Bollywood gaining recognition & popularityoverseas

Addressing the media on the sidelines of an event hosted by International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) in Mumbai, Bachchan said: "I would like to see Indian cinema reach greater heights. We are now almost a parallel culture, I don't know whether this is good for the country or not but we are."

"Everywhere that Indians travel, overseas there is always a reference to our film industry. That boards extremely well. I think that's great form of recognition," Bachchan added.

He also applauded the efforts of IIFA and noted that he was privileged to be associated with this forum.

Earlier to addressing the media, he cast his vote for the IIFA awards 2010, which incidentally happens to be the first vote for the eleventh edition of awards.

"It's the eleventh year for IIFA. I feel very privileged and proud that being a member of this wonderful fraternity to have had the opportunity and a great pleasure to take Indian cinema beyond Indians shows," Bachchan said.