Overjoyed, overwhelmed: Vidya Balan on Padma award

New Delhi: National award-winning actress Vidya Balan is thrilled at being selected for the Padma Shri, saying it is a matter of "great pride" for her.[caption id="attachment_1136095" align="alignleft" width="380"] The actor said it was an honour to receive the award from the government. Sachin Gokhale/Firstpost[/caption]Dedicating the honour to her family, an emotionally overwhelmed Balan said, "I'm thrilled. I'm overjoyed. I'm overwhelmed. I'm honoured. I'm humbled...! I'm running out of words to express my feelings and gratitude."Balan is known for portraying strong female protagonists in films like Paa, Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, The Dirty Picture and Kahaani."To be receiving this honour from the government of my country is a matter of great pride for me and I dedicate this award to my family who make me, me!," she added.Meanwhile, noted filmmaker and cinematographer Santosh Sivan said it was an honour to be a recipient of prestigious Padma Shri.Sivan, 49, is known for making period films such as Asoka, Urumi and Before the Rains."It's a great feeling. I am very happy and excited. I have been flooded with calls since it was announced. It's good to get all these congratulatory messages from my near and dear ones," Sivan told PTI.However, the celebrated filmmaker has no regrets for not receiving the award earlier. "For me the thing which is most important is that whenever we receive an award your heart must believe in it," he said.PTI