Veteran actor Arvind Vaidya felicitated with Padma Shri award
New Delhi, May 25
Veteran actor Arvind Vaidya on Monday evening was felicitated with the prestigious Padma Shri award.
He was conferred the award by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by several renowned dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
For the special occasion, he was joined by his wife and daughter, Vandana Pathak, who were seen clapping as he received the award from the President on stage.
Earlier, in a post on Instagram, Vandana expressed happiness over the prestigious honour given to her father.
"From Shri Arvind Vaidya to Padma Shri Arvind Vaidya.Congratulations to my dad, my hero, my first teacher, my inspiration and my superstar," she posted.
With a career spanning 33 years, Arvind Vaidya has directed over 200 plays and remains a towering figure in Indian cinema.
On the eve of Republic Day, the Government of India announced the Padma Awards 2026, one of the nation's highest civilian honours, celebrating outstanding contributions in fields ranging from public service and arts to science, education, medicine, sports and social work. And on May 25, the awards were presented to the recipients.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Vandana Pathak must be so proud! It's heartwarming to see a daughter celebrating her father's achievement like this. Also, the President herself handing over the award makes it even more special. 😊👏
As someone who's followed Indian cinema from abroad, Arvind Vaidya's versatility is remarkable. Over 200 plays in 33 years is no small feat. This Padma Shri is a testament to his dedication. Great news!
Finally, the government honors someone from the arts who truly deserves it. Too often we see awards going to people with political connections. Arvind Vaidya has earned this through pure talent and hard work. Kudos! 🌟
I've seen some of his plays in Mumbai during my visits. His direction has a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The Padma Shri is a fitting tribute to a lifetime of cultural contribution. 🎪👏
Good to see artists from regional cinema being recognized. Arvind Vaidya may not be a Bollywood household name, but in Gujarat and among theatre lovers, he's a legend. This is a proud moment for all of us who love Indian theatre. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.