Yash Chopra honored with "Swiss Ambassador's Award 2010'

The award was presented at a scintillating evening hosted at the lawns of the Swiss Ambassador's residence on Monday, October 25, 2010. Bollywood actor and Tissot brand Ambassador Deepika Padukone was present on the occasion and congratulated Shri Chopra on being presented this prestigious award.

The highlight of the evening's cultural performances was the Swiss Ambassador's opening of the ceremony with music from Waqt (1965) that he brilliantly played on a Flügelhorn. This was followed by colourful dance performances by troupes to songs from Yash Chopra films.

While presenting the award to Shri Chopra, the Swiss Ambassador H.E Philippe Welti said "We are pleased to honour 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 honoured 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 Yash Chopra on receiving the Swiss Ambassador's Award.

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

Asambhav", is the first Hindi film to be shot entirely on location in Switzerland and is also the first Indian movie to have the longest shooting schedule abroad lasting over two months. Year 2009 saw at least 17 Indian films being shot in Switzerland. About 12 film crews have already shot in Switzerland since January 2010.

The Embassy thanked Tissot, Switzerland Trade and Investment Promotion, Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce, Switzerland Tourism, Kuoni India Pvt. Ltd., Rieter India Pvt. Ltd., Nestlé India Limited, Buhler (India) Pvt. Ltd. and Lindt & Sprüngli for their support to the event.