Exclusive: I'm not worthy of being the President of India, says Amitabh

Mumbai: Former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh on Thursday spurred speculation when he revealed to a news channel that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning to propose Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan's name for being the next President of India.

The current President, Pranab Mukerjee, assumed office in July 2012 for the five-year term.

Singh also mentioned that it was he who introduced the superstar to the PM, that eventually led to Bachchan becoming the ambassador for Gujarat tourism.

When contacted, Amitabh Bachchan said, "I'm deeply humbled and touched by the thought. But I'm not worthy of such a distinguished post of responsibility. Besides no such offer or proposal has come my way yet."

He further added, "I've constantly maintained politics is not my cup of tea. That's unlikely to change. There are many other ways of making oneself useful to the country and the society besides politics."

Having said that, Amitabh Bachchan has tried his hand at politics before. He contested for the 1984 Lok Sabha elections on a Congress ticket from Allahabad constituency and won. However, he resigned as an MP after three years.

Interestingly, earlier this month, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Shatrughan Sinha was quoted saying, “It will be a matter of pride if Amitabh Bachchan, a cultural icon, is made President of the country."