NEW DELHI: Actor Deepika Padukone and stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma are among the recipients of the Indian of the Year 2013 instituted by CNN-IBN.
Acknowledging the achievements and contributions of the iconic Indians who have made the country proud and strengthened the foundation of society, a total of 11 extraordinary Indians across politics, sports, entertainment, business and public service categories were honoured.
Sharma won the honour in the field of entertainment for “creating India’s most successful stand-up comedy show that finds a universal appeal across audiences”.
Padukone got it in the Special Achievement category for “constantly reinventing herself as a leading lady with exceptional acting abilities and for delivering a slew of mega hits in 2013, including Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.”
PV Sindhu received the award in the sports category for keeping the great run of Indian Badminton going and winning the singles medal at the World Championship.
Tennis ace Leander Paes got the Outstanding Achievement award for being an ageless wonder and becoming the oldest man to win a tennis Grand Slam at the age of 40. Ramakant Achrekar won the honour in the same category for being the most dynamic Indian cricket coach and nurturing exceptional young cricketing talents in Mumbai which includes the ‘God of Cricket’, Sachin Tendulkar.
Padukone said: “I have always done what seemed right to me and my parents supported me all through. I never sit and analyse before signing a film if it will be a hit or not, rather just go by my heart. If I like the script, nothing else matters to me. Thank you CNN-IBN for presenting me with Indian of the Year award, and I feel so proud to have received it from my father (Prakash Padukone).”
Sharma said: “It’s the year of the common man and I am also one of them. To be awarded amidst such eminent personalities and dignitaries it’s a great achievement in itself. Special thanks to CNN-IBN to consider me an Indian of the year. I have always believed in working and entertaining the common man and that I think is the success mantra of my life.”
Instituted in 2006, this was the eighth edition of CNN-IBN Indian of the Year awards. The selection process involves the IBN Editorial Board drawing a list of nominees, which is then authorised by a highly distinguished jury comprising personalities bestowed with the most prestigious Padma honours.
CNN-IBN, IBN7 & IBN-Lokmat, editor-in-chief Rajdeep Sardesai said, “Every year, along with our countrymen, we have a set of people at the forefront, who are doing their best to take our country forward. We feel privileged to acknowledge some of our fellow Indians who have made us proud with their efforts and contribution to society. I wish all the winners hearty congratulations.”
