Melbourne: Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda was felicitated by Melbourne based South Asian community members at a function here last night.
On the occasion, the 39-year-old "Main Aur Charles" actor, also shared his memories of the time he spent as an international student in the country.
The members of a non profit organization South Asian Public Affairs Council (SAPAC) honoured the visiting actor with an achievement award for making his mark in the film industry.
Receiving the award, Hooda said he got his first break in the Bollywood industry because of his Australian accent.
Grand welcome to Melbourne Australia .. pic.twitter.com/Dw4P2lB3df
— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) February 28, 2016
The actor who made his debut as an NRI from Australia in Mira Nair's film "Monsoon Wedding" in 2001, said he was very happy to be back in the country after 15 years.
"Its a wonderful country. Its a country which has its biggest strength as multiculturalism. I think we are all part of it and its growing more and more," he said adding that his time here has been a big part of his growth as a person and as an actor.
"I think I learned more about acting when I drove cabs in the night. ...You, infact, get very nice view into people's lives," he said
Presenting the award to the actor, Parliamentary Secretary for tourism, major events and regional Victoria, Danielle Green, said "Indians were the fastest growing community in the state and were settling very well."
A local councilor Oscar Yildiz also offered Hooda to become an ambassador of 'Bully Zero Australia' which the actor accepted.
At the event, Hooda also formally launched a non profit organisation 'Nobody Dies Hungry' founded by an Australian Indian Aloke Kumar.
(With agency inputs)
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