Tamil star Ajith Kumar has been conferred the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, by the Union government. Additionally, film producer and politician Nandamuri Balakrishna and veteran director Shekhar Kapur have been awarded the Padma Bhushan. Noted Malayalam author and screenwriter M. T. Vasudevan Nair, who passed away last year at 91, has been posthumously conferred the Padma Vibhushan alongside late singer Pankaj Udhas.Other notable awardees from the field of cinema include Anant Nag for Padma Bhushan and Ricky Kej for Padma Shri.One of the leading stars of Indian cinema, Ajith has starred in several notable films and won three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. He is also a charismatic motorsport racer and owns the racing team Ajith Kumar Racing.Full list of Padma Awards 2025The Padma awards, among the nation’s highest civilian honours, are conferred in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.  The awardees were announced on the eve of Republic Day by the President of India.The Padma awards encompass a range of disciplines, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry and others. In 2014, Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, yesteryear icon Vyjayanthimala, actor-politician Mithun Chakraborty and singer Usha Uthup were among the eminent recipients of the Padma awards. Published – January 25, 2025 09:55 pm IST