Mr. Nice scores 60

After two days of birthday felicitation event which kick started on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, at the Art of Living Ashram, Bangalore hosted by Sri Sri Ravishankar followed by a gala evening at Mandya on 4th October, 2009 hosted by Kannada Film Association and Akhila Karnataka Ashok Kheny Youth Movement, the 60th birthday of Ashok Kheny, MD, NICE Ltd., was held with even more fanfare the next day at Mysore.
Held at Maharaja College Grounds, Mysore, the birthday celebrations were organized by the Akhila Karnataka Ashok Kheny Youth Movement and saw a huge crowd of well wishers at the gathering wishing Kheny on his 60th birthday, by an aerial shower of flowers from a helicopter. 
The occasion was graced by over 300 seers as well as religious leaders from all over Karnataka along with politicians and film stars. Pejawar Mutt seer, Sri Visvesatheertha Maha Swamiji inaugurated the program by lighting 60 lamps simultaneously to mark the 60th birthday of Ashok Kheny and showered his blessings on him. Speaking on the occasion he said, "Ashok Kheny is one of the most remarkable personalities of Karnataka who has given great development to the state in terms of infrastructure."
Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Sri Raghavendra Bharathi Swamiji of Ramachandrapura Mutt, Mysore Bishop Dr. Thomas Vazhapilly, Sir Khazi of Mysore Maulana Azad Mohammed Usman Sharif, former Mayor Dakshina Murthy, Lok Sabha Member H. Viswanath, MLA Renukacharya, Kannada Film Artist Ambareesh, Director Rockline Venkatesh and Tamil Film Superstar Rajinikanth along with other seers and politicians also blessed Mr Kheny.
The surprise of the day was the appearance of Superstar Rajnikath who, amidst loud cheers felicitated Kheny with a shawl and a garland.  "The large crowd of well wishers gathered to wish Ashok Kheny on his 60th Birthday is a proof of his popularity and his supporters in the State," said Rajnikanth, while addressing the mammoth gathering.
Rajni also regaled the audience recalling that Rockline Venkatesh had approached him at the time of the release of his film Sivaji, two years back, saying that Ashok Kheny was Karnataka's very own Sivaji. When he wanted to see him, Kheny himself called on him the next day, he said. Rajni joked saying he had no clue why Kheny came to see him, wondering if he wanted to sign him up for a movie, or for any donation. However, being a maharaja himself, and a film producer, why would he need my help, he added, and said he was doubly pleased when Kheny invited him for his 60th birthday celebrations, and he readily accepted it.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Rajni told TWB that driving on NICE roads was truly a NICE experience on par with world class experience. He also disclosed that his next Endiren is due for an April release.
The celebrations saw a spate of cultural events by musicians and dancers of the state representing the rich culture and diversity of Karnataka.
Kannada actor turned MP, Ambareesh who also graced the occasion said, "Ashok Kheny is a man of great honor who has set his talents in various verticals in these 60 years, I wish to see him celebrate a hundred years of his life with same honor."
Expressing his gratitude towards all the wellwishers, Ashok Kheny said, "I am overwhelmed with the immense support I have from each one present here".
Kheny also announced his personal donation of Rupees 10 lakhs and 250 quintals of rice to the flood affected areas of Karnataka.
His second son, on his first ever visit to India, was also present.