In a survey done by Indicus Analytics, Amitabh Bachchan's name has come up as the No 1 role model of the country. The Big B's staying power and strong-hold over the nation even as he approaches 64, is nothing short of a wonder.

"Why do we keep harping on the age factor?" exclaims the actor a tad impatiently.

"I don't think my age has anything to do with the love that I get from my countrymen. One works hard to achieve and sustain a certain position. How people react to you and the place they accord you in their minds and hearts is entirely a matter of destiny," he says.

The Indicus Analytics poll puts Bachchan ahead of Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, Dhirubhai Ambani, APJ Adbul Kalam and Bill Gates, who are also in the Top 10 list of role models.

Says Mr Bachchan, "I don't know what the criteria for the poll was. Obviously, it's a good feeling to be there. I'm grateful for the way my fans continue to support me.

And, of course, it puts a responsibility on me. I believe every celebrity has a responsibility towards society. It's up to us to decide how we use that status. A public entity has to be aware of his duties and obligations. I can't set guidelines for others. But yes, I do have my own dos and don'ts. And I hope I don't do anything that's indecorous. But you never know. I may make a mistake very soon."

He finds the mix of role models from various walks of life in the survey to be interesting.

"There are business people, people from sports and entertainment. That shows how much the profile of the average role model has changed over the years. Mahatma Gandhi and Bill Gates are featured in the same list. So the least we can say about the survey is that it's democratic. At the end of the day, these are evaluations that are imposed on some people through polls. Some wise people have elected me the country's biggest role model. I respect their opinion. Titles such as this are flattering. But one shouldn't get carried away," says Bachchan.

Speaking of role models, who are the people Mr Bachchan looks up to? "Obviously my parents. My father. I haven't gone beyond that in search of a role model. On a professional level, I've admired Mr Dilip Kumar and Waheedaji."