A Bollywood actress is set to receive an honorary doctorate in recognition of her contribution to the industry.
Preity G Zinta will be presented with the degree from Birmingham City University in India next year.as part of Diwali celebrationsMr Street said he was "excited" she would lead celebrations, in her first UK appearance in more than a decade.Ms Zinta's forthcoming doctorate was a testament to her "remarkable contributions" to "Bollywood and her philanthropic endeavours", Mr Street said.
"This is an exceptional moment for our dedicated staff, aspiring students, and for the dynamic city of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region," he said.Ms Zinta, known for her work in Hindi films such as Veer Zara, made her acting debut in 1998 and is a former UNAIDS ambassador. She said: "It's a tremendous privilege to be receiving this honorary doctorate from BCU, especially given its strengths in business and media that chime so well with my own career.
"I'm very excited to be part of the Diwali celebrations in Birmingham and look forward to meeting all the wonderful people there, marking the Festival of Lights together."