Veteran actress Asha Parekh says Union Minister Nitin Gadkaris remark that she \u201cchased\u201d him for the Padma Bhushan was hurtful.\nThe Minister for Road Transport and Highways had last year said Parekh approached him seeking recommendation for the prestigious award.
\nThe 74-year-old actress says Gadkaris comment wasnt right.
\n\u201cIt did hurt me. It was not the right thing for him to do. But I took it with a pinch of salt. It didnt matter to me… Controversies are a part of the film industry,\u201d Parekh told PTI.
\nThe Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award after the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan.
\nGadkari claimed that Parekh had told him that she was entitled for the Padma Bhushan due to her massive contribution to the Indian film industry.
\nParekh was honoured with Padma Shri in 1992 and with a Lifetime Achievement award in 2014. She was one of the top stars in Hindi films from 1959 to 1973 and had worked with all top heroes of her time including Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Rajesh Khanna.
\nParekh is awaiting the release of her autobiography, \u201cThe Hit Girl\u201d, penned by film critic Khalid Mohamed.
\n\u201cI want people to read the book. I also want to focus on my hospital, so I am a little stressed about that. I am more concerned about the hospital,\u201d she says.
\nPublished by Om books, the autobiography has a foreword penned by superstar Salman Khan. It is scheduled to launch on April 10.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"