WASHINGTON (TIP): Veteran Bollywood diva Zeenat Aman was felicitated with lifetime achievement award for her contribution in the field of cinema at the DC South Asia Film Festival (DCSAFF) which was held Sept. 8-10 at Montgomery College’s Rockville Campus in Washington, D.C. The sixth annual DC South Asian Film Festival was presented by the DC South Asian Arts Council, Inc. in Partnership with Montgomery College.

Indian American philanthropist Frank Islam presented the award to the 65-year-old actor saying that she ‘defined girlhood and womanhood for generations of South Asians.’ Zeenat Aman is best known for her work in Hindi films during the 70s and 80s. An award-winning actress, Ms. Aman is credited with a making a lasting impact on the image of its leading actresses by introducing the modern look to Hindi cinema. Ms. Aman has won numerous awards including Filmfare Best Supporting Actress for Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1972), Bollywood Awards ‘Award for Lifetime Achievement’ – Lifetime of Glamour (2003), and Best Contribution to Indian Cinema at the 11th IIFA awards (2011).

The event featured three days of the premieres of award-winning films from South Asian countries. Screenings included feature films, short films by Montgomery College Students, and documentaries as well as Q & A sessions with directors and actors. The opening and closing night galas featured stars and acclaimed guests including Zeenat Aman, Adil Hussain, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, Delegate Aruna Miller (now running for Congress in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District), directors Anant Mahadevan, Vinay Pujara, Indira Somani among others.

Alankrita Shrivastava-directed “Lipstick Under My Burkha” received the best feature film award while special jury mention for best feature film went to “The Valley” and “Elephants in the Coffee” bagged the prize for the best documentary. Ananth Mahadevan got Best Director award for Dr. Rukhmabai. Adil Hussain received best actor award for Hotel Salvation and Pragati Kolagewas adjudged as the best actress for Palyawadasi.