Big B didn't charge fee for singing anthem, says CAB

Kolkata, March 20: India's cine megastar Amitabh Bachchan did not take any appearance fee for singing the national anthem in the India-Pakistan World Twenty 20 clash, confirmed a senior official of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Sunday. India beat Pakistan by six wickets at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday night. A report in the social media claimed that the megastar had taken Rs.4 crore to sing the national anthem and be present for the gala pre-match ceremony where former cricketers were felicitated. Many fans reacted to the report with some questioning his patriotism. However, a top CAB official cleared the air on Sunday. “No, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan did not take any money from us,” the official told IANS. The 73-year-old actor reportedly also booked his flight tickets and paid his hotel bills himself.