Tamil music composer Ilaiyaraaja and actor Manoj Joshi were among the 85 nominees felicitated with the Padma awards during the ceremony on Republic Day in New Delhi on Friday. They were joined by names such as Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Pankaj Advani, among others.
With a theme of honouring 'unsung heroes', the list of awardees totalled up to 85, including several names from the sports and social spheres. In the world of film, music and acting, three names that stood out were those of composer Ilaiyaraaja, actor Joshi, and Hindustani classical singer, Ghulam Mustafa Khan.
While Ilaiyaraaja and Khan were presented with the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award in the country, Joshi was conferred with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in the country.
Cricketer Dhoni and billiards player Advani were conferred with the Padma Bhushan awards.