Who Were the Distinguished Padma Awardees of 2025?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shekhar Kapur received the Padma Bhushan.
- Arijit Singh was awarded the Padma Shri.
- Pankaj Udhas was honored posthumously.
- The ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- A strong representation from the entertainment industry was noted.
Mumbai, April 28 (NationPress) The prestigious Padma Awards, India's esteemed civilian honors, were presented in the nation's capital on Monday. Renowned figures from the Hindi film industry, including filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, singer Arijit Singh, and the late Ghazal icon Pankaj Udhas, received accolades during this illustrious ceremony.
Shekhar Kapur was honored with the Padma Bhushan by President of India, Droupadi Murmu, while Arijit was awarded the Padma Shri. Pankaj Udhas was recognized posthumously, with his wife accepting the award on his behalf.
Earlier this year in January, Shekhar expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the honor via social media, stating, “What an honor! I am humbled that the Government of India has considered me deserving of a #Padmanbhushan. This award motivates me to work harder for the industry I cherish and the incredible nation I am proud to belong to. A big thank you to the audiences of India, for I am because you are. #JaiHind”.
Other recipients of the Padma Bhushan included Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna and classical dancer Shobhana. The Padma Bhushan ranks as the third-highest civilian award in India, while the Padma Shri is the fourth-highest.
The awards ceremony took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, celebrating individuals from diverse fields, prominently featuring the entertainment industry, as numerous stalwarts were recognized for their enduring contributions.
This year’s Padma Awards showcased a substantial representation from the entertainment sector, alongside honorees from areas such as public affairs, science and engineering, medicine, social work, literature, education, sports, and civil services.