London, July 19: In yet another feather to his cap,
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was today 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.
Sixtyfour-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 a 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 here yesterday 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 tomorrow.
Bureau Report
