From bagging her first award for her American TV show to being one of the Padma Award winners, actress Priyanka Chopra says she is living a dream and the national honour is a result of her hard work.

"From 'Dil Dhadakne Do' to 'Bajirao Mastani' to getting People's Choice award for 'Quantico' and now Padma Shri...I can't explain in words what emotions I am going through. I think I am living my dream," Priyanka, who is currently in Montreal, told PTI over phone.

"I think it's all the benefit of working hard. I don't take my job for granted," she said.

Priyanka will be conferred with Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour.

She became the first South Asian actor to win People's Choice Awards (Favourite actress) for her American TV show "Quantico" earlier this month.

"I am happy... excited that this honour came my way. It has been a good year for me. The start has been great. I am grateful to people who have acknowledged my work. Being the daughter of an army officer, this honour makes it more special," Priyanka said.

The 33-year-old actress said she was elated to be among the illustrious personalities from films, arts and culture field who have receive the national honour. "I am excited and happy to be in the illustrious list of people and getting the award," she said.


The actress-singer said awards are acknowledgement of an artists' work and with honours comes responsibility to do better work.

"I think with award comes encouragement to do better and good work. There is responsibility to perform better. I am happy (that) I am acknowledged for the work that I have done," she said.

In her career spanning over a decade now, Priyanka has given some memorable performances in films like "Fashion", "Kaminey", "7 khoon Maaf", "Barfi!", "Mary Kom" and "Bajirao Mastani". She recently made her debut in the American TV space with thriller series "Quantico" where she plays the role of an FBI agent, Alex Parrish.