MUMBAI: The Madhya Pradesh Government-instituted National Kishore Kumar Award for the year 2009-10 was conferred on producer-directed Yash Chopra at a ceremony that took place at Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh, the birthplace of the late Kishore Kumar.

State Cultural Minister Laxmikant Sharma presented him with the award, a traditional shawl and a cash prize.

Madhya Pradesh education minister Archana Tipnis and the State Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah were also present at the occasion. "By agreeing to accept
this award, Yashji has added to the reputation of MP as a state. He is one such director whose films have been socially relevant for more than 50 years," averred Sharma.

Chopra was overwhelmed at receiving this award and thanked the Madhya Pradesh government for the same. While appreciating the great work done by
the Madhya Pradesh government in Kishore Kumar‘s honour, Chopra fondly recalled his association with the late actor-director.

The Kishore Kumar award is given away for direction, acting, script writing and lyrics every year. Past recipients of the prestigious award are Hrishikesh
Mukherjee, Gulzar, Shyam Benegal and Amitabh Bachchan.

Chopra, a contemporary legend in Hindi cinema, has played a seminal role in the Indian film industry.