Pics: Bollywood actress Vidya Balan conferred with honorary doctorate

Mumbai, June 2: Bollywood actress Vidya Balan on Monday, June 1 was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Arts Honoris Causa by Rai University in Mumbai, at a special convocation ceremony.

Ahmedabad-based university honoured Vidya to appreciate her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema and for her endeavour to bring out the strong side of a woman via the silver screen.

Rai University has also named a scholarship programme after her, a report said.

"It is truly humbling and overwhelming to receive this honour. What makes this even more special is that I complete ten years in the film industry this year. "There can be no bigger compliment for any actor than to have done work that has made a significant mark and also to be looked upon as a role model by young India. I hope to live up to the title," Vidya said in a statement.

Pics: Vidya Balan conferred with honorary doctorate

The Rai University decided to award the actress with the degree for her exceptional contribution to the Indian film industry and for her contribution to empowering womanhood in the country, read a statement.

Pics: Vidya Balan conferred with honorary doctorate

The university's chancellor Harbeen Arora also mentions that Vidya's films are synonymous with strong women in society.

Pics: Vidya Balan conferred with honorary doctorate

"Among the league of iconic actors, Vidya is a pioneer in every way. Her films epitomise a distinct Indianness and a powerful womanhood," Arora said.

Pics: Vidya Balan conferred with honorary doctorate

In 2014, Vidya became the proud recipient of the fourth highest civilian award Padma Shri by the Government of India for her exemplary contribution in the Indian Cinema.

Pics: Vidya Balan conferred with honorary doctorate

On the auspicious occasion, Vidya was dressed in an elegant orange and pink Kanjeevaram saree.

Pics: Vidya Balan conferred with honorary doctorate

Her husband and filmamker Siddhart Roy Kapur and other close family members were present at the venue.

Pics: Vidya Balan conferred with honorary doctorate

In 2011, Vidya won the National Film Award for the best actress in The Dirty Picture. Besides, she has also won five Filmfare Awards for playing challenging and strong roles in Parineeta (2005), Paa (2009), The Dirty Picture (2011), and Kahaani (2012) and she also bagged Critics Award for the Best Actress for Ishqiya in 2010.

The Rai University decided to award the actress with the degree for her exceptional contribution to the Indian film industry and for her contribution to empowering womanhood in the country, read a statement.

Rai University provides education and empowering opportunities for all sections of society, especially for girls from the underprivileged sections of society. The university's chancellor Harbeen Arora also mentions that Vidya's films are synonymous with strong women in society.

"Among the league of iconic actors, Vidya is a pioneer in every way. Her films epitomise a distinct Indianness and a powerful womanhood," Arora said.

On the auspicious occasion, Vidya was dressed in an elegant orange and pink Kanjeevaram saree.

Her husband and filmamker Siddhart Roy Kapur and other close family members were present to attend the event.

In 2011, Vidya won the National Film Award for the best actress in The Dirty Picture. Besides, she has also won five Filmfare Awards for playing challenging and strong roles in Parineeta (2005), Paa (2009), The Dirty Picture (2011), and Kahaani (2012) and she also bagged Critics Award for the Best Actress for Ishqiya in 2010.

In 2014, Vidya became the proud recipient of the fourth highest civilian award Padma Shri by the Government of India for her examplary contribution in the Indian Cinema.

She has recently completed ten years in the Indian film industry. Her next film, "Hamari Adhuri Kahani" is slated to be released on Friday, June 12.

OneIndia News