Padma Bhushan A.R. Rahman

Padma Bhushan A.R. Rahman!  Ambili [April 1, 2010, 11:50:01 AM]

President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday conferred the Padma awards to 130 persons at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Actor Aamir Khan and musician A.R. Rahman were conferred Padma Bhushan, while Bollywood diva Rekha and Saif Ali Khan were awarded Padma Shri this year. Veteran actor Zohra Segal was honoured with Padma Vibhushan. Sportspersons Saina Nehwal, Narain Karthikeyan and Virendra Sehwag were given Padma Shri awards. Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian awards, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. “I am happy and deeply honored,” said the 44-year-old musician who brought glory to the country with his double Oscar win and then brought home two Grammies earlier this year. Rahman, clad in white, was all smiles when he received the award from the first citizen of the country. The musical genius is currently preparing for his much-awaited Jai Ho Concert: The Journey Home World Tour, which will kickstart from June 11 in New York and travel to over 20 major arenas and cities worldwide. Well-known choreographer-director Amy Tinkham, who has worked on the live musical concerts for pop icons like Paul McCartney, Madonna, Britney Spears, Dixie Chicks and Motley Crue, has teamed up for the tour