Ranveer Singh applauds father-in-law Prakash Padukone on 40th anniversary of his All England Championship win

Actor Ranveer Singh paid tribute to his father-in-law, badminton great Prakash Padukone, on the fortieth anniversary of his All England Championship triumph in 1980. Padukone had prevailed over his great Indonesian rival, Liem Swie King, in the final of the tournament, becoming the first Indian to win what was then considered badminton's world championship.

Ranveer Singh's wife Deepika Padukone, too, applauded her father on social media. Calling his contribution to the sport of badminton 'immeasurable', she wrote, 'Pappa, your contribution to badminton and Indian sport is immeasurable! Thank you for your inspiring display of dedication, discipline, determination and years of hard work! … We love you and are proud of you! Thank you for being you!'

Referring to his father-in-law, Ranveer Singh wrote that '40 years ago on this day, Prakash Padukone changed the fate of badminton forever. He won the All England Championship in London’s Wembley arena, creating history for Indian sports in an unprecedented, landmark victory that shines everlastingly in the annals of time.'

Prakash Padukone became the first Indian to win the All England Championship in 1980 and was ranked number 1 in world badminton that year. Padukone was felicitated with the Arjuna award by the government of India in 1972 and the Padma Shri in 1982.

Ranveer Singh and Deepika are currently in self-isolation at home in Mumbai owing to the growing threat of the coronavirus pandemic. Production across the Hindi film industry has been shut down for the same reason. Prakash Padukone lives in Bangalore with his wife Ujjala.