96 Eminent Personalities Receive Padma Awards

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Altogether there were 96 eminent personalities who got honoured by the President today.

The President honoured the stalwarts of the Indian entertainment industry with the Padma Awards this morning at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Poet, lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar won the Padma Bhushan for his contributions in the field of art.

"Naturally, it's very satisfying to receive the award – you feel that you're playing your role right with the society," said Gulzar.

Legendary actor from West Bengal and late Satyajit Ray's muse Soumitra Chatterjee finally decided to accept the Padma Vibhushan award this year and not disappoint his fans.

"I'm past the stage of protesting by nor receiving the awards, I think it's a good thing to accept it and make my admirers happy," said Chatterjee.

Singer and Composer Hariharan won the Padma Shri for his innovations in music. For this Tamilian ghazal singer who has won hearts for nearly 15 years, it was his fusion album Colonial Cousins that shot him to fame in 1996.

"This kind of an award in itself is a great responsibility and I think the pressure of excelling itself is increasing," said Hariharan.

Actor Anupam Kher was awarded for his contribution to art and cinema and he considers this honour will push him to excel further in his craft.

Padma Shri recipients also include santoor player Bhajan Sopori, sportsperson Anju George and cricketer Rahul Dravid.