Mumbai, Dec 23

For the first time in almost five years, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) appears to have softened its stand towards mega-star Amitabh Bachchan.

The MNS invited Bachchan at a party function here Monday evening in which Raj Thackeray will also be present on the dais, a top official said.

"Bachchan has kindly consented to grace the seventh anniversary function of the MNS Chitrapat Sena along with our party president Raj Thackeray," said MNS vice president Vageesh Saraswat.

Relations between Bachchan and Thackeray went for a toss after Bachchan agreed to become brand ambassador for Uttar Pradesh over five years ago.

Later, there was bitter stand-off when once Bachchan said that "we are UP-walas and we don't speak Marathi", which infuriated Raj Thackeray.

"We may have differences of opinion on various political issues, but there is no personal animosity with any individual," Saraswat explained, adding the party will be happy to welcome Bachchan.

Bachchan will distribute insurance policies to junior artistes and stunt people as part of the centenary of the Indian film industry.

Barring the occasional fracas, the Bachchans have always enjoyed a close relationship with all members of the Thackeray clan from the days of the late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray.

By:IANS