Mumbai: The prestigious National Kishore Kumar Award, given by the Madhya Pradesh Government for the year 2009-10, was conferred on Mr. Yash Chopra, at an investiture ceremony held yesterday. This ceremony took place at the birthplace of the Late Kishore Kumar – Khandwa, MP - on his death anniversary, October 13.

Yash Chopra, a contemporary legend in Hindi cinema, has played a seminal role in the Indian Film Industry. With this award, he added yet another prestigious accolade to his long list of achievements. State Culutural Minister Mr. Laxmikant Sharma presented him with the award, a traditional shawl and a cash prize.

State Education Minister Ms Archana Tipnis and the State Tribal Welfare Minister, Mr. Vijay Shah, were also present at the occasion. "By agreeing to accept this award Mr. Yash Chopra has added to the reputation of MP as a state. He is one such great Director whose films have been socially relevant since more than 50 years", said Cultural Minister Mr. Laxmikant Sharma.

Mr. Yash Chopra was overwhelmed at receiving this award and thanked the Madhya Pradesh government for the same. He fondly recalled his association with the Late Kishore Kumar while appreciating the great work done by the Madhya Pradesh government in Kishore Kumar's honour.

The Kishore Kumar award, instituted by the Madhya Pradesh government in 1997, is given away for direction, acting, script writing and lyrics every year. Past recipients of the prestigious award have included Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar, Shyam Benegal and Amitabh Bachchan.