MUMBAI: Yash Chopra was felicitated with the Swiss Ambassador’s Award, 2010, by the embassy of Switzerland.

Chopra was honored with the award for his contribution in promoting Brand Switzerland through his movies. The award was hosted at the lawns of the Swiss Ambassador’s residence on 25 October.

Deepika Padukone was present on the occasion and the evening was opened by the Swiss ambassador with music from Waqt that he played on a Flügelhorn. This was followed by dance performances by troupes to songs from Chopra’s films.

Swiss Ambassador H.E Philippe Welti said, “We are pleased to honor Mr. Yash Chopra with the first of its kind award. Mr. Chopra’s association with Switzerland dates back to 1965 when he was present at the very same lawns while shooting for his golden jubilee hit, Waqt. Our association has come a long way since then with numerous of his movies showing the splendid serenity of Switzerland. To many Indians, a Yash Chopra movie has been their window to a scenic dreamland… a window to Switzerland.”

“I am honored by the gesture shown by the Swiss Ambassador H.E Philippe Welti by giving me this award. Switzerland has always been my first choice of destination for shooting outside India. Be it for its picture perfect snow capped mountains or lush green fields, it is truly a heaven on earth that has made every angle, every shot and every frame of my movies breathtaking with the scenes vividly etched in peoples’ minds,” said Chopra on receiving the Swiss Ambassador’s Award.

Swiss Ambassador’s Award is presented to personalities, who have played an outstanding role in promoting relations between India and Switzerland. This award is being presented for the first time in 2010.

Some of the Yash Raj Films that have been shot in Switzerland are: Chandni, Darr, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Mohabbatein, Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, Mujhse Dosti Karoge, Veer-Zaara, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Bachna Ae Haseeno.