Superstar Amitabh Bachchan will be conferred with an honorary degree of Doctorate of Arts by the Leicester University on July 19 for his contribution to the movie business in India.

Leicester has a huge Indian population and the Bollywood as a chapter has already been included in the curriculum of Leicester University earlier. Thus it is not too surprising that 64-year -old Bachchan, also a goodwill ambassador for UNICEFwill now receive the degree at the graduation ceremony of the De Montford University at Leicester where many Indian students study as well.

After receiving the degree Bachchan will address his fans at a special event at the Walkers Stadium at Filbert Way, expected to be attended by thousands of people.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela was the last person to get such a recognition from the university for his charitable work.

Leicester also has several cinema halls exclusively screening Indian films. Indian producers are also being encouraged to make films and do their post-production work in Leicester as well. Several Indian films have been shot in the county recently.