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Big B conferred honorary doctorate in UK
Sixty-four-year-old Bachchan, a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, received the degree at the graduation ceremony of the De Montford University at Leicester.
In yet another feather in his cap, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was on Wednesday conferred with the honorary degree of Doctorate of Arts by a British University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the movie business in India.
Sixty-four-year-old Bachchan, a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, received the degree at the graduation ceremony of the De Montford University at Leicester.
The University had earlier conferred an honorary degree on former South African President Nelson Mandela for his charity work.
The De Montford University attracts a considerable number of students from India ever year.
Bachchan said he was deeply humbled by this recognition.
The megastar said his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan had done PhD in English Literature from Cambridge University way back in 1954 and was referred to as "Dr Bachchan" and whatever he is today is because of the academic influence of his parents on him.
Amitabh Bachchan, who arrived in London on Tuesday accompanied by Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, is expected to call on Jack Straw, leader of the House of Commons, and other members of the Tony Blair Cabinet on Thursday.
To celebrate the honorary degree conferred upon Bachchan, Keith Vaz, MP, former minister for Foreign and Commonwealth office, will host a dinner at the House of Commons on Friday.
"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 the film sector," a spokesman of the De Monfort University said.
