As some colossal contributions get recognised with the Padma awards, Shankar Mahadevan and Manoj Bajpayee talk about setting new goals
Ehsaan and Loy equivalents of award: Shankar
Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan feels “humbled and honoured” on being chosen for the Padma Shri. He also considers his musical partners Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa as equal recipients of the country’s fourth-highest civilian honour.
“It’s an honour to be recognised by the government of India. It is the fourth-highest civilian honour in the country. I don’t know if I am worthy of this but I definitely feel happy,” said Shankar.
“A lot of my music has been created with my two partners — Ehsaan and Loy so, I would consider them as equal recipients of the award,” added the National award winner.
The trio have given many hits for films like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Dil Chahta Hai and Lakshya.
Getting Padma Shri means that “I have to work harder. There’s more melodious music coming up.”
“We are doing very good films. We are doing Chhapaak with (filmmaker) Meghna Gulzar, Saaho, The Zoya Factor and Panga,” said the singer, who is currently being lauded for his work in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.
“I am glad that people are recognising that work and people are also liking the movie. I really hope it does well. Kangana (Ranaut) is fabulous in the film. It’s a very important movie for the next generation to know about such an important character,” he said about the film.
Teaching music to underprivileged children also keeps him busy. “Life is good,” he concluded.
Feeling ecstatic:Manoj Bajpayee
Actor Manoj Bajpayee is feeling “ecstatic” as his work has been recognised by the “highest office.” He says getting a Padma Shri is an honour for “your journey and conviction.”
“It’s a huge honour for any professional because it’s not an honour for just one particular film or performance. It’s an honour for your journey, for your conviction and belief that you had,” Manoj said.
“Also, for the government it’s a way of recognising contribution that one has made to cinema. So yes, I am feeling very happy about it. My family, friends and fans have been sending messages to me. I am feeling ecstatic that my work has been recognised by the highest office,” he added.
Since his debut in Bollywood in mid-1990s, the National Award-winner has acted in mainstream as well as indie films. Last year, the Bandit Queen actor featured in seven films like Aiyaary, Baaghi 2, Missing, Satyameva Jayate, Gali Guleiyan, Love Sonia and Bhonsle.
“I have always been very careful with my career. I don’t need to be extra careful (after this recognition). I am known for the work that I do. So, the similar pattern will go on... choosing the films which matter to me...which are coming from my own conviction and belief,” said Manoj.
“People who have been watching my performances, my films, have been a big support. If they are proud of my filmography and work, I am proud of what I have done,” he added. He will be next seen in Sonchiriya, which will hit the screens on March 1. The film is set in the 1970s, and focusses on a small town ruled by dacoits.
Posthumous awardees Bhupen Hazarika and Kader Khan
Recognising the colossal contribution of Northeast’s multi-faceted cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika, he was picked posthumously to be conferred the Bharat Ratna, while late Bollywood actor Kader Khan has been named for the Padma Shri honour by the government.
“The songs and music of Bhupen Hazarika are admired by people across generations. From them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood. He popularised India’s musical traditions globally. Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen da,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
With a magnificent oeuvre as a poet, music composer, singer, actor, journalist, author and filmmaker, Hazarika continues to be regarded as a cultural philosopher.
The other posthumous award in this year’s list is for Kader Khan, who died in December last year after prolonged illness in Canada. He has been recognised for his immense contribution to the world of films as a writer and actor par excellence. He was 81.