Big B inaugurates ‘India by the Nile’ in Cairo, gets flattered by love and affection

Amitabh Bahchcan shares a special bond with the country of Egypt and its people. Not only is he hugely popular in this part of the world, his social and cultural contribution has made him a public figure in Cairo. The actor inaugurated the annual India-Egypt film festival in the city popularly known as ‘India by the Nile Festival’ and congratulated the Embassy of India and Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Egypt for their efforts.

Source: ndtv.com

While talking to Bollywood Hungama, Big B reflected on what he felt being so popular in the country. “I was equally surprised when I came here in 1991 for the Cairo film festival. I had been here earlier in 1975 while shooting for ‘The Great Gambler’ but I don’t think many films were seen here and no one knew us back then. But, 1991 was a great revelation though”, he said. On being asked to react on a local shop being named after his film ‘Mard’, the actor told, “Mard for some reason has been a very popular film and the kind of love and affection from people is just unimaginable”.

Earlier while inaugurating the event, Senior Bachchan had expressed his gratitude and said he felt like home every time to Egypt. “It is my fourth visit to this wonderful country. Every time I come to Egypt I feel as though I come home. Every time I have been here it has been such an experience. And that is the feeling I am going to carry home when I go back to India. I really want to thank the ambassador for conducting this very important festival and encouraging the co-operation and friendship that have existed between our two cultures and countries,” he added.