Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan was accorded an enthusiastic welcome by his fans here today when he arrived for his first film shoot in this eastern metropolis after over two decades.

Hundreds of people, including members of the Amitabh Bachchan Fan Association, eagerly waited outside the airport here from early morning to catch a glimpse of the star, who once worked in a private company in the city before entering films.

Bachchan was repeatedly asked about his health by the fans as he waved and said: "I am quite well." Bachchan, here to shoot for Rituparno Ghosh's "The Last Lear", was driven to a hotel amidst tight security provided by police and private security guards. He was accompanied by co-star Preity Zinta.

The superstar had shot Shakti Samanta's bilingual film "Barsaat Ki Ek Raat" here in the early 1980s.

Before launching his Bollywood career in the late 1960s, Bachchan briefly worked for a private company in Kolkata. Later, he became Kolkata's "son-in-law" after marrying actress Jaya Bhaduri, whose family has its roots here.

Bachchan will be here for several days to shoot in south Kolkata's Prince Anwar Shah Road area. He is also scheduled to attend a function as a corporate house's brand ambassador as well as the centenary celebrations of the Calcutta Club.