'Anand', the first movie which gave recognition to Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan as an actor, was screened here at the opening of the 12-day festival of his films spanning over 35 years.

Thirteen of his movies will be screed in the retrospective organised by the prestigious Lincoln Center, one of the world's premiere film societies, which is honouring him as "Biggest Star in the World." 'Anand' was screened yesterday as the film festival began.

On April 15, when his critically-acclaimed movie 'Black' will be screened, Bachchan, voted as 'Star of the Millennium' in the BBC poll in 1999, himself will be present at the theatre to talk about his career and interact with audience.

Some clips from his best-loved movies would also be shown.

Among 'Big B' movies being screened are 'Zanjeer', 'Amar Akbar Anthony', 'Abhimaan', 'Khakee', 'Aks', 'Namak Halal', 'Dev', 'Aankhen', 'Saudagar', 'Agneepath' and 'Satte Pe Satta.' The festival was two years in the making after Shabana Azmi, who was being honoured by the Lincoln Center Film Society, suggested holding it to Progrmme Director Richard Pena, himself a fan of Bachchan.

During the two years' period, his movies were lined up and his wife Jaya, herself an actress, helped in getting subtitles right.

The Society says its main aim is to introduce to Americans audience Bachchan who acted in varied roles and was equally comfortable playing as angry young man and an intimate lover. He also sang some of his own songs.