Bollywood actress Preity Zinta honoured by Birmingham City University

Preity G Zinta will receive an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University

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 (BCU) in India next year.

The 48-year-old is also set to join West Midlands mayor Andy Street in the city on 4 and 5 November as part of Diwali celebrations.

Mr Street said he was "excited" she would lead celebrations, in her first UK appearance in more than a decade.

Her visit to Birmingham coincided with the city's India Film Festival which closes on Friday.

Ms Zinta's forthcoming doctorate was a testament to her "remarkable contributions" to "Bollywood and her philanthropic endeavours", Mr Street said.

"I am absolutely delighted to welcome Preity G Zinta to Birmingham and our vibrant region."

Professor David Mba, vice chancellor of BCU, said he was "thrilled" and hoped to work with Ms Zinta to explore "exciting opportunities" spanning from Indian cinema to entrepreneurship.

"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.

'Tremendous privilege'

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."