The prestigious Padma Awards, announced on Thursday, bestowed honors upon notable individuals for their outstanding contributions across various fields. Among the distinguished recipients, Chiranjeevi and Vyjayanthi Mala received the esteemed Padma Vibhushan, while the late Vijayakanth, Mithun Chakraborty, and Usha Uthup were recognized with the Padma Bhushan.
Chiranjeevi, a stalwart of Telugu cinema, marked almost five decades of dominance since his debut in 1978 with “Punadhirallu.” Having previously been honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2006, the actor, who later ventured into politics, has made a lasting impact on both the entertainment and political landscapes. Notably, he served as the Union Minister of State for Tourism from October 27, 2012, to May 26, 2014.
Vyjayanthimala, renowned for her captivating performances and graceful dance, embarked on her cinematic journey in Tamil cinema before becoming a powerhouse in Hindi cinema during the 1950s and 60s. Her seamless balance between acting and classical dance earned her accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1968 and now the prestigious Padma Vibhushan.
Mithun Chakraborty, a veteran actor, received the Padma Bhushan this year, adding to his repertoire of honors. His versatile contributions to Indian cinema have endeared him to audiences over the years.
Unfortunately, the late Vijayakanth will posthumously receive the Padma Bhushan, honoring his enduring legacy in the world of cinema. The actor, who passed away on December 28, 2023, made significant contributions to the film industry.
In addition to these luminaries, the list of Padma awardees from the field of arts includes Padma Subrahmanyam, Dattatray Ambadas Mayaloo, Pyarelal Sharma, Khalil Ahamad, Badrappan M, Kaluram Bamaniya, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, Naseem Bano, Ramlal Bareth, Gita Roy Barman, Parbati Baruah, Som Datt Battu, Takdira Begum, Drona Bhuyan, Ashok Kumar Biswas, Smriti Rekha Chakma, A Velu Ananda Chari, Ghulam Nabi Dar, Mahabir Singh Guddu, Anupama Hoskere, Jankilal, and Ratan Kahar. These individuals have made indelible contributions to their respective fields, enriching the cultural tapestry of India.
