DUBLIN, August 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Bollywood's most influential film maker and founder of Yash Raj Films, Yash Chopra, received an honorary professorship from Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, (http://www.tcd.ie) at a special event in Mumbai (on August 14^th) on the occasion of the 100^th anniversary of Bollywood film.  The prestigious award, which recognises Mr Chopra's outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, popular culture, globalisation and cultural exchange, was conferred on the veteran filmmaker by the university's Vice Provost for Global Relations, Professor Jane Ohlmeyer.  

Speaking at the event Professor Ohlmeyer commented: "Yash Chopra is one of the most influential filmmakers of our time.  This honorary professorship pays tribute to a dazzling career that has spanned five decades during which Mr Chopra has succeeded in breaking down geographical barriers by enamouring his Indian audience with overseas locations. This award has promoted the possibility of a Bollywood module being developed for students at Trinity College Dublin's School of Drama, Film and Music, further strengthening Irish educational ties with India."

Dressed in academic gowns, Professor Ohlmeyer presented Mr Chopra with the award.  Accepting the award Mr Chopra said: "I am humbled to receive this honour from the renowned Trinity College Dublin.  In this, the hundredth year of Indian cinema, I am privileged to still be an active member of a fraternity that I have been a part of for almost 60 years. Cinema, with its global reach, has brought us all  closer, and given us the opportunity to be familiar with and enjoy the varied cultures of our beautiful world."

Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, is Ireland's oldest and most prestigious university, ranked 21^st in Europe and 65^th in the world by the 2011 QS World University rankings.  In 2011, Yash Raj Films filmed Ek Tha Tiger on location at Trinity College Dublin, the first time a Bollywood movie was shot in Ireland.  

The university has a long and proud history as an internationally focused university and has recently launched sixteen postgraduate scholarships for Indian students.  Further information on the scholarships is available online at http://www.tcd.ie/graduate_studies.  Trinity's strong international reputation for research, teaching and innovation of the highest quality has led to numerous educational activities and research collaborations across the globe.

SOURCE Trinity College Dublin