Having created a niche for herself in the tinsel town, Vidya Balan has now attracted a prestigious honour.

The charming actress is reported to be given the Smita Patil Memorial Award by the Priyadarshini Academy. She said to have been chosen for her outstanding contribution to the film industry. She said to have been chosen for her outstanding contribution to the film industry. Balan garnered much acclaims with her debut movie ‘Parineeta’ and later went on to create success with her roles in films like ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, ‘Paa’ and ‘Ishqiya’.

Incepted in 1984, the academy is an NGO which is engaged in socio-cultural and educational activities. Earlier the award has been won by several personalities namely Preity Zinta, Yash Chopra, Karisma Kapoor, Urmila Matondkar, Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit and Kareena Kapoor.

Talking on why they chose Balan, chairman of the academy Nanik Rupani explained to sources, “Vidya Balan is an excellent actress. She is modern yet contemporary and has done decent and powerful roles. Her performance in 'Paa' was outstanding.”

The award function is reported to be held in Oberoi Hotel (Mumbai) on 19th Sep.

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