At a time when major Hindi film stars, with the possible exception of Shah Rukh Khan, are eyeing Hollywood and employing agents there, India's supernova Amitabh Bachchan is vehemently against the trend. In an uncharacteristically passionate outburst, Amitabh wonders why so much is being made about Bollywood's presence in Hollywood.

"Going to Hollywood isn't the same as going to Bandra (a suburb in Mumbai). If I do a film in the West, it'd be a strictly professional decision. If someone comes with an agreeable subject, I'll just do it as another assignment. What's the big deal? I do get offers. But nothing to run for," Bachchan told IANS in an interview.

Going back to the stereotypical portrayal of Peter Sellers as the bumbling Indian in "The Party", Amitabh questions: "What would an Indian be doing in a Hollywood film? We're the wrong colour. I'm not interested in playing a stereotype. If it's New York, they visualize Indians as newspaper vendors, taxi drivers, Patel motel owners or an anachronistic maharaja indulging in lascivious pleasures with a spear in his hand. Sorry, not interested!

"Did our greatest dramatic actor Dilip Kumar ever go west to prove that he's the best? This continuous pressure about when I'm going to Hollywood... no! If I ever do a film in Hollywood, it'll just be another film. They're not inventing a rocket."

At the same time, Amitabh is happy about the recognition being proffered to Hindi cinema in the west.

"You know, when a country does well for itself everything about it becomes desirable. Because India has opened up economically, the West is interested in us. There were the posh Selfridges in London holding an India festival with the stress on cinema.

"After 70 years of bashing, the West is beginning to acknowledge our films. This is the way we make films. Accept it. The West has the advantage of invention, but then so have we. Where do you think the zero and yoga came from? Now we have Hindi words entering the English-language dictionary."

After continuously disapproving of the term Bollywood to describe Hindi cinema, the Big B says he sorrowfully accepts the term's legitimization.

"Unfortunately Bollywood has entered the Oxford dictionary. Because we're in awe of Western endorsement we've no choice buy to accept such terminologies. This is a very minor acceptance for us.

"I firmly believe the Indian will not find a place in the West unless he's of some social relevance to their society. We are not. They've no place for us in their films, and neither have we a place for them in our films.

"For a long time because of our colonial history, white characters were portrayed as villains. 'Lagaan' is the most recent example. So please, let's not get carried away. Agreed, we should appreciate their technical polish and professionalism."

The articulate superstar is also dismissive of Hindi cinema's craving for an Oscar.

"Every other journalist asks me when I'll win an Oscar. I think that's a stupid question. We aren't making films in the English language, so how can we qualify for the mainstream Oscars? Let them come here and make films in Hindi.

"Why is there such a strong attraction for Indian actors to go to the West? For me, our own system of recognition is good enough. Every sixth person in the world is an Indian. I'm happy to be recognized by one-sixth of the world's population."

When reminded of his huge stardom, Amitabh gets seriously ironical.

"Arrey kahan! According to Mahesh Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan is dead and buried. He said a couple of years ago that the public should give me a decent burial. If that's how he feels, why write about my experience in Dubai? (When there was a fracas about Amitabh and politico Amar Singh being seats in the 14th or 15th row in an awards function).

"Just remember, there's always another side to every story. Mahesh Bhatt wasn't present at the event in Dubai. He doesn't know the facts. Amar Singh was there. He's better equipped to know the truth. Besides, if Mahesh Bhatt buried me, why does he want to resurrect me by talking about me?"