Acclaimed NRI filmmaker Gurinder Chadha has won one of the top honours at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards here.
The director, whose "Bend it like Beckham" was a smash hit in various parts of the world, taking more than £11 million in Britain alone, received the Chairman's
Award at a function on Saturday, sponsored by Financial Mail.
"Her work universally transcends the Asian boundary and she has reached a summit on both a technical and creative level," said Pinky Lilani, chairman and founder of the awards.
Speaking on the occasion, Gurinder said, "There are few Asian women in the film industry, but I don't think it has worked against me."
"It is difficult for anyone to raise money to make films, so I don't think I found it any harder than anyone else. But I am finding it a lot easier now that 'Bend It Like Beckham' has done so well," she added.
About her acclaimed film, Gurinder said "The film was based on my parents. I wanted to show people like me on screen. I just hope that women want to see these stories and that they will be inspired to do what they want to."
"It is about being a role model and being visible so that women are encouraged to do well."
"There is now an Indian football league for women called the Beckham League," she claimed.
Gurinder's next project is an Indian musical version of "Pride And Prejudice" in which Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai will be cast in the lead role.