Highest Honours: Shabana Azmi, Dharmendra, Mira Nair, Priyadarshan Bag Padma Awards
By MovieTalkies.com, 25 January 2012
Country's highest civilian awards, the 'Padma Awards' have been announced and some of industry's eminent personalities will be adorning the prestigious list, this year too.
The awards will be conferred in three categories, namely, 'Padma Vibhushan', 'Padma Bhushan' and 'Padma Shri'. Veteran actor Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi, along with noted film director Mira Nair, will be conferred with 'Padma Bhushan', the third highest civilian honour.
Late (Dr.) Bhupen Hazarika will be honoured with the 'Padma Vibhushan' for his contribution in the field of vocal music while National Award winning filmmaker Priyadarshan will be awarded with the 'Padma Shri'.
The President of India has approved 109 awards this year, which includes five 'Padma Vibhushan', 27 'Padma Bhushan' and 77 'Padma Shri'. However, this year too, there is no recipient of the coveted 'Bharat Ratna'.