Shatrughan Sinha honored with "lifetime achievement award" in the UK
Actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha has been honored with a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to the fields of arts and politics at a ceremony in the UK's Parliament in London. The annual "Political and Public Life Awards" presented by Britain's Asian Voice weekly newspaper recognizes individuals who made a significant impact on public life or made a difference in their local communities. Here's more.
Event held in House of Commons building
The 12th annual Political and Public Life Awards ceremony was held at the Members' Dining Room in the House of Commons building. The event was attended by parliamentarians, business, and community leaders as well as the members of the UK Armed Forces as they braved extreme weather conditions and travel disruptions caused by days of snowfall across Britain.
Be different from the rest: Shatrughan Sinha's acceptance speech
Shatrughan Sinha said, "Confidence brings commitment, commitment brings determination, determination brings devotion, and when you have commitment, determination and devotion, besides confidence, then you get passion." The 72-year-old actor added: "In this competitive world...prove yourself to be better than the best. If you are unable to prove yourself to be better than the best, at least try and be different from the rest."
Sinha acted in over 225 Hindi films
Sinha started his acting career in the late 1960s. He has to his credit over 225 Hindi feature films besides several in other Indian languages. A member of the ruling BJP, he represents Bihar state's Patna Sahib Constituency in the Lok Sabha.
Pakistani-origin UK Cabinet minister Sajid Javid honored
Other winners included Pakistani-origin UK Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid, who was named Cabinet Minister of the Year. He dedicated it to his parents, calling them "heroes" for taking great risks to come to the UK to build a better future. Javid added the UK just doesn't "celebrate diversity but we actively thrive on the diversity of our country."
Colors TV named the best TV channel this year
Meanwhile, India's ColorsTV bagged the award for "Television Channel of the Year" and Jet Airways was named "Airline of the Year". An entrepreneur who introduced the concept of Bengali cuisine supper clubs called "Little Kolkata to the UK", Prabir Chattopadhyay, was named "New Business Entrant of the Year". Chattopadhyay said, "Little Kolkata is about sharing the spirit of Kolkata and its culinary delight with...Britain."
Celebrating those who make a positive difference: Asian Voice Publisher-Editor
CB Patel, Publisher and Editor of "Asian Voice" newspaper, said the awards were set up to recognize great works and incredible people who make huge contributions to public and political life. "I am so proud that we can celebrate those who have made a positive difference across all walks of life, regardless of political party, race, color or religion," he said.
