Actress Shabana Azmi, tennis champ Sania Mirza and journalist Barkha Dutt were among the 18 women honoured for their achievements at a glitzy event in Mumbai. The Whirlpool GR8Women Awards celebrated Indian women who have become a role model for millions. The function organised the television glossy, was conducted by Ruby Bhatia. Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Kathak exponent Uma Sharma, former Miss World Diana Hayden, fashion designer Ritu Kumar, scientist Indira Hinduja, writer and activist Mahashweta Devi and painter Madhvi Parikh were among the awardees.

Corporate honcho Naina Lal Kidwai said women achievers always inspired her and she strongly believed that such events were a must to encourage women. Entrepreneur Jashwantiben Popat bagged the prize for breaking into a male bastion in the banking, insurance and investment sector while Kiran Mazumdar was conferred the award for her work in science and technology.

The jury comprised Akshay Chudasama, Gita Piramal, Jackie Shroff and M.V. Kamath.

The event saw Harsha, India's first test-tube baby who is now a young girl of 17, being presented a cheque of Rs.25,000 to help in her education.

The award ceremony saw a lot of razzle-dazzle. Punjabi pop star Jassi sang foot-tapping numbers and the silky voiced Pankaj Udhas made the evening dreamy with soulful ghazals. Then the sonorous duo Roop Kumar and Sonali Rathod presented a medley of songs, including "Chaudhvi Ka Chand Ho", "Uden Jab Jab Zulfein Teri" and the naughty "Humein To Loot Liya". Then Namrata Shirodkar and Mehak performed in unison, to the resounding beats of "Dola Re Dola", "Odhni Odh Ke" and "Piya Piya". Hrishitaa Bhatt performed seductive numbers like "Banthan Chali", "Yeh Raat", "Chholi Ke Pechche", "Maahi Ve" and a sensational number, "Humnasheen".

To top it all, Pakistani singer Reshma mesmerised everyone.

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