The Padma Awards 2025 ceremony took place on Monday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, where several notable personalities from the fields of arts and music were honoured by President Droupadi Murmu. Among the prominent recipients were actors Nandamuri Balakrishna and Ajith Kumar, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, singers Arijit Singh and Ricky Kej, and the late ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas, who was honoured posthumously.
The annual Padma Awards, one of India’s highest civilian honours, recognize exceptional achievements in various fields. The ceremony this year was marked by the presence of celebrities from across India, each receiving their award for their outstanding contribution to their respective domains. These awards are traditionally given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, with Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri recipients taking the spotlight during the 2025 ceremony.
Nandamuri Balakrishna, a veteran actor and politician from Andhra Pradesh, received the Padma Bhushan. He appeared at the ceremony wearing traditional attire representing his home state, showcasing pride in his cultural roots. His recognition by the Indian government acknowledges his long-standing contribution to the Telugu film industry and public life.
Actor Ajith Kumar also received the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to Indian cinema. Known for his work in Tamil films, Ajith made a distinguished appearance at the event dressed in a formal suit. In January, upon the announcement of his award, Ajith shared a heartfelt statement expressing his gratitude. “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the esteemed Padma Award by the President of India. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu and the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for this prestigious honour. It is a privilege to be recognized at such a level and I am truly grateful for this generous acknowledgment of my contributions to our nation.”
Shekhar Kapur, an internationally acclaimed filmmaker, was another Padma Bhushan awardee. He has directed landmark films such as Bandit Queen and Elizabeth, the latter earning several Academy Award nominations. In response to being selected for the honour, Shekhar had expressed his appreciation on X (formerly Twitter): “What an honour! Am humbled that the Government of India has considered me to be deserving of a #Padmanbhushan. Hopefully this award will make me strive harder to serve the Industry that I am part of, and the beautiful Nation that I am so fortunate to belong to. Thank you also to our film audiences of India, for I am because you are.”
Renowned classical dancer and actress Shobhana also received the Padma Bhushan for her contributions to Indian classical dance and cinema. Her work in promoting Bharatanatyam and Indian performing arts globally was acknowledged through this honour.
A special moment of the evening came when Pankaj Udhas, the iconic ghazal singer who passed away earlier this year, was honoured posthumously. His wife received the award on his behalf, a moving tribute to a man whose music had touched the hearts of millions. Udhas had been a defining voice in Indian music for decades and remains beloved for classics like Chitthi Aayi Hai and Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise.
Meanwhile, the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, was bestowed upon Arijit Singh and Ricky Kej. Arijit Singh, often regarded as one of the most successful and versatile singers in contemporary Indian music, was recognized for his influence on the Indian playback music scene. His emotive voice and chart-topping songs across multiple Indian languages have made him a household name.
Ricky Kej, a Grammy-winning composer and environmentalist, was also among the Padma Shri recipients. His music often focuses on environmental issues and cross-cultural collaborations. His recognition underlines the increasing appreciation for artists who contribute to both art and global awareness.
The 2025 ceremony was streamed live on YouTube, enabling people across the country and around the world to watch the prestigious event in real time. This inclusion of a broader digital audience added to the accessibility and reach of the event, making it a moment of national pride shared collectively.
In addition to these well-known personalities, the awards were also given to several individuals from various other fields such as sports, medicine, science, literature, social work, and industry. Each year, the Padma Awards aim to honour a diverse group of achievers, and 2025 continued this tradition of inclusivity and excellence.
The ceremony not only celebrated achievements but also served as a reminder of the importance of cultural, artistic, and intellectual contributions in shaping the identity and progress of the nation. President Droupadi Murmu, in her role as the country’s ceremonial head, presented the awards with grace and dignity, upholding the significance of civilian honours in India.
As the recipients walked up to receive their awards, there was a palpable sense of emotion and pride—both from those being honoured and the audience witnessing the recognition of years of dedication. The atmosphere at Rashtrapati Bhavan was one of celebration, reverence, and inspiration.
The event reaffirmed the role of the Padma Awards in recognizing both popular and unsung heroes whose work enriches Indian society. While artists like Arijit Singh and Ajith Kumar are beloved by millions, the inclusion of figures like Ricky Kej and Shekhar Kapur highlighted the growing space for diverse forms of creativity and international acclaim within India’s honour system.
In summary, the Padma Awards 2025 brought together a constellation of celebrated Indian personalities who have contributed significantly to the country’s cultural and artistic landscape. With poignant moments like the posthumous recognition of Pankaj Udhas and the heartfelt responses from recipients like Ajith Kumar and Shekhar Kapur, the ceremony served not only as an awards function but also as a powerful tribute to India’s enduring talent and spirit.