The Queensland University of Technology said it was understandable of Bachchan to turn down the award in protest of recent attacks on Indians in Australia.

The Brisbane-based University had offered the veteran a doctorate for his contribution to the world of entertainment and Bachchan had earlier accepted the title.

The honour was to be conferred on the star in July as a part of celebrations to commemorate a retrospective of his films to be inaugurated in the city.

However, reacting to the recent racial attacks, the 66-year-old actor said he would not accept the title.

QUT Vice-Chancellor Peter Coaldrake said he understood the why the "towering figure in Bollywood" turned down the doctorate.

"The acts against Indian students in Australia is incredibly unfortunate and to be deplored and sensitivities back home in India are well understood, therefore we understand entirely the reasons," he said.

However, Coaldrake said: "We hope another that another day might come and there will be another opportunity (to confer) the award," Coaldrake said.

"We hope as circumstances develop and when these issues have been addressed that there might be another opportunity," Coaldrake said in a statement.

Bachchan was due to visit Brisbane in July for the Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF).