MUMBAI: Indian film industry veteran Yash Chopra was conferred the Zenith Asia Award for his contribution to cinema at a ceremony at the National Film Archive of India on 13 November 2007, which was earlier announced at the recently concluded 5th Asian Film Festival in Pune.

The award was handed over to him by Kiran V. Shantaram, president of the Asian Film Foundation and convenor of the 5th Asian Film Festival, Mohan Agashe.

Speaking on the occasion, Chopra said that even after all these years, it is humbling to receive an award. “But the award is not only for Yash Chopra. It is also for the technicians, actors and singers who have created the track record along with me,” he said.

Chopra also spoke candidly about his role as producer and director in an industry, which is going through an interesting phase.

The veteran filmmaker has a fond association with Pune. “Pune is time for nostalgia. Years back, I shot a film here. The city has a great theatrical and musical understanding. I love coming to the city at the first opportunity I get. In fact, I have come here as an examiner at NFAI earlier. Pune is special to me,” Chopra said.

In the past, the Zenith Asia Award has been given to actor-director Aparna Sen and Iranian director Majid Majidi.