Amitabh Bachchan thrilled to see Rishi Sunak become first Indian-origin PM of UK

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan couldn't contain his joy after Britain's Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak become the first Indian-origin Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

The Big B took to social media to react to the news. In a post on Twitter, the 'Paa' star cheered with happiness, "Bharat Mata ki Jai!"

The 80-year-old told his 48 million followers on the micro-blogging site that the "UK finally has a new viceroy as its Prime Minister from the Mother Country."



Bachchan shared the same post on Instagram, alongside a picture of himself wearing a grey hoodie and matching track pants.

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A post shared by Amitabh Bachchan (@amitabhbachchan)

Sunak was named the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on Monday, less than two months after he lost to Liz Truss in the Tory leadership race.

The news has brought a lot of cheer and support for Sunak from the Indian community. Sunak will be the youngest UK Prime Minister to inhabit 10 Downing Street in London.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Rishi Sunak on Monday, and said he is looking forward to working closely together on global issues.

"Warmest congratulations @RishiSunak! As you become UK PM, I look forward to working closely together on global issues, and implementing Roadmap 2030. Special Diwali wishes to the 'living bridge' of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership," PM Modi tweeted.

Born in Southampton to parents of Indian descent who migrated to Britain from East Africa, Sunak tied the knot with Akshata Murty, the daughter of NR Narayana Murthy, the billionaire businessman who founded Infosys, in 2019.

Sunak is an Oxford and Stanford University alumnae - where he met the Infosys heiress.

Sunak's victory was set after Truss resigned last week, following heavy criticism over the mini-budget that left the UK pound tumbling. Before Truss quit, there were several high-profile sackings and resignations in her cabinet.

After she was forced to step down just 45 days into office, Truss became the shortest-serving British PM.