Mumbai [India], Jan. 13 : Vin Diesel, who is in India on a two-day promotional tour for ' xXx: Return of Xander Cage,' has a long-standing connection with this country!

Excited about his visit to India, the actor, during a press-meet here, explained how his success and stardom has an Indian-connection.

"The first movie that my father took me to see was 'The Thief of Bagdad,' starring Sabu. From that moment, as a five-year-old, I always imagined movie stars could look different than the ones that work in Hollywood, like myself. So, there is a long-standing connection with Hollywood and India and my stardom and successful career," he said.

The 49-year-old actor was seen all praise for Deepika Padukone and thanked her for bringing him the opportunity to visit India.

"I was waiting for the opportunity to come to India and it was this queen here, this angel who made it possible. It is such a blessing to have someone with such a beautiful soul in my life," said Diesel.

Adding, "Being in this city is a dream come true. When we started filming xXx, she said, 'I have one request. I want to do a huge Hollywood premiere in my country, India.' So the fact that we are here, means that we have delivered on that promise."

During the press con, the 'Fast and Furious' star even mentioned that he found the leggy lass mind blowing in 'Bajirao Mastani', "I saw Deepika in Bajirao Mastani and it was mind blowing."

The 31-year-old actress' Hollywood debut, that had a grand premiere last night, will hit the theatres in India on January 14. (ANI)