It is a Honour for my Fans: Rajini

Actor Rajinikanth was bestowed with the Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year at the opening ceremony of the 45th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on Thursday 

evening. Union Minister Arun Jaitley and Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, who was the chief guest, presented the award, which consists of a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a certificate and the Silver Peacock Medal. It was instituted last year to commemorate 100 years of Indian Cinema.

Amitabh Bachchan called Rajinikanth a 'wonderful human being' and an 'incredible phenomenon.'
Speaking at the event, Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee said: 'Rajinikanth is such a big star, and the contribution that he has made to Indian cinema is also huge. I think the award has come really late.'
In his acceptance speech, Rajinikanth said, 'I came here to receive an award and not give a speech. Have no words to say after Amitabh Bachchan gave a wonderful speech'. 'I dedicate the award to my producers, directors and fans, said an visbly emotional Rajinikanth', he added.

Union Ministers Manohar Parikkar, Arun Jaitley, Goa Governor Mridula Sinha, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Union Minister of State Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore, were present on the occasion.