Ajith Kumar, Nandamuri Balakrishna awarded with Padma Bhushan, Arijit Singh wins Padma Shri; fans react

On Saturday, January 25, the central government announced the Padma Awards. The awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). This year, the government has awarded 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards.

Tamil star Ajith Kumar and Telugu superstar Nandamuri Balakrishna, and Kannada veteran actor Anant Nag won the nation's third-highest civilian award- Padma Bhushan. Even director Shekhar Kapur got Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Indian cinema. 

Marathi veteran actor Ashok Sharaf, singer Arijit Singh, Jaspinder Narula, theatre director, and acting coach Barry John are honoured with Padma Shri- the fourth-highest civilian honour. Legendary ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas got Padma Bhushan (Posthumous). Whereas Padma Vibhushan was bestowed upon folk singer Sharda Sinha (Posthumous). 

#BREAKING : Actor #AjithKumar has been awarded Nation's 3rd Highest Civilian Honor #PadmaBhushan by Govt of India..

— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) January 25, 2025

The Padma Awards 2025 were announced on Republic Day eve, Saturday. The award seeks to recognize 'work of distinction' and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines, such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service and Trade and Industry.

The Padma Shri award is the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India after the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and the Padma Bhushan. The Padma Shri awardee list includes several names who have made a remarkable impact in their respective fields.

(With inputs from ANI)