Amitabh Bachchan dismissed the notion that Indian films should aspire to win Oscars, saying that Bollywood was more creative than Hollywood.
India turns out about 1,000 films in 12 languages each year. No Indian film has ever won an Oscar, although Mother India and Lagaan have been nominated.
Bachchan, who is currently visiting Britain to receive several awards, said that he did not believe an Indian film winning an Oscar was the "ultimate recognition for any great film" and added that it was offensive to suggest that.
"I do believe that Indian film has its own exhibition," Bachchan said, referring to the International Indian Film Academy's annual awards. "Whereas we respect the Oscars and what they are, our creativity is the best," he added.
Bollywood, which makes three times as many films a year as Hollywood, has captivated cinema goers around the world with its escapist musical extravaganzas.
He welcomed films that married Western and Indian cinema such as 2004's Bride and Prejudice, a co-production featuring Indian and Western actors.
"Any kind of marriage is going to be good when creative interests are common," Bachchan said.
{{/usCountry}}"Any kind of marriage is going to be good when creative interests are common," Bachchan said.
{{/usCountry}}"I do believe that if the United Kingdom wants to make a film with India, there can only be benefits and vice versa."
Bachchan said that, although he had never appeared in any Hollywood film, he would certainly consider roles from the West.