The Padma Awards 2025, among India’s most prestigious civilian honours, were announced on Saturday, celebrating exceptional contributions across fields like arts, cinema, music, literature, and social work. These awards, categorized into Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, recognize individuals who have significantly impacted the nation through their work.

In the Padma Bhushan category, several renowned personalities from diverse domains were honoured. Kannada actor Anant Nag was recognized for his remarkable contributions to cinema, alongside Telugu icon Nandamuri Balakrishna. Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar also received the award for his achievements in film, while classical dancer and actress Shobhana and legendary ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas (posthumously) were acknowledged for their artistic excellence. Visionary filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, celebrated for his internationally acclaimed works like Bandit Queen and Elizabeth, was another notable recipient.

The Padma Shri category featured several celebrated names from the music industry. Playback sensation Arijit Singh was honoured for his exceptional contributions to Indian music, while Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej was recognized for his environmental advocacy through music. Popular singer Jaspinder Narula and theatre legend Barry John were also recipients, alongside other noteworthy figures who have enriched their respective fields.

The awards also spotlighted stalwarts in the arts for their lifelong dedication to India’s cultural heritage. Classical music and dance luminaries like Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia, Lakshminarayana Subramaniam, Jatin Goswami, and Ashwini Bhide Deshpande were among those celebrated. Posthumous honours were given to folk music legend Sharda Sinha and literary figure Miriyala Apparao, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to India’s cultural legacy. Other distinguished recipients included Bharat Gupt, Durga Charan Ranbir, and Tejendra Narayan Majumdar for their excellence in Indian classical music.

A special highlight of the ceremony was the posthumous Padma Vibhushan award, India’s second-highest civilian honour, presented to Malayalam literary legend MT Vasudevan Nair, whose passing in December 2024 left an indelible void in Indian literature. Folk icon Sharda Sinha was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan for her lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting folk traditions.

This year’s Padma Awards underscore the depth and diversity of India’s cultural and intellectual heritage. By honouring these remarkable individuals, the nation reaffirms its respect for the arts and culture while celebrating the achievements that continue to shape India’s legacy on the global stage.

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