New Delhi: Veteran actor and Andhra Pradesh MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna (Balayya) has expressed his happiness after being conferred with the Padma Bhushan award.

On Monday evening, Balakrishna was felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu at a prestigious ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Speaking to the media after receiving the honour, Balakrishna thanked the government for recognising his contribution to Indian cinema and his service to society.

"I am overjoyed... I am thankful to my fans. I also thank the Government of India. In 50 years of my career, my work as an MLA, my hospital is one of the five big hospitals in the country, and this is a matter of great joy. I thank everyone. People told me that I should have been awarded the Padma award much earlier, but I told them that the timing is right because I gave four hit films, it has been 15 years since I became the Chairman of Cancer Hospital, and I have completed 50 years as an actor," he said.

About the Padma Awards

The Padma Awards—one of the country's highest civilian honours—are presented in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.

These awards recognise achievements across various fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.

'Padma Vibhushan' is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; 'Padma Bhushan' for distinguished service of a high order; and 'Padma Shri' for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced every year on Republic Day.

ANI inputs