The Padma Awards 2025, one of India’s highest civilian honors, were announced on Saturday, recognizing individuals for their extraordinary contributions across various fields, including arts, cinema, music, literature, and social work. The prestigious awards are categorized into Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, with the government acknowledging individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation.
Among the prominent awardees of the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honor, were a diverse group of figures from different disciplines. Actor Anant Nag, known for his impactful performances in Kannada cinema, was honored along with Nandamuri Balakrishna, the iconic Telugu actor and politician. Tamil cinema also saw recognition, with actor Ajith Kumar receiving the prestigious award for his contributions to the film industry. Dancer and actress Shobhana, renowned for her classical dance performances, and the legendary singer Pankaj Udhas (posthumously), famous for his soulful ghazals, were also recipients of the Padma Bhushan. Additionally, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, whose visionary films like Bandit Queen and Elizabeth have earned global acclaim, was bestowed with the honor for his remarkable contributions to cinema.
In the Padma Shri category, several prominent musicians and artists were recognized. Arijit Singh, the voice behind numerous chart-topping songs, was celebrated for his exceptional contribution to music. Grammy Award-winning composer and musician Ricky Kej, known for his environmental advocacy through music, and the popular playback singer Jaspinder Narula were also honored. The list further included Barry Godfray John and others who have contributed immensely to their respective fields.
The arts segment of the awards saw several individuals being acknowledged for their long-standing dedication to the cultural heritage of India. Artists such as Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia, Lakshminarayana Subramaniam, and Jatin Goswami were honored for their work in classical music, dance, and theater. Among the posthumous recognitions were folk music icon Sharda Sinha, and the late Miriyala Apparao, a stalwart in the world of literature and music. Other distinguished names included Bharat Gupt, Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Durga Charan Ranbir, and Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, who were lauded for their contributions to Indian classical music.
In a special tribute, the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, was posthumously awarded to Malayalam literary giant MT Vasudevan Nair. His death in December 2024 left a void in the world of Indian literature, but his legacy continues to inspire generations. Sharda Sinha, the legendary folk singer, was also honored with the Padma Vibhushan for her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting folk music.
This year’s Padma Awards list reflects the depth and diversity of India’s cultural, artistic, and intellectual landscape. These individuals, through their work, have not only enriched India’s cultural fabric but have also contributed to the nation’s global standing. The recognition of these iconic figures reaffirms the country's deep respect for the arts and culture, while also acknowledging the incredible achievements that continue to shape India’s legacy on the global stage.