Seema Biswas, Mallika Sarabhai win Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards

Actress Seema Biswas, eminent dancers Shovana Narayan, Mallika Sarabhai, Leela Samson and vocalist Rita Ganguly were among 52 artistes who were on Sunday honoured with the coveted Sangeet Natak Academi Awards for 1999-2000.

Vice President Krishan Kant presented the awards at a glittering function here.

Seema Biswas, a National Award winner for her title role in Bandit Queen, won the award for her contribution to Indian theatre. Describing it as "a dream and a morale-boosting experience", she said, "it will definitely encourage youngsters to excel in their field. "

Padma Shri Shovana Narayanan, a Kathak exponent, said, after receiving the award, "It is a beautiful and humbling experience and also a proud moment to know that the artiste community has reposed confidence in our talent."

Bharata Natyam dancer Leela Samson, acclaimed for her intelligent interpretation of the traditional and contemporary aesthetic sensibility, has received several awards including the Sanskriti Award in 1982 and the Padma Shri.

PTI