On a momentous occasion at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the eminent personalities of the Indian entertainment sphere, Mithun Chakraborty and Usha Uthup, were bestowed with the prestigious Padma Bhushan awards by President Droupadi Murmu. The ceremony, attended by luminaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, celebrated the remarkable contributions of these stalwarts to the world of art and culture.
Mithun Chakraborty, the revered actor whose illustrious career spans over five decades, expressed his heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the honour. Fondly known as ‘Mithun Da’ among his admirers, he reminisced about his journey from his debut in “Mrigayaa,” which earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, to his iconic roles in timeless classics like “Disco Dancer” and “Agneepath.” Reflecting on the unexpectedness of the recognition, he shared, “I am very happy. I’ve never sought anything for myself from anyone in my life. When I got a call that I was being awarded the Padma Bhushan, I was silent for a minute because I had not expected it.“
Meanwhile, Usha Uthup, the veteran singer renowned for her distinctive voice and trailblazing presence in the music industry, was overwhelmed with joy at acknowledging her contributions. Recalling her decades-long career marked by hits like “Ramba Ho,” “One Two Cha Cha,” and “Shaan Se,” she expressed, “I am so, so happy. I’m brimming with joy… you can see the tears of happiness in my eyes. This is truly the pinnacle of my life… to receive recognition and appreciation from my country and, of course, from the government. What more could one ask for, truly?“
The Padma Bhushan awards honour the individual achievements of Mithun Chakraborty and Usha Uthup and symbolise the rich tapestry of Indian cinema and music they have contributed to. Their talents have transcended boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on audiences both in India and abroad.
In addition to Mithun Chakraborty and Usha Uthup, another luminary from the music world, Pyarelal Sharma of the iconic music duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, was also conferred with the Padma Bhushan, further highlighting the diverse and enduring legacy of Indian entertainment. The conferment of the Padma Bhushan upon Mithun Chakraborty, Usha Uthup, and Pyarelal Sharma is not just a recognition of their brilliance but also a celebration of the cultural richness they have added to the Indian artistic landscape.