Himani Shivpuri receives Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman from Amit Shah in Dehradun
Synopsis
Veteran actress Himani Shivpuri — Dehradun-born, four-decade career, DDLJ and HAHK to Happu Ki Ultan Paltan — received the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman from Home Minister Amit Shah on the state's Foundation Day. She called it a 'Diwali gift' from her matrubhumi, underscoring how deeply her Uttarakhandi roots define an identity that mainstream Bollywood often overlooked.
Key Takeaways
Himani Shivpuri was conferred the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman on 7 November 2025 at Parade Ground, Dehradun .
The honour was presented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami at the Uttarakhand State Foundation Day celebrations.
Shivpuri, born in Dehradun , has a career spanning over four decades in films, television, and theatre since her 1984 debut.
Notable films include Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge , Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! , and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai .
She is currently seen as Katori 'Katto' Amma in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan on television.
Veteran actress Himani Shivpuri was conferred the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman on 7 November 2025 for her decades-long contribution to Indian cinema, television, and theatre. The prestigious state honour was presented by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami during the Uttarakhand State Foundation Day celebrations at Parade Ground in Dehradun.
The Felicitation Ceremony
Shivpuri received a framed memento and a cheque at the ceremony, posing on stage alongside Shah and Dhami. The annual Foundation Day event marks the formation of Uttarakhand as a separate state and is used to recognise distinguished sons and daughters of the state for their achievements in various fields.
Shivpuri's Reaction
Sharing images from the ceremony on social media, Shivpuri expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. 'Suprabhat! Got a wonderful gift for Diwali! Was honoured to receive the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman from our honorable Home minister Shri Amit Shahji and our chief minister Shri Dhamiji! Im thankful to my matrubhumi for bestowing me this honour! My parents adhirwad and your love n blessings! In the words of Girda ji — Uttarakhand meri matrabhumi...' she wrote. The post drew widespread appreciation from fans and the film fraternity.
A Career Spanning Four Decades
Born in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Shivpuri made her film debut with Ab Ayega Mazaa in 1984 — a career now stretching over four decades across films, television, and theatre. She went on to become a beloved screen presence, with standout roles in blockbusters including Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Khamoshi: The Musical, Hero No. 1, Deewana Mastana, Bandhan, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
Television Legacy
Beyond cinema, Shivpuri has maintained a strong presence on Indian television. She is currently best known to younger audiences for playing Katori 'Katto' Amma in the popular comedy series Happu Ki Ultan Paltan. Her consistent work across platforms over four decades underscores a versatility rarely seen in the Indian entertainment industry.
Significance of the Honour
The Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman is among the state's highest civilian recognitions, awarded to individuals who have brought distinction to Uttarakhand on a national or international stage. Shivpuri's selection reflects the state's acknowledgement of her cultural contribution rooted in her Uttarakhandi identity — a connection she has long celebrated publicly. With the honour coming on the eve of Diwali, Shivpuri called it a 'wonderful gift,' and many in the industry agree it was long overdue.
Point of View
Shivpuri has been the industry's most reliable supporting presence — from DDLJ's comic relief to HAHK's warmth — without ever being marketed as an 'Uttarakhandi icon.' The Foundation Day setting, with Amit Shah presenting the award, adds a political dimension: states have increasingly used cultural honours to consolidate regional identity. Whether this galvanises more institutional support for artists from Uttarakhand remains to be seen.
NationPress
7 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman?
The Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman is one of the state's highest civilian honours, awarded to individuals who have brought distinction to Uttarakhand in fields including culture, arts, and public service. It is conferred annually on the occasion of the Uttarakhand State Foundation Day.
Who presented the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman to Himani Shivpuri?
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami jointly presented the award to Shivpuri at Parade Ground in Dehradun on 7 November 2025, during the state's Foundation Day celebrations.
Why was Himani Shivpuri honoured with this award?
Shivpuri was recognised for her contribution to the Indian film industry over more than four decades. Born in Dehradun, she has appeared in landmark Hindi films and popular television series, bringing national visibility to her Uttarakhandi roots.
What are some of Himani Shivpuri's most famous roles?
She is best known for roles in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Khamoshi: The Musical, Hero No. 1, Deewana Mastana, and Bandhan. On television, she currently plays Katori 'Katto' Amma in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan.
When did Himani Shivpuri start her acting career?
Shivpuri made her film debut in 1984 with Ab Ayega Mazaa. Since then, she has built a career spanning over four decades across Hindi cinema, television, and theatre.
