'The Biggest Film Star in the World'

He's tall, dark, handsome--and, at 63, Amitabh Bachchan is still a heartthrob to millions. Women swoon over his soulful brown eyes, his deep sexy voice, his polished accent. Voters in a BBC online poll have dubbed him "actor of the millennium"; the biggest box-office draw in the world, the one with the most recognizable face anywhere.

And while the Indian star may not be a household name in the United States, a Lincoln Center retrospective--titled "Amitabh Bachchan: The Biggest Film Star in the World"--was sold out when fans flocked to see the man they call the Big B live in the Big Apple last week. Those who watched some of his nearly 150 films for the first time were treated to an array of diverse performances--including the song-and-dance numbers so integral to Bollywood films--and a few romantic moments, which were especially intense given that kissing and nudity are forbidden in Indian cinema. NEWSWEEK's Vibhuti Patel spoke to Bachchan about Hollywood, Bollywood and politics. Excerpts:

NEWSWEEK: You're the biggest film star in the world? The BBC rates you bigger than Laurence Olivier and Marlon Brando.

Amitabh Bachchan: Internet polls are conducted for fun. Perhaps a lot of Asians, who are fond of the internet, voted and others did not. It's difficult to compare oneself to Olivier and Brando.

How do you feel about being offered this festival at Lincoln Center?

I'm surprised that such a serious body is showing an interest in our actors and our films. To find yourself and your work being highlighted where cinema and its craft originated is an honor. I'm grateful for such recognition here because this creates an awareness, gives us an exposure here as Americans see our work. I'm happy to be here to give some idea of what Indian films are about, how big they are. We make 1,000 films a year for 3.8 billion viewers.