Vidya Balan, Yuvraj Singh, Paresh Rawal and Kamal Haasan and many others have been conferred the the Padma Shri.

Padma Shri or Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian awards, are conferred to eminent people for their contribution in the field of social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service.

As soon as Vidya got to know of this, this National Award Winner found herself running out of words, felt humbled and could not describe her feeling and dedicated the fourth highest civilian award to her family.

“I’m thrilled. I’m overjoyed. I’m overwhelmed. I’m honoured. I’m humbled. I’m running out of words to express my feelings and gratitude,” an elated Vidya said post the announcement.

“To be receiving this honour from the government of my country is a matter of great pride for me and I dedicate this award to my family who make me, me,” she added.

Vidya’s journey has been full of up’s and down.  She started her career with Zee TV’s Hum Paanch and quit in the middle as she found herself totally misfit.  She went into oblivion but then year 2005 changed the course of her life.

Parineeta, an adaptation of a 1914 eponymous Bengali novel brought her back into limelight and since then there has been no looking back for her. She then proved her versatility film after film and went on to be a part of films like Paa, Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, Kahaani and The Dirty Picture.

Noted scientist R.A. Mashelkar, yoga expert B.K.S. Iyenger, Kamal Haasan, Paresh Rawal, tennis star Leander Paes, cricketer Yuvraj Singh, former chief justice of India, the Late J.S. Verma and a few others were also conferred The Padma Shri on the eve of the 65th Republic Day.

A grand salute from the team of businessofcinema to all the awardees.