(Press Trust of India) NEW DELHI: Indian cinema’s two greatest actors- Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan- were selected yesterday for the Padma Vibhushan while directors Jahnu Barua and Sanjay Leela Bhansali and lyricist Prasoon Joshi are among others who will get Padma awards.
Acting legend Dilip Kumar, 92, known for his classics like “Mughal-e-Azam”, “Naya Daur”, “Ganga Jamuna”, “Azad” and “Leader”, is already a recipient of Padma Bhushan in 1991 and Dada Saheb Phalke award in 1994.
Kumar’s nuanced performances and his dedication to the craft has been an inspiration for generations of actors.
Despite a limited cinematography of 60-odd films, many of his movies make it to the greatest classics list of Indian cinema.
Interestingly, Bachchan, who calls Kumar the greatest actor, is also there in the list of Padma Vibhushan winners.
Bachchan, 72, who swept the ‘70s with his ‘Angry Young Man’ avatar, was the biggest star to rule the cinema screen after Dilip Kumar. Bachchan defined the youth angst of his era with his roles in “Zanjeer”, “Deewar” and “Sholay”.
The actor continues to be one of the most coveted artistes in Bollywood.
Assamese director Barua, 62, who has directed films like “Aparoopa”, “Papori”, “Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Mara” and “Bandhon”, will get the Padma Bhushan while Hindi film director Bhansali is in the list for Padma Shri with lyricist Prasoon Joshi.
Bhansali, 51, has directed films like “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam”, “Devdas” and “Guzaarish” while Joshi, 42, has written lyrics for many hit films like “Black”, “Delhi 6”, “Taare Zameen Par” among others.
Director-cinematographer Naresh Bedi, who has worked on films like “Monsoon Wedding”, “Animals of the Ocean Desert” and “Kumbh Mela”, is also in the list of Padma Shri awardees.
Ravindra Jain, the composer behind “Chor Machaye Shor”, “Geet Gata Chal” and “Chitchor”, will get the Padma Shri with columnist Taarak Mehta, whose articles inspired TV show “Taarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashma”.
The Padma awards, which are announced on the eve of the Republic Day, are conferred by the President at a function in Rashtrapati Bhawan in March/April every year.
