Indian star AmitabhBachchan, whose credits include Aks, Baghban and Hum,has been appointed a special ambassador in the fight against AIDS.

Former South Africanpresident Nelson Mandela made the announcement at a screening of South Africa'sofficial foreign language Oscar entry Yesterday at the International Film Festival of India on WorldAIDS Day on Dec 1.

The ambassadorial role wasset up by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to raise awareness and funds for theglobal HIV/AIDS pandemic and to initiate, develop and support practicalprogrammes for the prevention, testing, care and support for those infected bythe disease in South Africa.

Bachchan, a prominentcampaigner, joins others on the programme including Brad Pitt, former USpresident Bill Clinton, Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey.

Yesterday centres on an HIV-positive South African womanstruggling to confront her condition and care for her only daughter. DarrellJames Roodt directed.