Padma Awards 2025: Ajith Kumar, Shekhar Kapur, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sharda Sinha Honoured; See Full List
Ajith Kumar, Shekhar Kapur and Nandamuri Balakrishna among others were honoured with Padma Bhushan.
Several stalwarts of Indian cinema, including late musicians Sharda Sinha and Pankaj Udhas, noted screenwriter MT Vasudevan Nair, Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and singer Arijit Singh were among the 139 recipients of the Padma Awards.
The list of the coveted awards for 2025—announced on the eve of Republic Day—featured names from across generations and spheres of the Indian entertainment industry.
Ajith, Kapur, Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna (last seen in his actioner Daaku Maharaaj), cinema veteran Anant Nag and Bharatnatyam dancer-actor Shobana Chandrakumar have been honoured with the Padma Bhushan.
In a press statement shared by his manager on X, Ajith said he was "deeply humbled and honoured" to receive the Padma Bhushan Award and thanked the film industry members, including his "distinguished seniors, various peers, and untold others" for their inspiration, collaboration, and support.
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"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu and the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for this prestigious honour. It is a privilege to be recognized at such a level and I am truly grateful for this generous acknowledgment of my contributions to our nation. At the same time, I am mindful that this recognition is not just a personal accolade but a testament to the collective efforts and support of many," he said in a statement.
Ajith also mentioned that he wished his late father was present to see this day. “Yet, I like to think he would be proud that his spirit and legacy live on in all that I do. I want to thank my mother for her unconditional love and the sacrifices that enabled me to become all that I could be.” He added, "To Shalini, my wife and companion of nearly 25 wonderful years: Your partnership has been a joy and cornerstone of my success. And to my children, Anoushka and Aadvik: You are my pride and the light of my life, motivating me to set an example for how to do well and live right. Lastly, to all my fans, supporters, and well-wishers: Your unwavering love and support have fuelled my passion and dedication. This award is as much yours as it is mine."
Kapur, known for directing films like Masoom (1983), Mr India (1987) and Bandit Queen (1984), tweeted, "What an honour! Am humbled that the Government of India has considered me to be deserving of a #Padmabhushan. Hopefully this award will make me strive harder to serve the Industry that I am part of, and the beautiful Nation that I am so fortunate to belong to. Thank you also to our film audiences of India, for I am because you are."
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Sharda Sinha, legendary folk and classical singer who passed in November last year, and MT Vasudevan Nair have been posthumously honoured with Padma Vibhushan—the second-highest civilian award for exceptional and distinguished service.
Iconic Ghazal singer Udhas, who passed away in February 2024, has been posthumously honoured with Padma Bhushan, the third highest honour for distinguished service.
The personalities who will be conferred with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, include singer Arijit Singh, veteran actor Ashok Saraf, four-time Grammy Award-winner Ricky Kej, Jaspinder Narula and theatre veteran Barry John, who had played an instrumental role in the early years of superstar Shah Rukh Khan and actor Manoj Bajpayee among others.