Vidya Balan, Kamal Haasan receive Padma awards

Risingbd Desk, NEW DELHI, Mar 31: Bollywood actors Vidya Balan and Kamaal Haasan received their Padma awards from the President of India in a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday.

Vidya Balan was presented the Padma Shri award, while Kamal Haasan was honoured with the Padma Bhushan award.

The National award-winning actress had said she was thrilled at being selected for the Padma Shri, saying it is a matter of “great pride” for her.

Dedicating the honour to her family, an emotionally overwhelmed she said, “I’m thrilled. I’m overjoyed. I’m overwhelmed. I’m honoured. I’m humbled…! I’m running out of words to express my feelings and gratitude.”

Vidya Balan is known for portraying strong female protagonists in films like ‘Paa’, ‘Ishqiya’, ‘No One Killed Jessica’, ‘The Dirty Picture’ and ‘Kahaani’.

Superstar Kamal Haasan had said, the award would be an impetus to do more good work.

“Proud to be an Indian. India is a country with great talents in various many fields. While legions await to be honoured, I am honoured that I have been chosen for Padma Bhushan by my government”, he had said.

Kamal Haasan’s daughter and actress Shruti Hasan is a proud daughter as she tweeted, “I’m such a proud daughter today!!! Congratulations bapuji!”

PTI

risingbd/Augustin Sujan