Veteran actors Vyjayanthimala, Chiranjeevi honoured with Padma Vibhushan - watch video

Vyjayanthimala, Chiranjeevi Pic/X

Veteran actors Vyjayanthimala and Chiranjeevi Konidela were bestowed the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour on Thursday. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards to Vyjayanthimala, 90, and Chiranjeevi, 68, at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi.

For the ceremony, Vyjayanthimala wore a yellow saree with a red blouse and looked ethereal. Meanwhile, Chiranjeevi looked classy in a black bandhgala suit.

Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

Regarded as one of Indian cinema's finest actors and dancers, Vyjayanthimala ruled the Indian screens from 1950s and 1960s and has films, including "Devdas", "Naya Daur", "Aasha", "Sadhna", "Gunga Jumna", "Sangam" and "Jewel Thief" to her credit. She has also starred in a few Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Bengali films. Vyjayanthimala, whose last Hindi film was 1970's "Ganwaar", was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour, in 1968.

On being conferred the Padma Vibhushan, veteran actor Vyjayanthimala told ANI, "I have to thank my god for his compassion, kindness, and mercy... It's our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and the Government of India who have recognised my art- dance as well as films. I received the Padma Shri in 1969, and now Padma Vibhushan is a very big thing. I am happy and humbled to receive this award."

Chiranjeevi, one of the reigning superstars from the South, has worked in over 150 feature films in Telugu as well as Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. Some of his popular films include "Rudra Veena", "Indra", "Tagore", "Swayam Krushi", "Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy", "Stalin" and "Gang Leader". His last big-screen appearance was in 2023's "Bhola Shankar" and will next be seen in "Vishwambhara". The actor was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour, in 2006.

Expressing his gratitude over the special honour, Chiranjeevi earlier said, "After hearing this news, I became speechless. I'm really overwhelmed. I am humbled and grateful for this honour. It's only the unconditional and invaluable love of the people, audiences, fans, my blood brothers and blood sisters that allowed me to reach here. I owe my life and this moment to you. I always try to express my gratitude in ways that I can, though I know I can never do enough."

(With inputs from Agencies)