Kajol, Tabu, Irrfan Khan Honoured With Padma Shri

Kajol may be on a break for some time now, but the actress proved that she was definitely still among the top stars when her name was announced as one of the recipients of the Padma Shri. Kajol, who received the fourth highest civilian award, won accolades for her role in We Are Family and My Name Is Khan. Kajol has been on a hiatus after the birth of her son Yug, in September last year.

“It’s an honour and a pleasure when you are selected for the Padma Shri and I thank all those who thought me worthy of it. I am very, very happy with the way this year has started,” an excited Kajol said on hearing the news.

Also sharing the honour with Kajol is actor Tabu who is busy shooting for film The Life Of Pi, the cinematic adaptation of the best-selling novel by Yann Martel with the same name. An excited Tabu said, “I feel honoured and proud. This is recognition of hard work.” Tabu’s ‘The Life Of Pi’ and The Namesake co-star Irrfan Khan was also named for the Padma Shri.

Veteran music composer Khayyam will be honoured with the Padma Bhushan. He said, “Recognition in form of awards is very good. I thank the government and the jury which suggested my name for the honour. I always compete with myself and I am confident my new music will be better than my earlier work,” he said.

Bollywood veteran actors Shashi Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman, and playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam have been named for the Padma Bhushan awards for the year 2011. Singer Usha Uthup will also receive the Padma Shri.