Karan Johar to be a part of the Queen's 60th year celebrations next year; also selected as goodwill ambassador of London Olympics, 2012

Karan Johar has been invited to be a part of the diamond jubilee celebrations marking 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign on the British throne in June 2012.

The filmmaker has also been selected as the goodwill ambassador of the 2012 London Olympics that begins in July.

A pleasant surprise

A source close to the producer-director says, "KJo was pleasantly surprised when they asked him to be the goodwill ambassador of the London Olympics.

It's a twin honour for him as he will also be part of the 60th year celebrations of queen's ascension to the throne."

Citing the reason for his selection the source says, "Any one who has had an impact on the city of London has been invited to be the goodwill ambassadors.

They have honoured Karan's connection with England through the strong medium of Indian cinema. They feel his cinema bridges B-Town with the people of England."

Emotional connect

"KJo has an emotional connect with London and has showcased the city in his various films.

The top three Bollywood films in the UK are Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehnaa and My Name Is Khan all produced and directed by Karan, " the source adds.

Karan's goodwill ambassadorship will be announced today in Bangalore followed by a grand event in London in September.

The source adds that Karan takes a holiday to London frequently to write his scripts. "London is one of Karan's favourite cities in the world.

He is emotionally attached to it since he first went there on a holiday as a 10-year-old with his parents."

Queen's diamond jubilee celebration

Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne on February 6, 1952. Her coronation took place the following year on June 2, 1953. The diamond jubilee celebrations will reach their climax during the first week of June 2012.

Buckingham Palace will co-ordinate the programme for the Queen's diamond jubilee. She celebrated her silver jubilee in 1977 and golden jubilee in 2002. Britons will be given a four-day weekend to celebrate the occasion.