Rekha gets 'Adishakti' award

Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Nashik, (UNI): Film star Rekha, looking every bit pretty as during her "Khubsoorat" days, was honoured with the 'Adishakti' award for her contributions to cinema during a career stretching more than three decades in Bollywood.

Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar presented the award, including a cheque of Rs 50,000, a citation and a shawl, to Rekha at a function late last night in the memory of Lata's parents, Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar and Mai Mangeshkar.

Remembered for her classy portrayal of a "tawaif" (dancing girl) in the critically acclaimed Umrao Jaan, Rekha, glowing golden in yellow Kanjeevaram saree and heavy jewellery, while expressing happiness over the award, said ''I will never be able to forget this moment of my life.'' ''After my career spanning 35 years, I promise I will give something to the residents of Nashik in the next 35 years that they will always remember,'' she added.

''During my career, I have not been able to spend more than 10 minutes with Lataji and Ashaji (Bhonsle), but this occasion has given me an opportunity to interact with them for over an hour, which is the biggest 'laddoo' (prize) for me,'' she said.

Constantly reinventing herself, she has won accolades for sensitive performances in a number of movies like Silsila, Khubsoorat, Muqaddar ka Sikander and Utsav.

On the occasion, Lata also presented a special award to noted play director Vijaya Mehta for her contribution to the field of theatre.

Besides, noted classical singer Dr Prabha Atre, litterateur M V Dhon, Lokmanya Seva Sangh and Snehbandh working for physically challenged were also felicitated for their contributions in respective fields.

Veteran playback singer and Lata's younger sister Asha Bhonsle was also present at the award ceremony.

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