Anupamaa actor Arvind Vaidya felicitated with Padma Shri Award for his Lifetime Contribution To Performing Arts

Arvind Vaidya, who plays Hasmukh aka Babuji in Anupamaa, has been associated with the entertainment industry for over six decades. This year, he received the prestigious Padma Shri award. The veteran actor was felicitated with the prestigious Padma Shri award on Monday evening.

He received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan which was attended by several renowned dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The seasoned actor was accompanied by his wife and daughter Vandana for the special occasion. They were beaming with joy as the veteran actor received the prestigious award by the president on stage and were also seen clapping.

Earlier, in a post on Instagram, Vandana expressed happiness over the prestigious honour given to her father.

"From Shri Arvind Vaidya to Padma Shri Arvind Vaidya.Congratulations to my dad, my hero, my first teacher, my inspiration and my superstar," she posted.

Earlier this year, the veteran actor spoke exclusively to Times of India TV after the announcement of his Padma Shri Award. Expressing his excitement, he said, "I have been working in theater, TV, and occasionally films for the last 60 years. I was working even before TV existed. I’ve seen many ups and downs, but it has all been good. This award, however, is the crowning achievement. I never expected to receive this; my only expectation was to receive the love of my audience, which I have always received in abundance."

Arvind Vaidya has not only made a good name through his work but has also maintained a good relationship with everyone he has worked with. "I have no complaints about life. I have a wonderful wife, good children, and very good friends. Even the producers I worked with in theater, cinema, or TV became my friends; there isn't a single one I'm not on good terms with. I have no complaints in life, not even with my wife, and there couldn't be any, as she has been with me for the last 60 years," he said, adding that he only has two passions—acting and his wife.

"I cannot function without either of them. Receiving the Padma Shri is a matter of great fortune and feels wonderful. For this, I first thank God, then my gurus who are no longer here, Rambhau Joshi and Jaswant Thakar, who shaped me and prepared me through rigorous training. I also thank my wife, my children, my friends, and everyone who played a part in my development, and especially the Government of India," he said.

Arvind Vaidya has directed over 200 plays and remains a towering figure in Indian cinema.