Late musicians Sharda Sinha and Pankaj Udhas, Tamil cinema icon Ajith Kumar, veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and celebrated singer Arijit Singh were among the 139 recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards for 2025. The awards were announced on the eve of the nation’s 76th Republic Day, recognizing outstanding contributions in various fields.
The Padma Awards, considered among the highest civilian honors in India, are conferred in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—acknowledging exceptional achievements and service to the nation. This year’s list comprises seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri honorees.
The late folk singer Sharda Sinha, whose work has left an indelible mark on Indian music, and renowned Malayalam screenwriter and director M.T. Vasudevan Nair was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor. Both were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the arts and culture.
Former Chief Justice of India, Justice (retired) Jagdish Singh Khehar, was also conferred the Padma Vibhushan for his distinguished service to the judiciary and the nation. Posthumous recognition was given to Osamu Suzuki, the late head of Suzuki Motor Corporation, for his pivotal role in transforming the Indian automobile industry.
Legendary Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, whose soulful music resonated with audiences worldwide, was posthumously honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award. Joining him in receiving this honor were Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar, a revered figure in Indian cinema, acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and prominent Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna. Other notable recipients of the Padma Bhushan included celebrated Kannada actor Anant Nag and Bharatnatyam dancer-actor Shobana, who has contributed immensely to both performing arts and cinema.
In the category of Padma Shri, singer Arijit Singh, known for his exceptional voice and versatility, was recognized for his contributions to Indian music. Other recipients included veteran actor Ashok Saraf, whose illustrious career spans decades, and theatre legend Barry John, whose work in drama has been pivotal in shaping modern Indian theatre. Celebrated Punjabi singer Jaspinder Narula and Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej were also honored with the Padma Shri for their outstanding contributions to Indian and global music.
This year’s Padma Awards list highlights diversity in contributions, with 23 of the honorees being women. Additionally, the awards recognized 10 individuals from the categories of foreigners, NRIs, persons of Indian origin, and overseas citizens of India. Thirteen of the awards were conferred posthumously, underscoring the enduring legacy of the recipients.
The Padma Awards continue to serve as a testament to the exceptional talents, dedication, and service of individuals across a wide spectrum of disciplines, reflecting the richness and diversity of India’s cultural and intellectual heritage.