New Delhi: Noted scriptwriter Salim Khan has denied accepting the Padma Shri Award stating that the Government is quite late in realizing his contribution.
Salim Khan, father of actor Salman Khan, was among other renowned personalities who were to be honoured with Padma Awards on the occasion of 66th Republic Day.
Salim Khan has co-written some of the biggest hits of 70's and 80's namely, Haathi Mere Saathi, Seeta Aur Geeta, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Zanjeer, Deewaar, Sholay, Don, Mr. India to name a few. Last year, the veteran received the Lifetime Achiever Film & Television Producers Guild Award.
A day before, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar too humbly declined to accept the Padma Award and recommended that the prestigious second highest civilian award should be given to some other 'great' people.
Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar and Rajinikanth are the veterans of the Indian film industry who are likely in the list to receive Padma Awards.
Popular lyricist and ad guru Prasoon Joshi and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali are also expected to be acknowledged for their brilliant contribution to the industry.
