Juhi Babbar, who has been awarded the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Rashtriya Puraskar of the Sangeet Natak Akademi for her contribution to Indian arts and theatre work, says it is an encouragement for the youngsters.

"I have been doing theatre only for over 12 years and this award is for people who have given their entire life to theatre. Receiving it is very encouraging for the youth as these professions have no money but are passion driven, " Juhi told.

The award is meant for eminent artists under 35 years of age and the actress said she is eligible for the honour. However, she refused to reveal her age.

Juhi received the award from Ratan Thiyam, vice chairman and acting chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi, Tuesday in the capital.

In 2001, Juhi's mother Nadira Babbar bagged the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Juhi started her stage career in 1999 with her mother's Ekjute Group.

Apart from her work on the stage, Juhi, who was seen in Shah Rukh Khan's television series "Ghar Ki Baat Hai", also has to her credit backstage contribution as costume designer for 35 plays.