The prestigious Padma Awardees for 2025, from the world of cinema included actor politician Nandmuri Balakrishna, veteran director Shekhar Kapur, veteran actor Anant Nag, three-time Grammy Award winner composer Ricky Kej and veteran actress and dancer Shobana Chandrakumar besides many other celebrities from regional films such as Ajith Kumar superstar of Tamil cinema was awarded the Padma Bhushan.

Farida Udhas Receives Padma Award

Late Pankaj Udhas was also awarded the Padma Award which was received by his wife Farida Udhas. The Union Government announced the 19 Padma Awards 2025 in a ceremony held at Rastrapati Bhavan on Monday, April 28th 2025. President Droupadi Murmu honoured the Padma awards which is one of the highest civilian awards conferred in three categories, namely Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. These awards cover a range of disciplines which include art, social work, public affairs, science, engineering, trade and industry.

Shekhar Kapur and Anant Nag Celebrated for Transformative Impact on Indian Cinema

Shekhar Kapur was honoured with the Padma Bhushan 2025. He is known for his recurring role in the television serial Khandaan. He had made his directorial debut with the film Masoom in 1983. He gained widespread acclaim for his film Mr. India in 1987.

He also directed the film Bandit Queen in 1994. Anant Nag, who never set out to be an actor, had a stint in the theatre in Mumbai. He had a successful collaboration with director Shyam Benegal and set a strong foundation during his acting journey. Padma Bhushan 2025 is perhaps his biggest milestone in Anant Nag’s career. During his career in films, director Benegal had pioneered the new wave in Hindi cinema in the 70’s. Anant Nag had starred in five consecutive films, such as Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, Bhumika and Kondura. He worked with noted theatre director Satyadev Dubey in Mumbai.