted his compliment.

Big B's performances in 'The Last Lear' and his earlier film 'Sarkar Raj' and his consequent popularity have evoked the envy of Hollywood great Robert De Niro.

Curious to know the secret of the popularity of Amitabh Bachchan, he has requested a DVD copy of the Ram Gopal Verma's 'Sarkar Raj', which features the Big B along with son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Apparently, De Niro has heard good reports about Sarkar Raj's lead actor Amitabh Bachchan and wants to see the man in action himself.

Trade sources say he is more interested in why Amitabh Bachchan is termed as the most popular actor in the world.

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