Amitabh Bachchan says he was the first among many prominent debtors to Doordarshan to volunteer to clear his company's dues to the national broadcaster.

A newspaper report Tuesday morning said that the superstar owes Doordarshan approximately Rs.110 million as interest towards the loan given to his company many years ago.

Bachchan, who is shooting for "Black" in Shimla, told IANS: "I think my company would be in a better position to answer this. What I do know is that there was a principal amount and an interest amount. The principal amount has already been paid.

"We asked them to waive off the interest amount which they refused. So they asked me to do some ads for them. However, they hadn't discussed the number and rates for every ad that I do on Doordarshan. My company is in constant correspondence with them on this matter.

"The interest amount I'm supposed to pay off by doing ads. There are many very prominent debtors to Doordarshan who haven't paid up. I was the first one to walk into their office voluntarily and offer to pay off."

Doordarshan is apparently trying to recover its money and put the cash-strapped national broadcaster back on its feet.

Said Bachchan: "My debts weren't payable to Doordarshan, but Prasar Bharati. It's an entirely different company.

"My financial dealings with Prasar Bharati have all been worked out. The principal amount has already been paid."