Amitabh Bachchan had an exhilarating and a historic moment today at the French Riviera when he joined the ranks of Hollywood, after his first stint in The Great Gatsby along with Leonardo Di Caprio. Leo along with Big B had been invited to the Cannes International Film Festival for the opening ceremony.

The festival was opened with their flick, The Great Gatsby, an adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald's novel that shares the same name. While the moment itself is of monumental importance, Amitabh decided to make it larger than life by opening his speech in Hindi. The festival was also celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema movie fraternity, he felt that it was “absolutely imperative” for him to speak in Hindi.

He also said that this well deserved honor for Indian Film Industy was one that was immensely history. This year at Cannes, the 100 years of Indian cinema in existence would be celebrated.

Amitabh couldn't contain himself, overwhelmed by the huge respect and importance that was showered on him at the festival. He described the royal welcoming and honor bestowed upon him and Leonardo as an emotional moment.

"For a complete alien in the midst of Cannes to be acknowledged, is the proudest moment for me as an Indian. Acknowledging Cannes in recognising 100 years of Indian cinema, it was absolutely imperative for me to address, in my mother tongue," posted Big B on his Tumblr blog.

Speaking of 'The Great Gatsby, he said that he loved it better the second time. The Baz Luhrmann film, in which Big B plays Meyer Wolfsheim, had “nuances, the words, the pathos and energy" that Amitabh could decipher better the second time.

It is India's pride to have a star like Amitabh being treated royally at the coveted Cannes International Film Festival.

(AW- Anil)