Cannes, May 17:One of Indian cinema's best known and loved stars, Amitabh Bachchan was in Cannes this week for two reasons - his role in the opening film and to help celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema.
Bachchan joined Baz Luhrmann and the cast of his epic drama "The Great Gatsby" on the opening night on the famous red carpet steps - an experience which he said was a little "daunting."
"I think for me being an Indian I just feel a huge amount of pride in the fact that there is some kind of representation from my country on to this very prestigious moment, I feel very proud of the fact that I was chose by Baz to be there and to be in the company of such magnificent people and their genius it was a great honor."
The 66th Cannes Film Festival is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Indian cinema by hosting the world premiere of "Bombay Talkies," in which Bachchan stars.
"Well you know just the fact that Cannes mentions it or at least beings attention to the rest of the world as a tribute to this cinema," said the 71-year-old star.
Also at the festival is Indian actress Sonam Kapoor, who is here as a representative for cosmetics giant L'Oreal.
Kapoor comes from a family of actors and filmmakers which she says gives the 100th anniversary extra resonance.
"I am third generation and my family has been in the business for 60 years. So out of the hundred, 60 years of that time my family has been in it. So for me it's great because I have been around for 5 years and so for me just to be a small speck in that hundred years is incredible."
Both Kapoor and Bachchan agree that the Indian film industry has taken a turn for the better and looks to have a bright future.
I think it's changed in the way that it has evolved," explains Kapoor.
"I mean obviously there was a golden period which was the 1960s which was incredible where we had great film makers like Bilmal Roy, and Vijay Anaund, like amazing films like 'Bandini' and 'Sujata,' which I am sure that everybody who is Indian will understand what I am talking about, but now I think that period is coming again.
and I think more interesting and exciting films which are more based in realism are being made which is amazing."
"I think that Indian cinema is changing for the better," says Bachchan, "we are seeing a whole crop of new young directors and makers and artists who are exceptionally talented coming up from regions which were unknown, from small towns and making some great films. A glimpse of that I hope you will get to see in 'Bombay Talkies.'"
"Bombay Talkies," is made by Four top Indian filmmakers, Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Dibakar Banerjee.
While Johar is known for his larger-than-life, song-and-dance love stories, the other three known for more realistic work.
As well as Bachchan the film stars Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherji and Katrina Kaif.
"Bombay Talkies" is showing out of competition at this year's festival.
