Vidya Balan feels honoured to receive the honorary doctorate

Vidya Balan, the recipient of several awards, including the Padma Shri award, received an honorary doctorate from Rai University, Ahmedabad. She has been awarded for her tremendous contributions to the world of Indian cinema over the past 10 years. Her powerful roles in films have helped in uplifting the issue of women empowerment in the society.

The convocation was held at the J.W. Marriott International on June 1. After expressing her gratitude to God, her parents, university, and media persons who were present there, she 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!” The Parineeta actress added, “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”.

The university chancellor, Dr. Harbeen Arora, said, “Among the league of iconic actors, Vidya is a pioneer in every way. Her films epitomize a distinct Indian-ness and powerful womanhood”. The actress confessed that she earlier wished to be a doctor, when her father had a heart attack, but strangely, the citation did not mention Paa, the only film where she played the role of a doctor.