Amitabh praises Shahrukh

Amitabh Bachchan praises fellow actor Shah Rukh Khan



MUMBAI, India - Indian movie icon Amitabh Bachchan says actor Shah Rukh Khan has done a great job as his successor on a popular television show.

Bachchan told Stardust movie magazine in its June issue that he disliked comparisons with Khan, 41, who replaced him as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati,' a game show based on Who Wants to be a Millionaire.'

Indian media have often published reports about a rivalry between the two stars.

He is enjoying doing it and is receiving great acclaim,' Bachchan was quoted as saying. Comparisons are odious. They only make good media copy.'

He is a warm and caring person deserving of all the love and affection that the masses give him,' Bachchan added.

The actor also ruled out returning to the show. TV is a tough job,' he said. At 65, I doubt if I can face that challenge. Shah Rukh is a wonderful choice for KBC.'

Bachchan has a massive following among South Asians and has acted in more than 150 movies in a career spanning more than three decades.

Khan is one of Bollywood's biggest heartthrobs of the past decade and has acted in nearly 60 movies.

Kaun Banega Crorepati' is one of the most popular television programs in India. It was suspended last year after Bachchan was hospitalized with an intestinal ailment.

Television channel Star Entertainment India revived the show with Khan as the host in January.