Padma Shri Awards 2020: Kangana Ranaut, Karan Johar And Other Celebs To Be Conferred

Filmmakers Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor and actor Kangana Ranaut have been awarded the Padma Shri, officials said on Saturday. Singers Suresh Wadkar and Adnan Sami, as well as veteran TV actor Sarita Joshi have also been conferred with the fourth highest civilian award of the country.

Kangana, who made her debut in movies in 2006 with Gangster, is regarded as one of the most successful female artistes of this generation. After a series of films with Mahesh Bhatt's banner, Ranaut found success with Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion, for which she won her first National Film Award in 2009. She went on to win two back-to-back National Film Awards for her performances in Queen (2014) and Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015). Kangana's latest release is Panga.

Talking being honoured with Padma Shri, Kangana Ranaut said, "I'm humbled and I’m honoured. I thank my country for this recognition and I dedicate this to every woman who dares to dream. To every daughter... to every mother... and to the dreams of women who will shape the future of our country."

Kangana Ranaut, Ekta Kapoor, Adnan Sami and Karan Jahor have been conferred with Padma Shri award. (File pics) pic.twitter.com/aNR9CeOflM

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2020

Sharing his excitement, Karan Johar wrote on Twitter, ''It’s not very often that I’m at a loss for words, but this is one such occasion... The PadmaShri. Such an honour to receive one of the highest civilian awards in the country. Overwhelmed by so many emotions right now. Humbled, elated and also thankful for the opportunity to live my dream everyday, to create and to entertain. I know my father would be proud and I wish he was here to share this moment with me. #blessed.''

#PadmaAwards2020@PadmaAwards@PIBhomeAffairspic.twitter.com/fPbKtjjMeH

— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) January 25, 2020

Son of veteran Bollywood producer late Yash Johar, Karan started his career as a director in Hindi cinema with the 1998 hit Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The 47-year-old, who runs Dharma Productions, went on to direct several commercial blockbusters in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001), My Name Is Khan (2010), Student of the Year (2012) and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil among others.

Ekta, who started her showbiz journey with soap operas, most notably Kyunki Saas Bhi Bahu Thi, is the daughter of veteran actor Jeetendra. She launched her banner Balaji Telefilms in 1994 and backed many popular TV shows, eventually branching out into movie production.

Ekta, 44, has produced films such as  Love Sex Aur Dhoka, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, The Dirty Picture, Udta Punjab and Veere Di Wedding. The producer took to Twitter to thank the fraternity members after she was flooded with congratulatory messages on the social media platform.

Here's the list of other Padma Shri awardees: 

PM Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations to all the winners that included director Karan Johar, Ekta Kapoor and singer Adnan Sami, among many others. He sent out a tweet that read, "Congratulations to all those who have been conferred the Padma Awards. The awardees include extraordinary individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our society, nation and humanity."

Congratulations to all those who have been conferred the Padma Awards. The awardees include extraordinary individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our society, nation and humanity. https://t.co/POdpBsPtq4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2020

The Padma Shri for this year has been awarded to a total of 118 eminent personalities across fields of art, literature and education, medicine, trade and industry, sports, public affairs, social work and science and engineering.