B-town Shahenshah of late grabbed headlines for stepping into Hollywood for the first time. Amitabh Bachchan reported to have been signed in for Baz Luhrmann's movie 'The Great Gatsby', which is based on F Scott Fitzgerald's book with same name. However, the megastar has claimed that he accepted the project just for the sake of friendship and even refused to take any fee for it. "My participation in Baz Luhrmann's film 'The Great Gatsby' is a mere one scene appearance as a friendly gesture," quoted Mr. Bachchan in his blog.

In the blog Big B recollected how the deal was made when Luhrmann met him last year on his visit to India. It is said that the director was quite impressed with Bachchan's role in 'Sholay', a movie from which his love for Hindi cinema grew. "Baz Luhrmann during his private visit to India last year, had dropped by my office to meet me and presented me with some paintings of a prominent painter that was accompanying him. He called last month and wondered if I would do this small role in his film and I agreed. It is a gesture. I have refused any remuneration on this too," shared the 68-year-old veteran.

Big B went on to share his experience in Sydney where he attended script reading sessions and dress rehearsals for the movie. Wrote the star, "I have gone down to Sydney and had a preliminary reading of the script with the entire cast and done hair make-up costume rehearsals. It has been a wonderful experience to be a part of their system and to observe with what detail and diligence they work."

'The Great Gatsby' stars 'Titanic' famed Leonardo Di Caprio, 'Spiderman' star Tobey Maguire, Isla Fisher and Carey Mulligan, besides Bachchan. While Leonardo plays the title role of Gatsby, Mr. Bachchan features as Meyer Wolfsheim, a character who helps Gatsby in the course of the story.