Does Aishwarya Rai deserve the Padma Shri Award more than our Olympic Heroes?
January 28, 2009
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was awarded the Padma Shri for her “contribution” to Indian Cinema. Notice that I have put the word contribution in quotes, because I fail to understand what she has contributed to the Indian Film Industry. Sure she won Miss World in 1994, but it’s not all about looking good. If she does deserve credit for being one of the million beautiful and recognised faces of India then so do Vijender Singh and Sushil Kumar for making India proud in the 2008 Olympics. But of course I keep forgetting that they are the underdogs and she is the queen.
My problem is not with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as much as it is with her last name, Bachchan! The sanctity of these kind of awards is being diminished by the fact that people can lobby for them, lobby to get certain names added to the shortlist. I’m compelled to believe that this is exactly what happened. Actually, one shouldn’t be surprised. Who would lobby for two men unknown to us before they made history in 2008.
Of course there is no conspiracy against the sportsmen but I strongly believe that they deserved the Padma Shri more than Aishwarya Rai.
P.S. Don’t forget the two magic words…………………………………………… AMAR SINGH!
It is an unfortunate thing that Vijender Singh and Sushil Kumar did not receive the padma shree. They were highly deserving in every sense.
However, that is no reason to believe that Aishwarya Rai is undeserving just because she got the award. In fact,she is one of the most versatile faces India has had. She represented India on so many various international events and occasions far and wide. Be it modelling, movies,dancing,ads/commercial, she has always maintained a dignified and admirable image.
As for the role of Amar Singh in helping her become the padmashree..its all speculation isnt it?
To some extent I agree with you Maya, however I just felt that Vijender Singh and Sushil Kumar deserved it more than her. I was one of Aishwarya’s greatest admirers, till she got married
Coming to Amar Singh, what can I say, you’ve got to love him. He’s my favorite fixer of all time. Also, trust me when I say that all these awards are manipulated before hand. A lot of the people receiving them deserve them but an equal amount don’t deserve this honor. I don’t even know if you can call this an honor anymore?