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Ajith Kumar Receives Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award
On April 28, 2025, Tamil cinema icon Ajith Kumar was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award in recognition of Ajith’s significant contributions to Indian cinema and his involvement in motorsports.
The Padma Awards 2025 also honored other notable personalities from the entertainment industry.Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, actor Nandamuri Balakrishna were among those who received the Padma Bhushan.
A Celebrated Career
Ajith Kumar, affectionately known as “Thala” by his fans, has been a prominent figure in Tamil cinema for over three decades. His versatile performances in films like Vaali, Villain, Varalaru, Mankatha, and Viswasam have earned him critical acclaim and a massive fan following. Beyond acting, Ajith is also recognized for his passion for motorsports, having represented India in international racing events.
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Ajith is also known for his passion for motorsports. He has participated in various racing championships, including the 2003 Formula Asia BMW Championships and the 2010 Formula 2 Championship, representing India on international platforms.
Family’s Proud Presence
Ajith attended the award ceremony accompanied by his wife, Shalini, and their children, Anoushka and Aadvik. The family’s presence added a personal touch to the prestigious event, with Shalini and the children visibly proud as Ajith received the honor.
Ajith’s Statement
Upon the announcement of the award earlier this year, Ajith expressed his gratitude, stating:
“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the esteemed Padma Award by the President of India. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for this prestigious honor. It is a privilege to be recognized at such a level, and I am truly grateful for this generous acknowledgment of my contributions to our nation.”
About the Padma Bhushan Award
The Padma Bhushan is India’s third-highest civilian award, after the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan. It is awarded by the Government of India to recognize individuals for their distinguished service of a high order in any field, including arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine, social service, and public affairs.
History
- The award was instituted in 1954.
- Initially, it was classified as a part of the broader “Padma Vibhushan” award, which had three classes. In 1955, the classes were separated, and the Padma Bhushan became a distinct award.
Selection Process
- Every year, nominations are sought from state governments, central ministries, previous awardees, institutions, and even the general public.
- A committee constituted by the Prime Minister reviews the nominations and recommends a final list to the President of India.
- The awards are announced on Republic Day (January 26) and are presented at a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Award Details
- Recipients are given a medallion, a certificate (Sanad) signed by the President, and their names are published in the Gazette of India.
- The Padma Bhushan does not carry any monetary grant.
- It is a purely honorary recognition, symbolizing the nation’s appreciation.
Design of the Medal
- The medal is a circular-shaped bronze medallion.
- The front side bears a lotus flower and the words “Padma” and “Bhushan” inscribed in Devanagari script.
- The reverse side features the State Emblem of India and the national motto “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs).
Conclusion
Ajith Kumar received the Padma Bhushan in recognition of his distinguished service in the field of arts, particularly his contributions to Indian cinema. With a career spanning over three decades, Ajith has starred in more than 60 films, including critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles like Vaali, Villain, Varalaru, Billa, Mankatha, Vedalam, Viswasam, Valimai, Thunivu, and the recent Good Bad Ugly.
Ajith Kumar’s recognition with the Padma Bhushan marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career and serves as an inspiration to artists across the nation.
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