“Baahubali” director S.S. Rajamouli and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut on Thursday were felicitated with the CNN-News18 ‘Indian of the Year’ 2015 award by the Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley with regard to their contribution to the Film Industry.
“I am a man who lives with cameras and lights but I am very nervous to be in front of them. The award would have been more complete if it would have been given to team ‘Baahubali’ as the film is about team effort. We had a fantastic cast and crew. Without them it wouldn’t have been possible,” Rajamouli said.
“I am feeling really happy. I know these words sometimes sound very shallow and cliched at these (awards) event because they are so commonly used. But for me at this juncture of my life, it really means a lot,” Kangana said.
Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh was also given a Special Achievement award for his roles in “Dil Dhadakne Do” and “Bajirao Mastani”.
Indian field Hockey icon Balbir Singh was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award.
Tennis star Sania Mirza emerged victorious in the sports category.
“It was incredible. We did not lose a match for six months in a sport where you play every week of the year. I dedicate this award to every girl who was told not to play sports because they would get a tan,” Mirza said.
