Amitabh Bachchan gets court notice on tax exemption

New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan Monday got a notice from the Supreme Court on a plea challenging a judicial verdict allowing 30 percent tax rebate on his income to the tune of Rs.509 million in fiscal 2001-02.

A bench of Justice S.H. Kapadia and Justice Aftab Alam sought Bachchan's stand on the lawsuit by the union government's Income Tax Department.

The bench also asked the actor to account for his 2001-02 income and expenditure with appropriate proof and adjourned the matter for final hearing on Oct 28.

The case largely pertains to the actor's income from the popular TV game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' on Star TV.

The Bombay High Court had allowed the actor to avail the tax relief accepting his plea that as an artist he was entitled to the exemption as per section 80 RR of the Income Tax Act.

The Income Tax Department, however, challenged the high court ruling contending that section 80 RR of the IT Act grants tax rebates only to those artistes who earn either by performing outside the country or receive payment from foreign agencies.

The tax authorities have contended that the TV show was produced by Indian firm Star India Ltd. that renders him ineligible for the tax rebate.

Abhishek Bachchan more blessed than parents: Rakeysh Mehra

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who directed Abhishek Bachchan for the first time in 'Delhi-6', says he is a 'pedigree' actor and is far more 'blessed' than his parents Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan.

'In terms of balance, Abhishek is far more blessed than both his parents. He is a thoroughbred and a pedigree. He has styles from both his mother and father but possesses the sensitivity and softness of his mother,' Mehra told IANS.

Mehra, who worked with Amitabh in 'Aks', was also all praise for Abhishek's acting style.

'Abhishek is in his nascent stage as an actor but he has got a whole lot of experience as an actor. He delves into the character and lately he's started doing that more often. I remember while shooting for 'Delhi-6', I couldn't believe that it's Abhishek when he completely got into the character of Roshan (the protagonist).