Nitin Gadkari – Asha Parekh chased me for Padma Bhushan

Government bestows awards on citizens for their contribution towards the nation. Prominent among the Highest civilian awards handed over to people from the different fields being the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan then comes the Padma Bhushan and last but not the least is the Padmashree. Bollywood actors too are bestowed with awards by the government for their contribution in Indian cinema.

There is a huge demand for the Padma Bhushan among Bollywood celebrities, this was revealed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. He added that it has become a headache for him as people chase him to be recommended for the Padma Bhushan. The minister said veteran actress Asha Parekh had climbed 12 floor to forward her request to be nominated for the award. She felt that she was entitled for the award for her contribution to the Indian film industry.

Gadkari added, “Asha Parekh had come to me seeking a recommendation for the prestigious Padma Bhushan award, saying that she was entitled to it She came to meet me in Mumbai. The lift to my residence was not working, she climbed up 12 floors, I felt very bad. I asked her why she took the trouble. She said I have received Padmashree Nitinji, now I want Padma Bhushan. I said you have received Padmashree, it is like Padma Bhushan (only). She said ‘no’. She said she has done so many films.”

Asha Parekh had received the Padmashree in 1992, and lifetime achievement award in 2014.