Padma honours for Vidya Balan, Kamal Haasan

<b>Vidya Balan, Padma Shri:</b> Vidya Balan, one of Bollywood's most versatile actresses, will be awarded with India's fourth highest civilian award. Arguably Bollywood's most talented actress, Vidya has featured in films such as <i>Paa</i>, <i>The Dirty Picture</i> and <i>Kahaani</i>.

Vidya Balan, Padma Shri: Vidya Balan, one of Bollywood's most versatile actresses, will be awarded with India's fourth highest civilian award. Arguably Bollywood's most talented actress, Vidya has featured in films such as Paa, The Dirty Picture and Kahaani.

<b>Kamal Haasan, Padma Bhushan:</b> Mr Haasan, the star of films such as <i>Moondram Pirai</i> and <i>Hey Ram</i> will receive the nation's third highest civilian award.

Kamal Haasan, Padma Bhushan: Mr Haasan, the star of films such as Moondram Pirai and Hey Ram will receive the nation's third highest civilian award.

<b>Paresh Rawal, Padma Shri:</b> Paresh Rawal, who has been hailed by critics for films such as <i>OMG - Oh My God!</i>, <i>Hera Pheri</i> and Sardar, will be felicitated with the Padma Shri.

Paresh Rawal, Padma Shri: Paresh Rawal, who has been hailed by critics for films such as OMG - Oh My God!, Hera Pheri and Sardar, will be felicitated with the Padma Shri.

<b>Santosh Sivan, Padma Shri:</b> Acclaimed filmmaker and cinematographer Santosh Sivan is also among the awardees this year. He is known for his national award winning movies which include <i>Halo</i>, <i>Terrorist</i>, <i>Malli</i> and <i>Navarasa</i>.

Santosh Sivan, Padma Shri: Acclaimed filmmaker and cinematographer Santosh Sivan is also among the awardees this year. He is known for his national award winning movies which include Halo, Terrorist, Malli and Navarasa.

<b>Begum Parveen Sultana, Padma Bhushan:</b> Classical singer Begum Parveen Sultana will be conferred with the Padma Bhushan.

Begum Parveen Sultana, Padma Bhushan: Classical singer Begum Parveen Sultana will be conferred with the Padma Bhushan.

<b>Leander Paes, Padma Bhushan</b>: Tennis ace Leander Paes, who ruled the world of tennis in the late 90s, has earlier been presented the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award. The winner of 14 Grand Slam titles, the 40-year-old is the most successful tennis player in the country and will receive the Padma Bhushan this year.

Leander Paes, Padma Bhushan: Tennis ace Leander Paes, who ruled the world of tennis in the late 90s, has earlier been presented the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award. The winner of 14 Grand Slam titles, the 40-year-old is the most successful tennis player in the country and will receive the Padma Bhushan this year.

<b>Yuvraj Singh, Padma Shri:</b> Yuvraj Singh will receive the Padma Shri for distinguished service in the field of cricket. He tweeted: Feeling happy and honoured to join the illustrious list of Padamshree awardees this year. My gratitude to the govt of India. Thanks for all the wishs and msgs this is a grt motivation for me to continue to serv my country in cricket & in cancer awarenes With al my heart & love to all.

Yuvraj Singh, Padma Shri: Yuvraj Singh will receive the Padma Shri for distinguished service in the field of cricket. He tweeted: Feeling happy and honoured to join the illustrious list of Padamshree awardees this year. My gratitude to the govt of India. Thanks for all the wishs and msgs this is a grt motivation for me to continue to serv my country in cricket & in cancer awarenes With al my heart & love to all.

<b>Pullela Gopichand, Padma Bhushan:</b> Badminton player-turned-coach Pullela Gopichand will receive the prestigious Padma Bhushan this year. He was conferred the Arjuna Award in 1999, Khel Ratna in 2001, Padma Shri in 2005 and the Dronacharya award in 2009.

Pullela Gopichand, Padma Bhushan: Badminton player-turned-coach Pullela Gopichand will receive the prestigious Padma Bhushan this year. He was conferred the Arjuna Award in 1999, Khel Ratna in 2001, Padma Shri in 2005 and the Dronacharya award in 2009.

<b>Dipika Pallikal, Padma Shri:</b> Deepika Pallikal, who recently became the first Indian to enter the top 10 in the WSA rankings, the official women's squash world rankings, will be felicitated with the Padma Shri.

Dipika Pallikal, Padma Shri: Deepika Pallikal, who recently became the first Indian to enter the top 10 in the WSA rankings, the official women's squash world rankings, will be felicitated with the Padma Shri.

<b>Anita Desai, Padma Bhushan:</b> Renowned novelist Anita Desai has been chosen for this year's Padma Bhushan for her contribution in the field of literature and education.

Anita Desai, Padma Bhushan: Renowned novelist Anita Desai has been chosen for this year's Padma Bhushan for her contribution in the field of literature and education.

<b>Ruskin Bond, Padma Bhushan:</b> Eminent author Ruskin Bond will be conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan. His books such as <i>A Flight of Pigeons</i>, the Rusty series, <i>Garland of Memories</i> and <i>Tigers Forever</i> are national treasures.

Ruskin Bond, Padma Bhushan: Eminent author Ruskin Bond will be conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan. His books such as A Flight of Pigeons, the Rusty series, Garland of Memories and Tigers Forever are national treasures.

<b>Justice J S Verma, Padma Bhushan:</b> Justice Verma, who pronounced the judgement that led to the formulation of the Vishakha guidelines and also chaired the committee that helped amend the rape laws last year, was selected for the award posthumously. Justice Verma died last year.

Justice J S Verma, Padma Bhushan: Justice Verma, who pronounced the judgement that led to the formulation of the Vishakha guidelines and also chaired the committee that helped amend the rape laws last year, was selected for the award posthumously. Justice Verma died last year.

Padma honours for Vidya Balan, Kamal Haasan

Vidya Balan, Padma Shri: Vidya Balan, one of Bollywood's most versatile actresses, will be awarded with India's fourth highest civilian award.