Big B to receive Crystal Award in Switzerland

Tomorrow, Amitabh Bachchan will receive the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award 2009 at a glittering ceremony at Davos (Switzer- land), along with Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer Mallika Sarabhai for outstanding excellence in the field of culture and having used art to reach out to other cultures. The Crystal Award pays tribute to the decisive role of arts and culture in creation of global understanding and peace. It's another feather in Bachchan's cap.

Bachchan flew to London on Thursday morning and to Davos today. The WEF brings together top business leaders, international political leaders, selected intellectuals and journalists to discuss the most pressing issues facing the world. This year's 39th annual gathering at Davos-Klosters, Switzerland will focus on ways to ward off recession and save jobs amidst a financial crisis in the world markets.

Speaking to us about winning the Crystal Award, Bachchan speaks from London, "Honouring me at this prestigious forum where world leaders congregate in politics, business and allied virtues is very humbling. I believe that in honouring me they do not honour an individual but my country and the Indian film industry, endorsing importance of India in the world diaspora."

After receiving the Crystal Award and staying on for a day at Davos, Bachchan will fly down to New York to attend the premiere of Pink Panther 2 on February 3 along with son Abhishek and daughter-in-law, Aishwarya who stars in the film. Bachchan adds, "After the premiere, we will be staying on and bringing in Abhishek's birthday on February 5. There is no particular celebration it will just be with family. That's bigger than all the celebrations put together."