Veteran actress Asha Parekh lobbied for Padma Bhushan, says Nitin Gadkari

New Delhi: Union Transport Minister, Nitin Gadkari, on Saturday, accused veteran actress Asha Parekh of lobbying for Padma Bhushan award.

Gadkari reportedly said that the actress 'climbed 12 floors to approach him for Padma Bhushan'.

"Film actor Asha Parekh came to me for recommending her name for Padma Bhushan. The lift of my apartment was not functioning properly, so she climbed 12th floors to meet me in person and I really felt bad about it," the Union Minister said.

Gadkari added that Parekh said that she was entitled for the Padma Bhushan due to her massive contribution in Indian Film industry.

Parekh was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award in 2014 and with the Padma Shri in 1992.

Asha Parekh is yet to speak on this issue.