An award for Rekha

Actress Rekha and ace cinematographer V K Murthy were conferred awards for their significant contribution to Indian cinema.

The honour came in the wake of the 4th international film festival organised under the aegis of Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI).

Dressed in a brown shimmering gold and rust sari, the stunning Rekha received the prestigious award from Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and film actor turned MP Sunil Dutt.

Murthy, who has displayed cinematographic brilliance in classics like Jaal and Kagaz Ke Phool was honoured for his technical excellence at the function.

Bhujbal said that Indian cinema is an affordable and popular mass media and has come of age with films like Lagaan being sent for prestigious Oscar awards.

Lauding the pioneering contribution of Dadasaheb Phalke to the film industry, Bhujbal revealed that Phalke's memorial will be inaugurated on November 30.

After receiving the award, a triumphant Rekha says, "However popular an artiste may be, awards were reassuring. It has restored my faith that I am still loved and watched by cinegoers."

PTI