Madhuri Dixit named most inspirational female Bollywood icon

Madhuri was bestowed the honour at the third annual Bradford Inspirational Women Awards in UK.

Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit has been named the most inspirational female Bollywood icon, becoming the first to receive the honour instituted last year.

The 46-year-old actress was bestowed the honour at the third annual Bradford Inspirational Women Awards (BIWA) in Bradford in the UK.

Last year, as the world celebrated 100 years of Bollywood cinema, a special category was announced at BIWA 2013 for the public to nominate their most Inspirational Female Bollywood Icon.

"Greetings everyone. I wanted to reach out and thank the Inspirational Women's Foundation for choosing me as the most inspirational Female Bollywood Icon of all times. It's indeed a great honour," Dixit said in a special video message played at the event.

"I've been a staunch advocate of women's empowerment and I've worked hard throughout my career to advance the cause. It is heartening to see that gender equality is really becoming more of a reality. There is still much more to be done and I'm confident that, by working together, we can empower women worldwide. I would personally like to thank Fatima Patel, Jane Vincent and the Inspirational Women's Foundation for making this possible. Thank you," she added.

The unsung female heroes of Bradford were also once again honoured for their contributions and achievements across public and home life at the coveted award ceremony, which continues to go from strength to strength, with a new category added each year.

This year's new category was Inspirational Woman in Public Services. In addition, two Special Awards were presented on the night by the founders of the Inspirational Woman Foundation - a not for profit organisation established to work with and to support women, be it at home, in the workplace, in the community or in business, of which the Inspirational Women Awards are now a part.

An independent panel of judges comprising Adeeba MalikMBE; Deputy Chief Executive of Bradford-based charity, QED; David Ward MP, Bradford East; and Susan Jones, HR Director, Freeman Grattan Holdings selected the category winners, which were announced on the night.

Congrats to her. Very well deserved.

Madhuri was/is will always remain to be the most inspirational Bollywood icon! What a diva, what a legend she is! She's par excellence !! 👏

another proof on how over rated she is!

Originally posted by: koiza.k

another proof on how over rated she is!

Originally posted by: koiza.k

another proof on how over rated she is!

She is one of the inspirations..not most inspirational

some people here are so opinionated!

its okay to have an opinion of your own but no one has a right to have an opinion on my opinion! I feel she is over rated! and I guess I have valid claims in the form of her movies records since the past 10 years to back my claim. If rest don't agree, fine! don't say I live in a bubble. I am not sonam kapoor :p Hahaa

Madhuri is a very deserving person for this title, coz not only is she a brilliant actor and star but her conduct in d industry has been exemplary which is worth emulating.😃

Sidenote: It's not at all surprising tht DI wasn't a hit, coz it was clearly made for a niche audience nd such kind of movies r not appreciated by all. As fro Gulab Gang, it wasn't a well made movie I guess as I haven't watched it yet, but tht's wht I got frm d reviews I read nd Madz is beyond box office figures anyways!😊

yikes, why her? the ugliest actress to ever step into bollywood.