INDIAN screen legend Amitabh Bachchan has become the first Bollywood star to carry the Olympic Torch.

Bachchan proudly carried the flame during the final leg of its relay before the much-awaited Olympic Games opening ceremony in London at 9pm on Friday, July 27th.

The actor, dressed in official Olympic Torch Relay attire, took to the streets of the London borough of Southwark.

Bachchan was handed the torch at 10.57am on July 26 and picked up pace to jog the 0.17 mile route, waving and smiling at the hundreds of people who had lined the streets.

He said: “I never thought I’d represent India for this. I’m so very proud to have done this and to be leaving a legacy behind for my grandchildren.”

“I am overwhelmed with the support I have received in London.

“The Olympic Games symbolise peace, harmony and community spirit and by inviting me to be a part of this, the organisers are bringing communities together from around the world. This is indeed a great honour for me, the people of India and the film industry.”

Amitabh, who has more than 180 films to his credit, was voted the Superstar of the Millennium in a BBC online poll and was the first Indian film star to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds in London.

“Honoured to be asked to carry the Olympic torch in London at Southwark around 10:30 BST,” Bachchan tweeted on Wednesday evening.

The star is not the only Indian celebrity to be associated with the London Olympics.

Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman has teamed up with Danny Boyle, artistic director of the opening ceremony, to compose a track for the pageant, reports say.

Rahman has written on his Facebook page that he has composed a track in Punjabi celebrating the Indian influence in the UK.

“It’s a part of a medley in the Olympic opening ceremony, according to Danny Boyle’s creative wishes”, he wrote.