MEMORABLE OCCASION: Shabana Azmi recieving the `Akkineni Nageswara Rao' award from Meira Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice, and T. Subbirami Reddy, Union Minister of State for Mines, at Ravindra Bharati in Hyderabad on Saturday. Mr. Nageswara Rao and his sons Nagarjuna and Venkat are also seen. PHOTO: G. KRISHNASWAMY

HYDERABAD: Actress Shabana Azmi was conferred with `Akkineni Nageswara Rao Award', for her service to Indian cinema, on Saturday at a glittering function at Ravindra Bharati by Union Minister for Social Justice Meira Kumar.

The award ceremony presented an opportunity for personalities from various walks of life to wax eloquent about the achievements of Ms. Shabana Azmi and recall Mr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao's unparalleled contribution to the Telugu film industry in the last 65 years.

Union Minister of State for Mines T. Subbirami Reddy in his presidential address showered praises on Ms. Shabana Azmi and Mr. Nageswara Rao.

"It is fitting to give this prestigious award to our own Hyderabad-born international star Shabana Azmi," he said.

Mr. Nageswara Rao said he admired Ms. Shabana Azmi work for social causes and pointed out that it was very tough for film personalities to shine both as a social activist and on screen.

Union Minister Ms. Meira Kumar recalled how she was smitten by the protagonist's role played by Ms. Shabana Azmi in the film `Ankur'.

She congratulated Ms. Azmi for her achievements and contributions to Indian cinema.

ANR thanked

A visibly moved Ms. Shabana Azmi thanked Mr. Nageswara Rao for recognising her work and bestowing the award on her.

Mr. Nageswara Rao's sons Akkineni Venkat and Akkineni Nagarjuna were among other dignitaries present at the award function.

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