'Amitabh has made inestimable contribution to global cinema'

'Amitabh has made inestimable contribution to global cinema'
Friday, October 21, 2011 12:09 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Congratulating legendary Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan on receiving an honorary Australian doctorate, the country's High Commissioner to India Peter Varghese said Thursday the Bollywood star has made an "inestimable contribution to global cinema".

Bachchan was Thursday awarded an honorary Australian doctorate by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) for his outstanding contribution to creative industries over several decades.

"I congratulate Bachchan on his honorary doctorate from QUT, an important academic institution in my home city of Brisbane, " Varghese said.

"Bachchan has made an inestimable contribution to global cinema and this prestigious award is a marker of the impact of his films in Australia, " he added.

"I want to thank Bachchan for his enormous contribution to global cinema. In accepting this award he will encourage the important cultural conversation between India and Australia, " Varghese added.

Bachchan was in Australia for director Baz Luhrman's latest production "The Great Gatsby" at Fox Studios in Sydney, alongside Leonardo Di Caprio, Tobey Maguire and Joel Edgerton.

"Bollywood's popularity in Australia is growing, moving from niche to mainstream. When Aamir Khan launched his film 'Peepli Live' to a packed audience at the 2010 Melbourne International Film Festival, it was clear Bollywood had captured Australia's imagination, " Varghese added.

"The rise of Bollywood in Australia reflects the phenomenal growth that is taking place across the spectrum of the Australia-India relationship, from booming trade and investment to education links and two-way tourism.

"Quite simply, our countries are becoming more important to, and interested in, each other. And cultural ties are a critical element of the convergence, " he added.

Varghese said they are soon staging a major festival in India next year, which will showcase contemporary Australian arts and culture.

Bachchan is the second person to receive the honour. Infosys Technologies chief mentor Narayana Murthy was the first.

Bachchan was to receive the doctorate in 2009, but declined due to attacks on Indian students in Victoria.
Death Threats to Shah Rukh Khan: Lawyer Arrested in Chhattisgarh for Extortion Attempt!

In a shocking turn of events, a man identified as Mohammad Faizan Khan has been arrested for issuing death threats to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The accused, a lawyer by

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Bigg Boss 18: Vivian Dsena and Chahat Panday's Coffee Banter Steals the Show; Frenemies Turn Friendly Over French Coffee!

In the latest promo of Bigg Boss 18, contestants Vivian Dsena and Chahat Panday, known for their heated arguments and on-screen rivalry, showcased a lighter side of their relationship

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Varun Dhawan Praises Pooja Hegde's Stunning Look; Sparks Excitement for Upcoming Film!

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan recently showered praise on actress Pooja Hegde, who made heads turn with her stylish and edgy outfit in her latest Instagram photoshoot. Pooja shared a

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Half Love Half Arranged S2 Trailer Unveiled!

Get ready for an exciting and drama-filled journey as Amazon MX Player, Amazon's free video streaming service, and Dice Media's much-loved rom-com series Half Love Half

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Model Sifat Sehgal opens up about her battle with Anorexia!

In a candid and courageous revelation, model and reality TV star Sifat Sehgal has opened up about her harrowing journey with anorexia and her recovery, offering an unfiltered

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT