Mumbai: Former Miss World and noted Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was honoured with ‘Global Indian of The Year’ award at 'NRI of the year' award function held in Mumbai on Monday evening.

The 42-year-old actor dedicated this award to her daughter ‘Aaradhya’ and said,” I was extremely passionate about making it more than a perceived beauty pageant. It was an opportunity for me to represent an Indian lady on the international platform. I believe that it continues from then until today in 2016”.

“It made me glad to have been chosen to be a feature film artist and a career woman. I have had so many opportunities, personally, professionally, and socially”, She added.

Besides Aishwarya, Tennis star Sania Mirza was also honoured with the 'NRI of the Year' award.

A total of 17 persons were awarded with the award under different categories like- entrepreneur, professional, academics, arts and culture, Philanthrophy, special jury award, global icon of the year and India’s global icon award. The NRI of the Year Award recognises outstanding achievements of the Indian origin people globally.

The event was hosted by Tisca Chopra.