Actress Aishwarya Rai, who has been honoured with the Abhinaya Kala Ratna by the Pazhassi Raja Charitable Trust, has thanked her colleagues, fans and family for their support throughout her 14-year-old film career.

"I'd like to dedicate this award to every professional I've worked with throughout my career and to all my audiences in India and the world over for their love, support and blessings... and my family, " Aishwarya, who couldn't attend the ceremony, said Wednesday in a statement.

The 37-year-old, who is expecting her first child with husband Abhishek Bachchan, could not attend the event in Mumbai Aug 25 as she had a prior family commitment out of town. However, she acknowledged the award through her message.

Aishwarya's father-in-law, Amitabh Bachchan had received the same award in 2010 for his contribution to the Hindi film industry.

Pazhassi Raja Charitable Trust was formed with the intention of remembering freedom fighter Veera Pazhassi Rajaand and his patriotism and of introducing him to the new generation.