Veteran Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna received an award for his contribution to Indian cinema at the International Film Festival held here on Thursday.
The 12th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) opened on Thursday and the ceremony was attended by veteran actors and filmmakers.
Elated at being honoured by the film fraternity, Khanna said: "I do not think there is ever a point that comes when an actor can say that I have done everything or a director can say that I have done everything. One life is too short a time to actually see and even work towards your excellence. There is so much creativity happening all around the world."
Khanna, an actor-turned politician, debuted in 1968 as a villain and is known for his performances in films like, 'Purab aur Paschim', 'Sachaa Jhutha', 'Aan Milo Sajna' and 'Muqaddar Ka Sikandar'.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan inaugurated the event. He also mentioned that PIFF would get the status of a 'state film festival'.
National Award-winning filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan was also awarded for contribution to Indian cinema on the opening day of film festival.
The Pune International Film festival that will screen 200 films over 300 shows across seven venues in the city will conclude on January 16.