Mumbai, Dec 9 (IANS): Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan feels honoured after receiving keys to the city of Florence during the opening of 12th edition of River to River Florence Indian Film Festival in Italy.

The event, organised by Selvaggia Velo, is the only Indian film festival in Italy. Its 12th edition, that started Friday, will go on till Dec 13 in Florence.

"Overwhelmed as I am with the beauty and elegance of Firenze (Florence), the opening of the River to River 12th India Film Festival tonight (Friday) at the Odeon Cinema, one of its oldest is a delight to be present at, where the deputy mayor of the city presents me with the keys of the City of Firenze, and invites me to the city again not as a tourist but as a guest."

"Nothing could have been more overwhelming than this recognition, in the presence of the ambassador to Italy of India and other distinguished guests," the 70-year-old posted on his blog.

The festival also showcases three of his films -- "Deewar", "Sholay" and "Black".

Other Bollywood guests include filmmakers Anurag Kashyap and Imtiaz Ali.

Amitabh Bachchan feels proud that Indian cinema is finally going global.

"India everywhere! A feeling of great pride for fraternity, for country, at every corner, someone that praises India and films," he tweeted.

"Meeting many of my country and others too, who have loved our cinema. It is a world phenomena now! We have beaten the cynics," he posted.

The film star is in such an awe of Florence that he wishes to spend his entire life there.

He posted: "Photo shoots with some of the famous names in design -- Christian Louboutin in Marrakech, Uomo Vogue in Florence, Paris Match. The fashion and design at every step is so infectious! You feel like spending a lifetime here. How do they do it?"