After polio, Big B open to associate with anti-tobacco campaign

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has been long associated with campaigns for polio eradication in India, won't mind working on anti-tobacco projects too. The "Bhoothnath Returns" star has been actively campaigning for polio eradication since 2002 and was appointed a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador with a focus on HIV/AIDS and polio eradication in April 2005. At a function held here Sunday to celebrate India being certified polio-free, he revealed that he would like to extend a helping hand to those in other countries as well infected by polio virus and also support other cause. "If I get offer from other countries, I will do it. If any campaign is made, and they want me, for society and country, I'll do it," Amitabh said here. The non-smoker is also open to anti-tobacco campaigns. "If any campaign on tobacco is made, I am ready to work on it. I don't smoke, so it will be close to my heart," said the 71-year-old. He also shared why he is closely associated to medical cause. "I've been through medical episodes throughout my career. I respect Indian doctors," said Amitabh, who was on many occasions critically ill and was treated in India. The father-in-law of actress Aishwarya Rai, who is married to Abhishek Bachchan, also said that his daughter-in-law makes sure Aaradhya, 2, gets her polio drops and other vaccines on time. (Source: IANS)