Bachchan is Star of the Century
2001-09-10 17:36
Cairo - Legendary Indian cinema star Amitabh Bachchan cut short
filming of his first Hollywood movie, to receive an
Egyptian film festival award in Cairo.
The Alexandria International Film Festival was on Monday expected to
bestow Bachchan with its "Star of the Century" award at a
ceremony in the northern Egyptian city located on the Mediterranean
coast.
Charismatic Bachchan greeted journalists and fans at a downtown
Cairo press conference with the Arabic greeting of "salaam
aleikum", or peace be upon you.
During the conference, Bachchan attributed his international
fame to "Indian cinema, (something which) is close to the hearts
and minds of the people".
Young female fans, some veiled, surrounded the 59-year-old star,
who posed for cameras and signed autographs in scenes reminiscent
of his 1991 visit to Egypt when he was mobbed by fans.
Bachchan, who was recently voted the greatest star of stage and
screen by a BBC internet poll, is currently filming the first
Indian-Hollywood co-production, entitled "Kaante" or Thorns.
During his 118 movies over three decades, he created the persona
of an angry young man who could also dance and romance.
Bachchan also anchors the Hindi-language version of the US
quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, which has become an
instant hit in India since starting last year.
The Alexandria International Film Festival finishes Monday. - AP
- SAPA