'The best thing about Calcutta is that the people are so loving and emotional. I am sure they are going to like my new film, The Rising, which has been made with so much love and care. And I am going to be back here in six or eight months with my next film Rang De Basanti,' said Aamir, before mingling with the guests for the evening. Pictures by Pabitra Das

What can I say about Aamir Khan' He is the Big A of the industry.'

That, kind of, summed up the awe and admiration the winners of The Telegraph Ticket to the Stars promotion, at the Oberoi Grand on Saturday night, had for the small man with a towering presence.

DIL CHAHTA HAI: An Aamir fan is all smiles as she gets herself clicked with her dream man

Aamir spent a good hour and more with 20 couples chosen to dine with the hero on the basis of their SMS entries, making their hour-and-a-half wait well worth it. Watching Dil Chahta Hai was an entertaining diversion till then, but their evening began at 9.45 pm when the star of Mangal Pandey ' The Rising walked through the Ballroom door.

FLASH GORDON: British actor Toby Stephens, who plays Mangal’s friend Captain William Gordon in the film, enjoyed the evening at the Oberoi ballroom

With Mangala mangala playing in the background, fans young and old rushed forward, cameras, camera phones, paper and pen in hand. After the first flush of frenzy, the ceremony began.

MANGALA MANGALA: Aamir was gifted this special sketch of his latest screen avatar by artist Anup Ray; the star-actor just loved the gesture

'It's a pleasure to be here in Calcutta....,' said Aamir, followed by Toby Stephens and Ketan Mehta, before the winners were invited up on stage to get their photographs clicked and autograph books signed.

As Aamir smiled and chatted with every eager fan, the more enthusiastic seized the moment, grabbed the mike and praised the star to the August skies.

And by the time Aamir bid adieu close to 11 pm, he had given the hundred-odd guests a night to talk about for years.