Australian university names scholarship after Big B

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who inaugurated the Indian Film Festival Melbourne (IFFM) along with the governor and his wife Thursday, is ecstatic to hear that the La Trobe University has named a scholarship after him.

"The La Trobe University names a scholarship after me, to be accorded to deserving students from all walks of life that will come and study media and entertainment courses here," the 71-year-old posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com.

He took to the platform also to thank the governance of Victoria, Australia, for calling him to inaugurate the 11-day festival.

"Thank you, the Governance of Victoria for this gesture, fructifying the bonds that exist between our two nations and lending unstinted support to our film industry in conducting such events to acquaint the locals with our cinema," Amitabh, who wore a combination of pink and purple to the event, posted.

"The warmth and graciousness shall be carried by us all to India, and in particular to our countrymen," he added. "And finally an award ceremony in the evening that shall decorate winners of selected films in categories ranging from short films to feature, with an Achievement Award for yours truly..." he added.

The star-studded festival will showcase over 40 films.