Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt is glad that Rekha's nomination to Rajya Sabha has been approved by President Pratibha Patil and says that the veteran actress has a long way to go.

"I am happy that Rekha has made it to the privileged group of Rajya Sabha members. It is going to be a long journey for her, " Bhatt told.

"It is no ordinary achievement for her. I am more happy because she belongs to our fraternity and they felt her worthy enough to be nominated, " he added.

The president Thursday had approved the nominations of Rekha, along with ace cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and businesswoman and social worker Anu Aga to the Rajya Sabha.

Rekha, who has given some brilliant performances in films like "Khubsoorat", "Silsila", "Umrao Jaan" and "Zubeidaa", will join the likes of lyricist Javed Akhtar and actress Jaya Bachchan as the member of the Upper House.

Other film celebrities, who have been a part of Rajya Sabha earlier include Nargis, Hema Malini, Lata Mangeshkar and Vyjayantimala.