Veteran actors Vyjayanthimala Bala and Konidela Chiranjeevi were bestowed the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, on Thursday. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards to Vyjayanthimala, 90, and Chiranjeevi, 68, at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here. Regarded as one of Indian cinema’s finest actors and dancers, Vyjayantimala ruled the Indian screens from 1950s and 1960s and has films, including Devdas, Naya Daur, Aasha, Sadhna, Gunga Jumna, Sangam and Jewel Thief to her credit. She has also starred in a few Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Bengali films. Also Read | Vyjayanthimala, ‘first female superstar’ of Indian cinema who towered over 3 industries, quit films at height of fame #WATCH | Delhi: On being conferred the Padma Vibhushan, veteran actor Vyjayantimala Bali says, "I have to thank my god for his compassion, kindness, and mercy. It's our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and the Government of India who have recognised my art- dance as well as… pic.twitter.com/p3M58Q6y6H — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2024 Vyjayantimala, whose last Hindi film was 1970’s Ganwaar, was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour, in 1968. Chiranjeevi, one of the reigning superstars from the South, has worked in over 150 feature films in Telugu as well as Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. Some of his popular films include Rudra Veena, Indra, Tagore, Swayam Krushi, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Stalin and Gang Leader. #WATCH | Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Vibhushan to Konidela Chiranjeevi in the field of Art. pic.twitter.com/dh1ehQJz8m — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2024 His last big-screen appearance was 2023’s Bhola Shankar and will next be seen in Vishwambhara. The actor was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour, in 2006.
