- Ajith Kumar and Nandamuri Balakrishna honored with Padma Bhushan for cinematic contributions.
- Folk singer Sharda Sinha posthumously awarded Padma Vibhushan.
- 113 Padma Shri awards highlight diverse achievers, including Arijit Singh and Ricky Kej.
The Padma Awards 2025 have recognized some of India’s most distinguished personalities in arts, literature, and culture. This year, cinematic legends Ajith Kumar and Nandamuri Balakrishna were conferred with the Padma Bhushan for their outstanding
The awards reflect India’s diverse talent pool, acknowledging not only mainstream achievers but also grassroots practitioners. Personalities such as Shobana for Bharatanatyam and Barry John for theater emphasize the importance of traditional arts, while individuals like MT Vasudevan Nair, a posthumous Padma Vibhushan recipient, underline the nation’s literary and cinematic achievements.
Padma Awards 2025: Honoring India’s Icons and Unsung Heroes
The Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor, was posthumously awarded to folk singer Sharda Sinha and Malayalam literary icon MT Vasudevan Nair. Their work transcended regional boundaries, touching millions through their art and preserving India’s rich cultural heritage.
Ajith Kumar and Nandamuri Balakrishna, stalwarts of Tamil and Telugu cinema respectively, received the Padma Bhushan. Ajith’s versatility across genres and NBK’s long-standing influence in Telugu cinema have made them beloved figures in Indian entertainment.
The Padma Shri awards this year spotlight a wide spectrum of achievements. Arijit Singh, known for his soul-stirring music, and Ricky Kej, recognized for his global impact in music, were honored alongside contributors in literature, yoga, and traditional arts. The awards underline the government’s efforts to celebrate achievers from every corner of society.
Notable recipients include Shekhar Kapur for his global cinematic contributions and Shobana, a Bharatanatyam icon. Their recognition affirms India’s continued emphasis on preserving classical traditions while embracing contemporary art forms.
The Padma Awards 2025 highlight the incredible breadth of talent in India, celebrating legends and everyday heroes whose contributions shape the nation’s cultural and artistic identity.
“Art is not a mirror held up to reality but a hammer with which to shape it.” — Bertolt Brecht
