Asha Parekh lobbied for Padma Bhushan says Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

Its a known fact that Bollywood and politics always go hand in hand. But, what happened at a recently held function in Nagpur has not just raised many eyebrows, but also left many in a state of shock and disbelief.

At the said function that was held in Nagpur, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed that veteran Bollywood actress Asha Parekh had approached him seeking recommendation for the (prestigious) Padma Bhushan award. Speaking about it at the function he said, "We receive so many letters for Padmashree and Padma Bhushan. I have sent around thousand recommendations until now. So many people now want Padmashree and Padma Bhushan. One actress met me; she has turned old...Asha Parekh. 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. She said No. She said she has done so many films. Asha Parekh is a big name truly but somewhere she felt that she should get Padma Bhushan."

Nitin Gadkari also added that he was being chased for such (award) recommendations and that giving away Padma awards has become a headache these days.

Readers may note that Asha Parekh was conferred with the prestigious Padmashree award in 1992 and also the Lifetime Achievement award in 2014 for her contribution in Indian film industry.