Indian film icon Rajkumar, released by kidnappers after 108 days in captivity, returned Thursday to a hysterical welcome from tens of thousands of fans in his hometown of Bangalore.
Rajkumar, 72, was flown into Bangalore by helicopter from the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu where he had spent the night after his release Wednesday morning.
As many as 6,000 fans had gathered at the airfield, and a crowd mobbed the film star as he landed, lifting him on their shoulders and showering him with garlands.
Thousands more lined the route to the government secretariat, where an emotional Rajkumar spoke to reporters.
The film actor and three others were kidnapped by India's most wanted bandit, Veerappan, on July 30 in Tamil Nadu and held in the kidnapper's jungle hideout.
"To spend even one day in the forest was an effort," Rajkumar said.
"Initially I thought I would be released within 15 days because of constant messages I received on the radio," he said, adding that his hopes were dashed as succeeding missions by official mediating teams failed to secure his freedom.
"Even when I was released I had my apprehensions," he said.
"When I left the jungle and saw the roads, the people and the buses, I wondered whether it was a dream or reality." -- BANGALORE, India (AFP)
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