Actor Kangana Ranaut, filmmaker Karan Johar, TV & film producer Ekta Kapoor and singer Adnan Sami are among those who have been conferred with the fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri, this year.
On receiving the honour, Kangana Ranaut said in a statement, “I am humbled and I am honored. I thank my country for this recognition and I dedicate this to every woman who dares to dream. To every daughter. To every mother and to the dreams of women who will shape the future of our country.”
Talking exclusively to indianexpress.com, actor Sarita Joshi said, “I am really happy that my work has been recognized by the government. Both my daughters (Ketaki and Purbi) are in the US right now, and I have been constantly on the phone with them. They would often ask me why I wasn’t honoured with such awards, and I would always tell them that whenever the concerned people would feel that I have done well and enough work, they would honour me. So I am happier for them.”
Stating that she will not consider this as a late honour, the Baa Bahu Aur Baby actor said, “A lot of people get this in their eighties, and some even posthumously. I will thus not consider this late at all. Artistes like us believe in giving our life to the craft unconditionally, and so this honour came as a happy surprise. It is like a cherry on the cake. Everyone in Gujarat is also extremely delighted, and I feel proud that I was considered for this prestigious award.”
Karan Johar in a statement said, “It is not very often that I am at a loss for words, but this is one such occasion. The Padma Shri. Such an honour to receive one of the highest civilian awards in the country. Overwhelmed by so many emotions right now. Humbled, elated and also thankful for the opportunity to live my dream every day, to create and to entertain. I know my father would be proud, and I wish he was here to share this moment with me. #blessed”
Adnan Sami, meanwhile, shared on Twitter, “The greatest moment for any Artiste is to be appreciated & recognised by his/her government. I am overwhelmed with infinite gratitude for being honoured with the ‘Padma Shri’ by the Government of India. It has been a 34 years musical journey..‘Bohot Shukriya’!! #PadmaAwards” —Indian Express
