Bachchan doesn't want to be president

INDIA: Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has said he does not want to run for the Indian presidency, after several parties reportedly expressed an interest in nominating him.

"I am deeply humbled and touched by the thought. But I am not worthy of such high distinction," the Times of India quoted Bachchan as saying Saturday.

Bachchan had an unsuccessful stint as a national lawmaker in the 1980s. The actor said he would never return to politics after his name figured in a defence bribery scandal that brought down the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1989.

The Times this week reported that four parties wanted to nominate the superstar for president, ahead of elections later this year. But Bachchan said no party had approached him with such a proposal.

President Abdul Kalam will stand down in July 2007 and his successor will be chosen by elected members of the federal and state legislators.

Mumbai, Sunday, AFP