Eminent figures from Bollywood were honored with the Padma Shri Award in New Delhi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Producer-director Karan Johar, who received his Padma Shri medal from President Ram Nath Kovind at once took to social media to express his joy and gratitude.
“Today felt surreal! I am honored and humbled that the prestigious Padma Shri Award was bestowed on me. I feel extremely fortunate to receive it from the hands of our honorable President Shri Ram Nath Kovind.”
Singer-composer Adnan Sami, who gave up his Pakistani citizenship and became an Indian national on January 1, 2016, wrote: “The greatest honor! I am grateful to the Government of India for this prestigious Padma Shri Award. I am forever indebted to my beautiful people of India who’ve loved me unconditionally and been an integral part of my journey which has brought me here! Luv you all. Jai Hind!”
Kangana Ranaut took to her Instagram and shared a picture with President Kovind. In the caption, she wrote: “Long ago when I started my career … A question bothered me … I asked myself some want money, some want fans … some seek fame and some just want attention … What do I want? Deep down I always knew as a girl child I wanted to earn respect and that is my treasure Thank you India for this gift.”
Hit producer Ekta Kapoor shared a video of the ceremony with the caption: “It is a surreal moment and a matter of great pride.” She said she wanted to “dedicate this badge of honor to my pillars of strength” — her parents, brother Tusshar and son Ravie.
She added: “I hope to always push the envelope, challenge norms, give talents a platform that they truly deserve, instill pride, and give back to the country that has fuelled my ambition and dreams. JAI HIND.”
Legendary playback singer S P Balasubramaniam, 2021 Padma Shri recipient, was honored posthumously.
