Sharmila said that actresses today have a better chance unlike earlier times in the film industry. "During our times it was nothing better than a good cry. We had to all look helpless... so, I think these people (heroines today) are having much more fun...," Sharmila said when asked if she sees any difference between the actresses then and now.
Sharmila, 72, said that the life of a heroine during her time was not exciting. "Heroines (then) couldn't be bad, so Helen had all the fun... heroine's life wasn't all that exciting... today's heroines have much better chance," she added
The Amar Prem actress said maintaining a continuity then was difficult.
"Also, we were working in three or four films at a time. So, maintaining a continuity was difficult because today Aamir Khan can put on and lose weight... we couldn't do all that," she said.
Talking about the films she likes the most out of those she starred in, Sharmila said: "I like 'Safar' and 'Mausam'. People really like 'Amar Prem' and 'Aradhana'. The shelf life of these films is still there... but my favourite is 'Safar' and 'Mausam'."
In her over five decades journey in Hindi filmdom, Sharmila has starred in films like "Aradhana", "Kashmir Ki Kali", "Aa Gale Lag Jaa" and "An Evening In Paris".
About her favourite co-star, she said: " I liked Shashi (Kapoor) very much. He's a friend. Of course, with Rajesh Khannaji I gave several hits, and Dharmendra."
On receiving the award, Sharmila said: "Thank you PHD Chamber for this wonderful honour and distinction... I am so happy to share with these young people who were rocking... thank you, so much."
Apart from Sharmila, filmmaker-fashion designer Muzzafar Ali was feted with a Special Award for contribution to the Indian cinema.
He thanked the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, saying: "It is a great thing to respect... it is this respect which makes us work."
The Chamber also gave awards to several singers like Kavita Seth, Prem Bhatia, Akriti Kakar, Usha Mangeshkar, and Ankit Tiwari, among others.
(With IANS Inputs)
