A Bahrain resident has won a top award in India in recognition of her artistic work. Jaya Menon was selected as the first winner of the Pravasi Kalashree Awards for nonresident artists who have excelled in various fields by the Kerala Sangeetha nataka Akademi.

The announcement was made by Kerala Minister for Rural development, Planning and Culture K C Joseph.

Menon, who works with JPMorgan Chase Bank, has performed on stage since the age of four, and has received the Best Actress Award from the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam three times.

She will be presented with the award during a function in the southern Indian state on March 27. “I am elated and excited that my dedication, hard work and commitment is recognised and this is indeed a great honour for me,” said Menon, who has taken part in several plays.

“I would simply rule out the theory that drama is undergoing a slow death. The crowd that gathered to watch 'Kuriyedathu Thathri' itself is an example,” she added.-TradeArabia News Service