Amitabh Bachchan has made a rare guest appearance in a regional film,in the Rajnikanth starrer Shivaji The Boss. Earlier he had been saying in a pivotal cameo playing himself in the Kannada film Amruthdhare.

Says the Big B, "I had done the guest appearance in Amruthdhare at a friend's request. In this case the producer of Shivaji brought the rights of a film of mine that had closed shop due to financial constraints.

In return I was required to work as a guest in the film being made with Rajnikanth. That's how it happened. And thank God it did. I remember Rajni starred in the Hindi film Andha Kanoon which had me in one of the most dynamic guest appearances of my life."

Reacting to Rajnikanth's remark that about Rajni and the Big B being the king and the emperor, respectively, the Big B exclaims, "Rajni is phenomenal. The largest, the best and truly the BOSS. It is ridiculous to compare me to him.

Outside of Tamil Nadu people have no idea whatsoever what he is all about. The adulation, the following is incomparable. We are friends, colleagues. His modesty is legendary.

His simplicity in his existence and in his demeanour is also legendary. Don't believe a word of this 'king' and 'emperor' thing. We all know that he is THE Emperor. I abhor epithets, but for him I will make exceptions, for he is truly exceptional."

The Big B is full of pure admiration for what Rajnikanth has achieved. "Look where he came from and what he has become. Sheer hard work, talent and the belief that he could do it....and he did! Such a fantastic example for any youth in any part of the world.

Despite his extraordinary career he has remained that simple down –to- earth person he was when he started off. All his people around him are friends that were with him when he was a nobody."

The Big B reveals touching details from the Tamil superstar's life. "Do you know, a Fiat car that he bought when he had attained his early success still remains with him and he only uses that car to date?

He's a humble human-being and a caring and considerate co- star. Rajni is terrific company on the sets and a fine gentleman. He's religious, traditional and charitable.

And most importantly, he, along with his equally modest wife, have brought up their two daughters well. His daughters are a reflections of him. For me, the way your offsprings have turned out are the truest reflection of your achievements."