Dr Shanta, Rajini honoured with Padma Vibhushan

These awards are given on Republic Day, to people who the government recognises have excelled in their fields. Dr V Shanta has been selected for her contribution in the field of oncology, while Rajinikanth will get the award for his contributions in art and cinema. 

Priya Ganesh, from the Adyar Cancer Institute share everyone’s excitement about the honour, while a number of Rajini’s fans took to Twitter to extend their wishes to the actor. The superstar’s daughter Soundarya tweeted: “Proud daughter!!! Appa is now Padma Vibhushan Shri Rajinikanth.” 

A number of people associated with the film industry were selected for the Padma awards this year, including actors Priyanka Chopra and Ajay Devgn. A total of 114 persons have been chosen for Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards for 2016. Two young sportswomen, Sania Mirza and Saina Nehwal have also been honoured with the Padma Bhushan. 

Rajini, Yamini Krishnamurthi, Girija Devi, Ramoji Rao, Shri Shri Ravi Shankar, Dr Viswanathan Shanta, and late Dhirubhai Ambani 

Anupam Kher, Saina Nehwal, Sania Mirza, Udit Narayan, Ram Sutar, Former CAG Vinod Rai, Heisnam Kanhailal, Barjinder Singh Hamdard, Swami Tejomayananda, Prof NS Ramanuja Tatacharya, Prof D Nageshwar Reddy, Former US Ambassador to India Robert D Blackwill 

Priyanka Chopra, Ujjwal Nikam, Ajay Devgan