Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 30, 2017)

Priyanka Chopra, who has been announced as the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award under the newly-instated ‘Internationally Acclaimed Icon Award’ category, jokes that every time she wins something of national significance, she’s out of the country.

“When I won the Padma Shri, I was in New York. Likewise for the National Awards my Marathi production Ventilator won. I think I should be spending more time in the US, maybe I’ll win a few more,” she says, speaking from Berlin, where she is to attend the German premiere of her Hollywood debut, Baywatch.

“Priyanka’s hard work and sincere efforts have earned her a spot on an international platform. She’s made Indians proud by representing the country on a global level. This compelled us to introduce this fresh category,” Ganesh Jain, Chairman of the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy and Award Committee, revealed in a statement on Monday.

The board of trustees for the Awards include Johnny Lever, Pahlaj Nihalani and Mithun Chakraborty. The ceremony will be held on June 1 in Mumbai.