Vidya Balan to be awarded honorary doctorate

An Ahmedabad-based university has decided to give Vidya Balan an honorary doctoral degree (Doctor of Arts honoris) and has also initiated a scholarship programme under her name. As per the scholarship program, the Kahaani actress will chose a girl student for scholarship, which will sponsor the girl’s tuition fee and boarding expenses, every year.

The Ishqiya actress feels honoured to receive the award. She told Hindustan Times, “There can be no bigger compliment than this. What makes this even more special is that I complete 10 years in the Hindi film industry on June 10. It is truly humbling and overwhelming to receive this honour”. Vijay has also been honoured with India’s fourth highest civilian award, Padma Shri, last year.

The chancellor of the university, Dr Harbeen Arora, said, “Among the league of iconic actors, Vidya is a pioneer in every way. Her films epitomise a distinct Indianness, and a powerful womanhood. For her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, for creating a new space for empowered womanhood in Indian society, for her unmatched excellence and dedication to her craft, the university will confer her with the degree — Doctor of Arts, honoris causa”.