Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has won the 'Global Indian of the Year' award. Aishwarya was honoured at NRI of the Year award function held here last evening. The actress, 42, dedicated the award to her daughter Aaradhya.

"I was very passionate about making it more than a perceived beauty pageant. For me, I all along believed that it was the opportunity to represent an Indian woman on the international platform. I believe that from then until today, in 2016, it continues," Aishwarya said in a statement here.

"I am glad to have been chosen to be a feature film artist and a career woman. I have had so many opportunities, personally, professionally, socially," she said.

The "Dhoom 2" actress will be seen next in "Sarabjit" alongside Randeep Hooda and Richa Chadha Besides Aishwarya, noted tennis player Sania Mirza was also honoured at the NRI of the Year Award 2016.

Altogether 17 individuals were given the awards under different categories like ¿ entrepreneur, professional, academics, arts & culture, philanthropy, special jury award, global icon of the year and India's global icon award.

The NRI of the Year Award recognises outstanding achievements of the Indian diaspora globally.