After the announcement that veteran Hollywood actor Michael Douglas will be bestowed with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Excellence in Film Lifetime Award at the International Film Festival of India, the actor said he is “honoured”.
“Hello India, it’s Michael Douglas and I am coming your way. I am honoured to receive Satyajit Ray's Excellence in Film Lifetime Award International Indian Film Festival in Goa. So, Catherine and I will be coming there and also to honour a dear friend as it's his 25th year anniversary in the film business. So, looking for seeing you in November. All of you have a wonderful day," Douglas said.
India’s Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur on Friday announced that Douglas will receive the special distinction at IFFI Goa.
Thakur posted on X, "I'm delighted to announce that Michael Douglas, the distinguished Hollywood Actor and Producer, will be honoured with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Excellence in Film Lifetime Award at the 54th International Film Festival Goa. His deep love for our country, is well known, and we look forward to welcoming him, Catherine Zeta-Jones and their son, to the most prominent Film Festival in South Asia to showcase our rich cinematic culture and unique traditions at #IFFI54!! A heartfelt welcome to Bharat and @IFFIGoa."
Douglas will be presented with the award at the International Film Festival of India scheduled to be held in Panjim from November 20-28 this year.
The 79-year-old actor has won two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the AFI Life Achievement Award.
His first TV break came with The Experiment, a CBS Playhouse special in 1969, and it was the only time he was billed as 'M.K. Douglas.' His first notable role was in the television series The Streets of San Francisco, in which he co-starred with Karl Malden.
Other successful films he appeared in included Falling Down, The American President, The Ghost and the Darkness, The Game, A Perfect Murder, and many more.
Diljit's Instagram storyInstagram screengrab/ 
Diljit Dosanjh spotted at Coachella where he made history as a Punjabi headlinerGetty Images 
Fans cheer as Diljit takes the stage at an eventGetty Images 
BTS star Suga builds autism treatment centre in Korea with personal 5 billion won donationGetty Images 
BTS Suga donates nearly £3 million to launch autism centre with music-based therapy in SeoulGetty Images
Big B defends his choice to praise Abhishek openly and others privately
Amitabh Bachchan reveals why he praises Abhishek publicly but not Jaya or Aishwarya
Quick highlights:
Amitabh Bachchan has responded to online comments asking why he often praises son Abhishek Bachchan on social media but not wife Jaya Bachchan, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, or daughter Shweta. The actor explained that while he chooses to support Abhishek publicly, he honours the women in his family privately, saying he prefers to respect them “in his heart.”
Bachchan defends Abhishek praise, addresses fan remarks online
The 81-year-old actor, who regularly shares photos and thoughts with fans, recently posted images of himself meeting admirers outside his Mumbai home, Jalsa. Captioned “Yes, I praise Abhishek. So?”, the post sparked comments from users questioning why he doesn’t do the same for Jaya, Aishwarya, or Shweta.
Responding directly, Bachchan wrote, “Yes, I shall praise them in my heart… not publicly… respect for the ladies.” His reply quickly circulated across platforms, with many praising his thoughtful answer. Others pointed to his tendency to engage more often when defending Abhishek, especially around film releases.
Bachchan also shut down a user accusing him of having “paid fans,” bluntly replying, “Prove it! You are small-minded… why don’t you pay and get fans too?” When another person mocked those waiting outside his home as “unemployed,” he replied with characteristic wit: “So give them a job? When they stand at the gate of Jalsa, they are EMPLOYED in love.”
Actor remains active on social media while juggling film projects
Bachchan has become increasingly interactive online in recent years, often directly responding to criticism and fan feedback. Meanwhile, Abhishek was last seen in Housefull 5, a multi-starrer comedy that released earlier this month. Jaya Bachchan appeared in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023, while Aishwarya Rai was part of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films. Despite the online chatter, Amitabh continues to walk his own path, on-screen and online.