MUMBAI, Feb 17: India’s acting legend Amitabh Bachchan has said he does not want to run for the presidency, after several parties reportedly expressed an interest in nominating him.

“I am deeply humbled and touched by the thought. But I am not worthy of such high distinction,” the Times of India quoted Amitabh as saying on Saturday.

Amitabh Bachchan had an unsuccessful stint as a national lawmaker in the 1980s. The actor said he would never return to politics after his name figured in the Bofors scandal that brought down the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1989.

The Times of India this week reported that four parties wanted to nominate the superstar for president, ahead of elections later this year.

But Amitabh said no party had approached him with such a proposal.

President Abdul Kalam will stand down in July and his successor will be chosen by elected members of the federal and state legislators.

The actor has close ties with the regional Samajwadi Party, which is also reportedly interested in seeing him nominated for the mainly ceremonial post.

Many Indian film stars have been successful in politics, but none has ever run for president.

Amitabh Bachchan's career spans four decades and more than 140 films.—AFP