Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan visited Leicester in the UK to support the election campaign of Indian-origin MP Keith Vaz who was officially nominated as the local Labour Party candidate for the upcoming polls.
Bachchan participated in a public question-and-answer session with Vaz and over 350 residents of Leicester, at the Peepul Centre.
Bachchan was quizzed on his life and career, as well as his captaincy of the Bollywood Stars football team, before being presented with a personalised Leicester City football shirt.
Vaz and Bachchan then went on a tour of Belgrave Road and Uppingham Road, and were met by thousands of fans. The buoyant crowd were delighted to see the screen idol.
"I am here for Keith. He works so hard for Leicester and I am delighted to be here to help him today. Keith is a close family friend. He possesses so many values I hold close to my heart for our politicians; he is warm, generous and kind. I know that he is a true leader for the Indian community in the United Kingdom, who does great work for people of Indian origin," Bachchan said at the event.
"It was an honour to have one of Bollywood's megastars with us in Leicester today. Our city was bouncing with the joy and excitement of thousands of adoring fans who came out to see Abhishek," said 58-year-old Vaz, the longest-serving British-Asian MP.
"Abhishek was wonderful, and people adored him. He is a close friend, and for him to take time to come to Leicester is truly special. The thousands who came out to Belgrave Road and Uppingham Road were awestruck. My only request to Abhishek is that he does not stand to be the Member of Parliament for Leicester East, as I would not have a chance!" Vaz said.
