It's time the favourite of director Nasir Hussain's musicals in the 1960s and 1970s, and the darling of the Box-office, actress Asha Parekh, goe her due. She gets it at the Bollywood Movie Awards to be held at the Nassau Coliseum in New York on 26 May 2007. That day the veteran actress, who was known for her classical Bollywood dancing style, will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Asha Parekh, according to the official release, holds the record for the most box-office hits among the actresses of her era. Her roles in films such as Dil Deke Dekho, Ziddi, Teesri Manzil, Aaya Saawan Jhoom Ke, Aan Milo Sajna, Caravan, Baharon Ke Sapne, Kati Patang and Kaalia have left a lasting impression on viewers' minds, while in 1971, she won the coveted Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Kati Patang.

Asha Parekh was elected president of the Cine Artistes' Association and later, went on to be chosen the first female chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification. She is also involved in many cultural endeavours including her dance academy, Kara Bhavan, and the Asha Parekh Hospital in Mumbai.

Celebrities slated to perform at this year's Bollywood Awards include Bipasha Basu, Arjun Rampal, Viveik Oberoi, Urmila Matondkar, Soha Ali Khan, Neha Dhupia and Kangana Ranaut. Television stars Mona Singh, UK's Raghav, Pakistani actor-singer Shahida Mini, Caribbean singer Ricki Ramdehal and Pakistani singer Waris Beg are also scheduled to perform. - (SAMPURN)