Bollywood star Kangana Ranaut was bestowed with the Padma Shri award on Monday, in a special ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The actress was conferred with the fourth-highest civilian award by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind. On January 26, 2020, it was announced that Kangana, along with Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor were being honoured for their contribution to the field of performing arts. Though Kangana was present at the ceremony, KJo and Ekta didn’t attend.Kangana was given the award for portraying strong women-centric roles. Veteran theatre, TV and film actress Sarita Joshi and singer Adnan Sami were also awarded the Padma Shri at the ceremony. Adnan Sami was honoured for being the fastest piano player.While the Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan is awarded for distinguished service of a high order and Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service. The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.As per the official website by the Ministry of Home Affairs, “The Padma Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. The nomination process is open to the public. Even self-nomination can be made.”
