All of sixty-four, and Amitabh Bachchan still sets hearts aflutter across the world. Men and women swoon when they see his larger-than-life portrayals on screen, making him one of the most sought after actors in Bollywood today.

The latest feather in his cap, a National Award for his sensitive and charged interpretation of a deaf, mute and blind girl's teacher in the film "Black", has given him more cause to celebrate.

The pleasure is evident as he plays to the audiences once again, thanking them for appreciating his work.

"I am very grateful to National Award Committee for recognizing the film, because it was quite an exceptional film, " said Bachchan.

He is full of praise for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the director of the film.

"It was an exceptional role and an exceptional director to work with. Sanjay is by far one of our most talented directors, who has a vision, and has aesthetics. The way he constructed the film and provided us a wonderful platform to be able to perform and grow as an artist, is just remarkable, " Bachchan said.

A rage with Indian cine goers in the 1970s and 1980s, Bachchan is still among the most popular actors in the country.

"I think Indian Cinema and Indian audiences have matured over the years, and there is an exception to perhaps the ageing character, an exception to anything which is done differently. I guess it's all put together and works out into a wonderful product. I am fortunate to be around and to be able to be a part of the film, " said Bachchan.

The son of noted Hindi poet, Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan quit his job as a Kolkata freight broker to join the Hindi film industry in 1969.

He made his name in the 1970s playing a "Dirty Harry"- style cop in the ground-breaking movie "Zanjeer".

His best-known film, "Sholay", ran in Bombay for seven years - turning him into an icon in India, much like Elvis Presley was in the West.

Millions of young men aped his distinctive hairstyle and people in remote villages rattled off lines from his films.

A serious accident he survived on the sets of "Coolie" in 1982, left the country in a tizzy, forcing state television to telecast hourly medical updates, the first in Indian media history.

He was voted the millennium's greatest star of the stage and screen in a BBC online poll three years ago, ahead of Hollywood icons such as Lawrence Olivier, Humphrey Bogart and Charlie Chaplin.

Six years ago, he became the first Indian movie actor to have a wax exhibit of himself at the Madame Tussaud's Museum in London.

In recognition of his popularity, French perfume-maker Lomani has named a fragrance, "Amitabh B" after him.

While many of his contemporaries have retired from Bollywood -- known for its megawatt musicals and song-and-dance extravaganzas -- the silver-bearded actor still continues to draw audiences of all age groups.

He recently appeared in films like "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" with his son Abhishek Bachchan and a musical called "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom".