Bollywood's Big B 'deeply humbled' in Dubai

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan said on Wednesday he was "deeply humbled" as the Dubai International Film Festival honoured him with a lifetime achievement award.

“It is a wonderful recognition ... and I am deeply humbled by it," said Bachchan, whose 40-year career in the world's largest film industry has won him several accolades.

Bachchan, 67, in Dubai for the spectacle, said he had no plans for the Arabic film industry as yet but was open to fresh ideas and talent.

Despite an alarming debt crisis, Dubai's sixth international film festival rolled out the red carpet on Wednesday with a mix of Bollywood, Hollywood and Arab celebrities. The fest will feature 168 films from 55 countries, with some being shown for the first time.

Bollywood film ‘Black’, in which Bachchan plays a teacher taking care of a challenged student, will also be screened at the festival.

The star, who has acted in more than 180 films, told reporters that the secret of his "undying energy" was chyawanprash, an ancient Ayurvedic herbal preparation - a sticky, brown, edidle paste - used across India to boost health.

Bachchan, who does not like the term Bollywood to describe India's film industry, said the moniker "was phrased by some eager journalist to please his boss ... but now has gone into the Oxford dictionary" and become a part of history.

"We are happy doing what we do in India," he added.

Prasoon Joshi wins his first National Award

Meri Maa, the song from Aamir Khan's directorial debut 'Taare Zameen Par' has won lyricist Prasoon Joshi his first National award. Joshi, who has penned songs for some of the biggest Bollywood hits in recent times, won the award in the 'Best Lyrics' category at the 55th National Awards announced here today.

The song, which was picturised on Darsheel Safari and Tisca Chopra in the movie, also won the Best Playback Singer award for Shankar Mahadevan.

"It is a great feeling. 'Tare Zameen Par' is a film very close to my heart and the song is really special. After an appreciation from the audiences, getting the National award it is like 'Sone Pe Suhaga'," Joshi told PTI.

A beautiful piece of poetry, the song echoes the dedication of a child towards his mother. Joshi's soulful words give a glimpse of a child's sensitivity and emotions. He has already won the 2008 Filmfare Best Lyricist Award for the song.

When asked what was the inspiration while penning the lines, Joshi said, "It is my truth. I feel if someone writes with total honesty it will strike a chord. I told my genuine feelings in the song which is why I think it touched many hearts." "When I heard the song I felt that it is a great piece of work which should be acknowledged," Joshi added.