Amitabh Bachchan carries Olympic torch in London

LONDON: Amid loud cheers from hundreds of his fans, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan today carried the Olympic torch at Southwark here, a day before the opening ceremony of the sporting spectacle.

The 69-year-old actor in a white track suit covered a 300-metre distance running and walking occasionally and waved at the cheering crowd, as the Olympic Games torch relay entered the 69th day today.

Also read: Blockbuster Brand Rohit Shetty is the only director to have three films in the Rs 100 crore club

Ahead of his participation in the relay, Bachchan said it was a "proud moment" for him and the country to be invited to carry the Olympic flame.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and NRI businessman Laxmi Mittal were among others who were part of the relay team today.

"OK!! HERE IT IS : Have been invited by London Olympic Organizing Committee to carry the torch in the relay tomorrow ... Honored to be asked to carry the Olympic Torch in London at Southwark around 10:30 AM !! A proud moment for me and country," Bachchan had tweeted yesterday.
Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan carries the Olympic flame during the relay leg between The City of London and the borough of Southwark in London. (PTI)


The 32.7 mile long relay of the Olympic flame on its final leg has participation of legendary personalities from all over the world and all walks of life, including Lawrence Dallaglio, Lewis Moody, Jim Anderson, Phil Packer, Darren Fitzpatrick and Tom Davis.


Also read: Brand Rajnikant to move beyond cinemas, think business over film & acting careers

Bachchan is not the only celebrity to lend the Indian touch to the 2012 London Olympics. Amitabh Bachchan (C) carries the Olympic Flame in London on July 26, 2012, one day before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. (AFP)

Indian music maestro A R Rahman teamed up with his 'Slumdog Millionaire' director Danny Boyle to compose a track for the inaugural event.

Also read: Batman hitches a new ride with bevy of brands at Box Office

"It's a track in Punjabi celebrating the Indian influence in the UK. It's a part of a medley in the Olympics opening ceremony, according to Danny Boyle's creative wishes!," Rahman had written on his Facebook page. Amitabh Bachchan carries the Olympic flame on the torch relay leg between The City of London and the borough of Southwark in London (AP)

Ilaiyaraaja's song is also set to feature in the medley of music tracks to be used in the inaugural programme.