TNI Bureau: Veteran actress Hema Malini received the prestigious Bharat Muni Samman 2012 for her outstanding contribution to the field of dance, art and culture. She is a director and producer, Bharatanatyam dancer-choreographer and politician. She is also performing dance shows at her 60s.
Hema Malini is the fifth person to get the award. Earlier, Thankamani Kutty (Bharatanatyam), Pandit Birju Maharaj (kathak), Pandit Jasraj (vocalist) and thespian Ratan Thiyam had received the award.