Shashi Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman get Padma Bhushan

Bollywood veteran actors Shashi Kapoor (72) and Waheeda Rehman (74), music composer Khayyam (83) and playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam (64) have been conferred with the Padma Bhushan awards for the year 2011. Telugu actor A Nageshwara Rao has been awarded with Padma Vibhushan, the country"s second highest civilian award.

Other Bollywood actors like Kajol, Tabu and Irrfan Khan have been chosen for the Padma Shri awards. Singer Usha Uthup, Kannada filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli, 61, and Malayalam director Shaji Karun have also been conferred with the Padma Shri.

The Central Government announces Padma awards on the eve of the Republic Day. They are conferred to individuals for the exceptional and distinguished service in any field.