Zeenat Aman honoured at US film fest

Veteran Bollywood actor Zeenat Aman has been felicitated with a lifetime achievement award for her contribution in the field of cinema at the DC South Asia Film Festival (DCSAFF).

The 65-year-old was presented with the honour by the Indian American philanthropist Frank Islam.

“This evening is exceptionally memorable,” Aman said as she accepted the award at the conclusion of the sixth annual film festival on September 8. Islam praised the veteran actor. “Zeenat, you defined girlhood and womanhood for generations of South Asians. Young and old alike cried when you cried on screen, and they laughed when you laughed,” he said in his key note address at the awards ceremony.

The event also saw Aman’s son, Azaan Khan, being recognised with the rising star director award for his upcoming film which features Naseeruddin Shah.

Lipstick Under My Burkha received the best feature film award at the festival while British-Indian actor-director Kavi Raz was recognised with the outstanding achievement in international cinema award.

Noting that the Alankrita Shrivastava-directed movie had run in trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification in India, Islam said the success of an independent movie such as Lipstick has proved once again that art and cinema can be effectively used for social purposes. — PTI