It took 8 years to eradicate polio from the country: Amitabh Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan said it took eight years for India to become polio free and he is happy to have contributed to the cause.

India was declared polio-free in 2014 by World Health Organisation (WHO).

The 75-year-old actor, who became the UNICEF goodwill ambassador for the polio eradication campaign in India in 2002, believes his erstwhile on-screen persona of an angry young man played a catalyst in spreading awareness about the disease.

"When we started the campaign, it wasn't very successful, as people were not very receptive to the thought. But then Piyush (Pandey) wanted me to be the angry old man and talk loudly in my ads scolding the people for not taking the polio drops. And it worked.

"When a few ladies in the rural areas were asked as to why they came for the polio drops, they quipped that they did not want to anger Amitji any further. It took eight years to eradicate polio from our country and I am happy could contribute to it," Bachchan said in a press release.

The actor recently was felicitated with the 'Master of Creativity' title at Kyoorius Creative Awards that honours excellence in creativity.

Bachchan was honoured for his contribution in the world of advertising and marketing.