Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah hands over Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran actor Shabana Azmi

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday honoured actor Shabana Azmi on Monday for winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival.

A cheque amounting Rs 10 lakh was handed over to the celebrated actor. Poet, lyricist and Shabana’s husband Javed Akhtar accompanied her on the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Siddaramaiah praised Shabana and said that he has seen her performance in one of his favourite video songs “Mile sur mera tumhara”.

Shabana, after receiving the award, highlighted that Karnataka is famous for its rich contribution to music and cultural heritage.

Responding to this, Siddaramaiah added that Bhimsen Joshi, Kumara Gandharva, Gangubai Hangal are the legends of Hindustani music and it's a matter of pride that all of them are from “our own Dharwad.”

Siddaramaiah also said during the occasion that his government will advocate for GST benefits for artists and musicians, similar to the protections under copyright laws, during discussions at the GST Council, stated a press release from the Chief Minister’s office.

On March 6, the BIFFes organising committee declared that Shabana Azmi would be the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award for this year. At the valedictory ceremony of the 16th BIFFes on March 8, Arundhati Nag received the award on Shabana’s behalf.

Shabana Azmi has acted in over 160 films ranging from mainstream cinema to parallel and neo-realistic films.