Padma awards conferred on film dignitaries

President Pratibha Patil gave away the Padma awards at a function at the Rashtrapati Bhawan recently. The event was attended by Vice President Hamid Ansari,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,several union ministers and a host of dignitaries. Of the film dignitaries who were conferred with the Padma award,Telugu actor A. Nageshwara Rao was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan while theatre artiste Satyadev Dubey and actor Shashi Kapoor were conferred with the Padma Bhushan. The Padma Shri awardees were actors Kajol and Irfan,filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli and singer Usha Uthup.

Kajol,the youngest of the lot to be honoured with the Padma award,said,“I am truly honoured and humbled by this title that has been bestowed upon me. To be in the company of so many great people and for the country to think this of me is truly amazing. All I can say is thank you once again.” Reacting to the honour,Usha Uthup said,“It was a surprise for me. I couldn’t believe it. Anyway,I am so thrilled that there are no words to express. I am thankful to God and to everyone who was responsible for making my career. I am hopeful that the honour I have received will prove inspiring to the new generation too.” It was an emotional moment for Kannada filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli. “It’s an honour bestowed upon my work and I accept it with gratitude. The last few months have been testing time for me. I lost my wife who was an eminent actress and director. She was certain that I would get the Padmashri some day My favourite cinematographer S.Ramachandra also passed away. I miss both of them terribly. I am also grateful to all those who stood by me and have been instrumental in helping me win all the awards and accolades”.

“The Padma Vibhushan came quite unexpectedly and that has added to the happiness that I feel at being honoured. I share this happiness with family and everyone who have been with me. This is an honour that comes seeking Telugu cinema. On the personal level,this award would inspire me to go on doing my work as long as I can,” said the 86-year old A.Nageshwara Rao.

With inputs from Unni R Nair