Chiru the first to call up Kamal Haasan to congratulate for the Padma Bhushan

According to sources, Union Minister of the State for Tourism and Telugu actor K. Chiranjeevi was among the first to congratulate the iconic actor and film-maker Kamal Haasan for being the recipient of Padma Bhushan.

Responding to the honor, Mr. Haasan said: “[I am] Proud to be an Indian. India is a country with great talents in various fields. While legions await to be honoured, I am honoured that I have been chosen for Padma Bhushan by my government.”

Mr. Haasan was awarded the Padma Shri in 1990. In a release sent to media houses, he said:

“I think it is sheer chance and my good fortune that I have been chosen. I hope I would live long to do more to deserve this award. I don’t consider this an honour for work that I have already done. This would be an impetus for me to do more good work, perhaps only then would I deserve it. My heartfelt congratulations to the other Padma Bhushan awardees, especially my friend Mr. Vairamuthu.”