'Providential' escape from fire at Make in India event: Amitabh

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says it was "providential" he left the venue of the Make in India cultural event here just before a massive fire broke out. He has thanked fans for sending prayers and to those who checked on his well-being soon after the incident.

A huge fire gutted the stage at the cultural event on Sunday.

After Amitabh performed on the stage and walked off to get into his car to leave, the event's production team wanted him to come back and meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Describing the scene, Big B posted on his blog: "I ask to be excused. It would be a breach of protocol, from my side... I would meet up with him later... and leave... An sms comes to me soon after... 'Are you safe?'

"I am puzzled, I respond with a yes but why and then come to know of the fire that had immediately after my departure from the stage burst in and has engulfed the entire surrounding... The stage is gutted, it was massive in size, and anxious calls begin to come in, from all those that were seeing the programme on TV live."

The 73-year-old said "it is providential".

"Thank you all that have inquired from me of my well being and for all the prayers," he posted.

Thousands of people, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, had to be evacuated after the fire started around 8 p.m. on Sunday.