Thespians Saif Ali Khan, Lara Dutta and child star Darsheel Safary were all honored with 11th Annual Rajiv Gandhi Awards 2008.

Salman Khan, recipient of an award last year, Kareena Kapoor, music composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Rakhi Sawant performed live at the ceremony. Saif Ali Khan and Lara Dutta were been given the annual award for their contribution to Indian cinema, at a function attended by political stalwarts and Bollywood personalities.

‘This is for the first time I have received an award which is not completely related to films,” said Saif after receiving the award on Sunday from Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.

Lara Dutta thanked the jury members for selecting her for the prestigious award and said it was a great honour for her to receive the award. Darsheel Safary of Taare Zameen Par fame was awarded as a child prodigy, by Congress MP Rajiv Shukla.

Rajiv Gandhi Awards have been held since last 9 years with the support and supervision of Sonia Gandhi. This is a platform that brings together various fraternities, their maestros and celebrates the spirit of achievement - a spirit that inspires aspirants to excel in their fields and others to take notice