The Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai has been honored with Padma Shri award. This photo shows Aishwarya Rai receiving the award from the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil. Apart from her, Akshay Kumar's name was also announced for this recognition.
The legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai’s father-in-law, who was present in the award ceremony said, "She will become the 5th Padma Award recipient in our family. First my father was awarded with the Padma Bhushan, then the Padma Shri for me, followed again by the Padma Bhushan to me some years later, Jaya's Padma Shri and now Aishwarya's. This must be a record for the country. 5 Padma Awards in one family. God has been very kind to us. The people of this land have been very kind to us. We are humbled and with bended knee and bowed heads acknowledge your affection and care and love."
Padma Shri (also spelt as Padmashri, Padma Shree or Padmashree), an award given by the Government of India, generally to Indian citizens, is to recognize significant contributions to national life by distinguished persons in the fields of arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, social service, public life, etc.
Padma Shri is the fourth in the hierarchy of civilian awards of India after Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan.
