Bollywood diva Rekha made a rare public appearance to receive an award for her contribution to Bollywood. Her presence sent the paparazzi into a tizzy.

That underscored the fact that the popularity of the veteran star has not diminished a bit, even though she comes out to the public glare rarely these days.

She charmed the packed gathering of producers and invitees who assembled at Time & Again convention centre at Lokhandwala in north-west Mumbai Friday for the 69th annual general meeting of Indian Motion Pictures' Producers Association (IMPPA).

Accepting the award, the actress said that though she had received scores of awards in her 40-year career in movies, including the National Award, she considered the IMPPA award the most coveted as it was being given to her by her own fraternity.

"I always held my producers in high esteem and so I consider the IMPPA award as the most esteemed one I have ever received, " remarked the veteran star.

The producers' body honoured Rekha for her "significant contributions to the film industry".

IMPPA also similarly honoured director Madhu Bhandarkar and veteran producers Prakash Mehra and Surinder Kapoor (father of Anil Kapoor).

Bhushan Kumar of T. Series was given the Producer of the Year award. Kumar's latest movie, "Karzzz", is releasing next week.

Director Bimal Roy, the maker of such memorable movies as "Do Bigha Zameen", "Madhumati" and "Bandini", was honoured posthumously.