MUMBAI — Actress Vidya Balan was conferred a Doctor of Arts Honoris Causa by the Ahmedabad-based Rai University in appreciation of her contributions to Indian cinema over the past 10 years. Her endeavor to bring out the strong side of a woman in films has contributed to women’s empowerment in society.
The actress thanked God, her parents, the university and “each and every one of you” among the media present at the convocation held June 1 at the J.W. Marriott International. She later said, “I must also thank my husband Siddharth (Roy Kapur of Disney) even if he is embarrassed by what I am going to say. And that is that just by being with him, I have become a better person!”
She added to him, “I would like you to be with me all my life, and I have to tell you that I will be with you all your life too!”
“It is truly humbling and overwhelming to receive this honor. What makes this even more special is that I complete ten years in the Hindi 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 Indians. I hope to live up to the title,” said Balan.
An annual scholarship named after the actor has also been announced by the university.
Overwhelmed by the honor, the otherwise composed and articulate actress was tongue-tied and incoherent for minutes in the beginning and said so, confessing that this was the first time she was like this! Her parents, sister’s family (including their kids whom she referred to as “my gems”) and her mother-in-law were also present.
She later told India-West, “I remember I was 9 when my dad had a heart attack, and at that point, I had wished I was a doctor and decided to become one. Dad is thankfully there today, but God made me an actor and has now conspired to fulfill my wish in a different way!”
We agree, Dr. Balan!
Rai University provides educational and empowering opportunities for all, especially for girls from underprivileged parts of society. The university’s chancellor, Dr. Harbeen Arora, also mentioned that Balan’s films are synonymous with strong women in society.
“Among the league of iconic actors, Vidya is a pioneer in every way. Her films epitomize a distinct Indian-ness and powerful womanhood,” Arora said in a flowing tribute.
The citation, strangely, mentioned all the key films in Balan’s career, except the film that truly started her growth — “Paa,” in which she, interestingly, played her only doctor’s character to date — that of a gynecologist.
Read the original story here.
