Mandela gives a surprise to Bachchan

JOHANNESBURG: Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan got a surprise when a chance encounter with former South African President Nelson Mandela, on a visit to the bereaved family of black leader Walter Sisulu, led the Nobel Peace laureate to ask him "Do you remember me?." "The visit was a humbling experience, a moment of deep emotions and full of surprise as I got the fortune of meeting Nelson Mandela there, who had himself come to pay respects to the legendary leader's family.And with his characteristic humility, Mandela asked me if I still remembered him?," Bachchan said here on Friday amid peels of laughter before the presentation of technical awards at the fourth International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards. Bachchan said Mandela was clearly referring to their last meeting in 1990, when he was doing a show in South Africa and Mandela as president was making all arrangements and giving all help to make it a success. The actor also remembered how he cherished Mandela's readings especially his signed autobiography, during times of stress.