Latest news with #PadmaAward
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Dancer Mamata Shankar gets Padma Shri: It was the biggest day of my life
Ecstatic, full of gratitude,' says dancer-actor-choreographer Mamata Shankar, who was conferred with the Padma Shri on Tuesday. Known for her unique dance style of blending Indian classical, folk and tribal dance with European theatrical techniques, Mamata describes the feeling of receiving the award as 'priceless'. She adds, 'I knew since January that this day would come, but still, I couldn't have been prepared enough for the biggest day of my life, when I was recognised for my art. Nothing can match that moment when I was there, receiving my Padma Award from our President, Droupadi Murmu.' Since the list of Padma Award winners was announced in January, the 70-year-old started prepping for the ceremony immediately. 'I chose a red and green-coloured, traditional Bengali saree for the ceremony. It has golden hand embroidery. I zeroed in on it in January itself as I wanted to represent artisans from my roots while receiving the honour,' she says. Ask how she felt when the ceremony was on at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Mamata says, 'It felt like I was on stage. Everything was so vibrant and musical around. Our President's congratulatory words made me very emotional. It was also an honour to greet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in-person.' Mamata adds that this year has been all about career milestones for her. 'The journey started as a toddler taking a round of the stage with my father, Uday Shankar (veteran Indian dancer-choreographer). It has now received the most beautiful acceptance from the world, from those who have been with me, cheering me as an audience, performing at over two thousand shows, and acting in hundreds of films. I still feel I am that beginner who came on the screen for the first time in Mrigayaa (1976), directed by the none other than the great Mrinal Sen.'
India Today
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Ajith opens up about his passion for acting: I have very strong work ethics
Ajith Kumar is renowned for both his acting and racing careers. In an exclusive chat with India Today, the actor recently opened up about his deep-rooted passion for acting and the discipline that drives candidly, he highlighted his strong commitment to work, Ajith said, 'The fact that I'm able to indulge in all my hobbies – aeromodelling and motorsports – is because of my profession. It's rewarded me to a point where I had the luxury of pursuing my passion and I love my job and I probably don't talk about it often, which is why people think that I give it the stepmotherly treatment. Everyone around me knows how passionate I am about my job.'advertisementThe 'Good Bad Ugly' actor added, 'I say this very often. I have very strong work ethics and I don't need to be reminded of what my responsibilities are. If I need to be in Mumbai for a shoot next month, I don't need a reminder. I will be there, come what may. It's just that I know there are a lot of responsibilities that come with it, and I have probably been very sincere and honest that I have achieved much more than what I could have imagined in my life.'Mega #EXCLUSIVE"I am still very middle-class at heart"Ajith thanks President Murmu, PM Modi, Family, friends, and fans for the Padma #Super6 with @Akshita_N | #Ajith #Ajithkumar #AjithKumarPadmaAward #PadmaAward #AK IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) April 29, 2025 Reflecting on his journey, he added, 'To a point that I would say I am probably living a dream, even the whole experience of being here and receiving the Padma Bhushan. It's surreal, and I'm scared that someone will wake me up and get up thinking it's all a dream.'advertisementAjith received the prestigious Padma Bhushan from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on Monday (April 28). He admitted the honour has yet to sink in, saying: 'I am probably living a dream. I am scared that somebody will wake me up.'Currently on a break from films, Ajith is dedicating time to his racing career. Earlier this year, he announced he would not take on any new film projects during the racing season, which continues until October. In 2025 so far, he has competed in three international races and earned two podium is set to return to Europe shortly for the next leg of international racing events.
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ajith Kumar hospitalised in Chennai after suffering leg injury at airport
Actor Ajith Kumar was rushed to a private hospital in Chennai on Wednesday after he suffered a leg injury. A report from India Today details that the actor had a 'minor leg injury' after he was mobbed by fans at the Chennai airport on Tuesday. The actor returned from New Delhi to Chennai after being honoured with the Padma Bhushan. (Also read: Ajith Kumar credits wife Shalini for his success after Padma Bhushan honour: 'She sacrificed a lot, took a backseat') As per the report, sources close to the actor said in a statement, 'Ajith Kumar sir suffered a small injury in his leg when he was mobbed by a huge crowd at the Chennai airport. Hence, he had to be admitted for physiotherapy. The actor is likely to be discharged this evening. There's nothing to worry about his health.' Thanthi TV also reported that on Tuesday when the actor arrived in Chennai from Delhi, there was a huge crowd awaiting his return. The crowd was a lot to handle, and the actor was mobbed at the airport where he injured his leg. The actor was honoured with the Padma Bhushan from President Droupadi Murmu on Monday. His wife Shalini Ajith was seen cheering for him at the event. When the awards were announced in January, Ajith issued a statement that read, 'I am deeply humbled and honoured 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 honour. 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.' On the work front, Ajith was most recently seen in Good Bad Ugly.
Mint
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Ajith Kumar hospitalised in Chennai due to injury after fans frenzy at airport: Report
Actor Ajith Kumar was rushed to a private hospital in Chennai on Wednesday. Reportedly he sustained a minor leg injury after fans mobbed him at the airport. Ajith was recently in New Delhi with his family where he received the Padma Bhushan honour from President Droupadi Murmu. Reportedly, on his way back to Chennai, he suffered an injury as fans went berserk at the airport. A source told India Today, 'Ajith Kumar sir suffered a small injury in his leg when he was mobbed by a huge crowd at the Chennai airport. Hence, he had to be admitted for physiotherapy. The actor is likely to be discharged this evening. There's nothing to worry about his health.' Several videos from the airport have surfaced online. In them, Ajith is seen greeting everyone with folded hands. Fans were not the only ones congratulating him; the actor was also surrounded by reporters who reached the airport to capture a glimpse of the Padma Bhushan-winning actor. In January, the government of India announced the names of Padma awardees. Ajith who was among the awardees, in a statement, expressed his gratitude. "I am deeply humbled and honoured 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 honour. 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," he said. Ajith also remembered his late father, and added, 'I wish my late father had lived to see this day. Yet, I like to think he would be proud that his spirit and legacy live on in all that I do. I want to thank my mother for her unconditional love and the sacrifices that enabled me to become all that I could be.' The Tamil superstar also acknowledged the love of his fans. He said, 'I would like to express my sincere thanks to the members of the film industry, including my distinguished seniors, various peers, and untold others.' "To Shalini, my wife and companion of nearly 25 wonderful years: Your partnership has been a joy and cornerstone of my success. And to my children, Anoushka and Aadvik: You are my pride and the light of my life, motivating me to set an example for how to do well and live right. Lastly, to all my fans, supporters, and well-wishers: Your unwavering love and support have fueled my passion and dedication. This award is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you all for this incredible honour and for being part of this journey. I am committed to continuing to serve with integrity and passion and wish you all just as well on your own journeys," he added. Ajith was last seen in Good Bad Ugly. First Published: 30 Apr 2025, 03:04 PM IST
India Today
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Ajith credits wife Shalini for his success: There were times I took wrong decisions
Actor Ajith Kumar has never missed a chance to credit his wife, Shalini, a former actor, during his milestones. In an exclusive chat with India Today, he talked about her decision to take a backseat in her career to support him. He stated that he was grateful for the sacrifices she made and credited her for what he had achieved in life. Shalini Ajith Kumar bid adieu to cinema after her wedding to the 'Vidaamuyarchi' actor in 'Good Bad Ugly' actor said, "Shalini, she made so many sacrifices. She's been my pillar of support. I am extremely grateful to the universe."Explaining how she had backed him over the years, Ajith stated that he had taken wrong decisions in his life. "I am not trying to sound politically correct here. I mean it in every sense. As you all know, she was very popular and loved by her fans. And for her to take to a backseat - there were times when my decisions were wrong. But, she still stood by me, not discouraging me. And standing by my side through tough times. She deserves a lot of credit for everything I have achieved in my life," he #EXCLUSIVE"I am still very middle-class at heart"Ajith thanks President Murmu, PM Modi, Family, friends, and fans for the Padma #Super6 with @Akshita_N | #Ajith #Ajithkumar #AjithKumarPadmaAward #PadmaAward #AK IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) April 29, 2025advertisement Ajith Kumar received his Padma Bhushan award from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on Monday. He said that the feeling hasn't sunk in yet. "I am probably living a dream. I am scared that somebody will wake me up," he the actor is taking a break from work to concentrate on his racing career. Earlier this year, he said that he wouldn't be signing any new projects during the racing season [till October]. In 2025, he has taken part in three races so far and secured two podium finishes at international actor will head back to Europe for the next leg of international car races in a few days.
