BACHCHAN, HEMA HONOURED AS LIVING LEGENDS
By Viral Bhayani. (16 March 2004)

Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, two veterans who have managed to hold their own in Bollywood even today, have been honoured as living legends. The Living Legend Awards were presented to them here late Monday at FICCI Frames 2004, a global convention on the entertainment industry. It was rumoured that Bachchan would not be able to make it, but he did despite his busy schedule. The evergreen Hema came too, draped in pink designer sari, looking as elegant as ever.

The awards were a befitting acknowledgement of the dedication of the two to the Indian film industry. Despite being over 50, the greying pair sizzled on screen in a very recent film called "Baghban".

Hema made a short speech. And then Bachchan followed, saying light-heartedly: "My onscreen wife (Hema) has fulfilled what I wanted to say even before I could."

Y.K. Modi, president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), said, "Bachchan is undoubtedly the most recognised face of the Indian industry globally.

"He was among the first to pave the road for corporatisation of the Indian film industry and FICCI FRAMES appreciates the fillip he has given to the growth of the entertainment industry.

"Hema Malini has been awarded since she has managed to transcend the limitations of being bracketed as merely an actress."

After the presentation ceremony, there was chaos as TV channels and photographers surrounded the stars, making it impossible for them to move out of the venue. A sort of a human chain was then made to let the two stars walk away.

Earlier recipients of the Living Legend Awards are Dilip Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Dev Anand and Asha Bhosle.