The prestigious Padma Awards 2025 ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi, on Monday, with President Droupadi Murmu conferring the honours. Among the notable recipients were actors Nandamuri Balakrishna and Ajith Kumar, both receiving the Padma Bhushan. Celebrated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and iconic dancer Shobhana were also awarded the Padma Bhushan.

Singer Arijit Singh and musician Ricky Kej were honoured with the Padma Shri, applauded for their global contributions to Indian music. The late ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas was posthumously honoured, with his wife accepting the award on his behalf.

Ajith Kumar and Shekhar Kapur expressed heartfelt gratitude on social media, dedicating the award to their industries and audiences. The ceremony, streamed live on YouTube, was a moment of pride, showcasing excellence across arts, medicine, business, and sports. The 2025 Padma Awards celebrated India’s finest talents with a mix of nostalgia, emotion, and inspiration.