Akshay Kumar-Aishwarya Rai receive Padma Shri

31st March 2009 – A red Letter Day for Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan . After all, it's the day when the Khiladi – Akshay Kumar and the former Miss World – Aishwarya Rai Bachchan received the highest civilian honor- The Padma Shri.

While Akshay was drapped in a formal black suit, Ash sizzled in her rose coloured saree. The event took place in New Delhi. Abhishek Bachchan was also present for this wonderful occation to share the moment. As for Akshay this is one honour which he would cherish for the rest of his life.

Interestingly, the two Padma Shri recipients Akshay and Ash is soon to be seen sharing the screen in Vipul Shah's film Action Replay.

Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai to be awarded with the Padmashree

Bollywood stars Akshay Khiladi Kumar and the sensuous Aishwarya Rai are two of the most renouned names in Bollywood. And now they have got the nod for the prestigious Padmashree Awards.

Among those who inspired the masses with dedication in their respective fields and achievements, some well known names of the glamour world also stand out. Helen, the yesteryear queen of the dance-floor, veteran vocalist Hridaynath Mangeshkar, smiling-voiced vocalist Udit Narayan and Penaz Masani are some of the celebrated names featuring among this year’s Padmashree awardees.

Veteran broadcaster Ameen Sayani is also getting this honour. With so many stellar names, the glamour world is honoured as never before

Madhuri Awarded the Padmashree

The original dhak dhak girl of Hindi film industry, Madhuri Dixit, has been honoured with the Padmashree Award.

The charming lady, who is in Delhi, says, “it’s a wonderful feeling that your years of hard work has culminated into such a prestigious Award. It’s like an icing on the cake. I am really honoured.”

As we ask Madhuri whether she feels that it’s little late for her to achieve the award, she smilingly replies, “Awards are important, but I never aspired for any. I just put my best foot forward. I’ve enjoyed working and dancing in front of the camera. I’ve always loved the art”.

That evening seems graced with the presence of Madhuri with her husband Dr. Sriram Nene and her father-in-law. Controlling little with the excitement of the award, Madhuri adds further, “I am here without my children.

My mother-in-law and my parents are in Denver looking after my children. We were all so excited when they announced that I was chosen for the award. I thought the Padmashree was accorded only for scientists.

It was only when I was flooded with calls and e-mails I realized how important it was for me in life.”

Madhuri still looks lost with her scene of receiving the award from the first Indian Woman President Pratibha Patil. Madhuri explains, “It’s a great feeling. She is the first Lady of the country and I am receiving an award from her.

It brings to mind all the women empowerment that we talk about. It’s an added Prestige here in India now. I am delighted.”

Madhuri will be celebrating her birthday on the 15th of May. As asked if she has planned anything for the day, she says, “I am planning to go back since my children are there. I have not decided how we are going to celebrate it. Maybe we will have dinner with family and friends. I have no plan right now.”

Where Madhuri is present the talk is of course incomplete without few chatty words about films. The charismatic beauty smiles back and says, “I have no plans of doing any films. I have got a lot of offers but I have not heard any script. I haven’t decided yet.”