In pics: Rajinikanth, Priyanka Chopra honoured with Padma awards

Film personalities Priyanka Chopra, Rajinikanth and Udit Narayan received Padma awards from President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Tuesday. While Priyanka received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour, Rajinikanth was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian award.

Priyanka, a former Miss World, has been a part of Hindi cinema for almost a decade and has made India proud globally with her stint in the American TV series, Quantico. She is also shooting for debut Hollwood film, Baywatch, alongside Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron. She also took to Twitter to share her thoughts later.

Rajini, lovingly called ‘Thalaiva’ by his his well-wishers, has worked in both Hindi and Southern films during his three decades-long career. He was accompanied by his wife Latha Rajinikanth at the award ceremony.

Tennis star Sania Mirza also received Padma Bhushan from the President.

Singer Udit Narayan was honoured with a Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honour, for his contribution to the world of music. Narayan, who has been a part of the music industry for over three decades, sported a black suit on the occasion.

On receiving the award, the singer, who has crooned hits like Pardesi pardesi, Taal se taal mila and Pehla Nasha, touched the President’s feet.

Actors Ajay Devgn and Anupam Kher and filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar received their Padma awards on March 28. Filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda, known for films like I Am Kalam and Kaun Kitne Paani Mein , also received the Padma Shri. Filmmaker SS Rajamouli was also honoured.