Nagpur: Union Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has claimed that veteran actress Asha Parekh has sought his help for the 'Padma Bhushan' claiming that she is entitled for the prestigious award.
The statement made by Gadkari sent ripples across the Bollywood. People came out with their mixed reactions in social media. Some criticised Gadkari for maligning the image of the veteran actress, while a section of them expressed their shock over the revelation.
While addressing an event in Maharashtra on Saturday, the Union Minister had said that such awards became a headache for the government.
"Film actress Asha Parekh came to me for recommending her name for the Padma Bhushan award. The lift of my apartment was not functioning properly, so she climbed 12 floors to meet me in person and I really felt bad about it," Gadkari said in the context of recent 'award wapsi' controversy in India.
He said, "She told me that she has received Padma Shri but due to her immense contribution to the Indian film industry she is entitled for the Padma Bhushan."
Asha Parekh is a Bollywood actress, director, and producer. She was one of the top stars in Hindi films from 1959 to 1973. In 1992, she was honoured with the Padma Shri and in 2014 she was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award.
Comments
0 comment