TENNIS champion-turned Hollywood filmmaker Ashok Amritraj has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of East London for promoting talented moviemakers from across the world, including India.
Armitraj has brought over 100 films to life, creating a remarkable $2bn in worldwide revenues, the university said in reference to his honorary doctorate of arts awarded in London.
"To receive my doctorate of arts from a wonderful educational institution, the University Of East London, is truly a great honour. I have enjoyed my past 30 years of filmmaking, working with great stars and discovering new talent. I was humbled to hear that I am the university's sole honoree this year for their doctorate of arts," 59-year-old said.
Born in Chennai, Amritraj won acclaim as a young man through his achievements on the tennis court and played in every major professional tennis tournament, including Wimbledon and the US Open, and represented India in international competitions.
His filmography as producer includes hits such as 'Bringing down the House', 'Premonition', 'Machete', 'Blue Valentine' and 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance'.
"He has worked with numerous Hollywood stars including Robert DeNiro, Sandra Bullock, Bruce Willis, Jennifer Aniston, and Andrew Garfield and built relationships with studio heads, politicians and royalty," the university said in a statement.
His company, Hyde Park Entertainment Group, is seen as a connect between east and west, promoting collaborations among talented filmmakers and others across India, Asia and the US.
