Padma Shri for Tabu, Kajol, Jayaram and Usha Uthup

New Delhi: Renowned Bollywood actors Tabu, Kajol, Irrfan Khan, south actor Jayaram alongwith singer Usha Uthup, classical singer Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty, Kannada filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli and Malayalam director Shaji Karun are among those who have been awarded the Padma Shri by the Indian government this year.

Veteran actors Shashi Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman, music composer Khayyam and Kannada singer Rudrapatna Krishna Shastry Srikantan and music director Dr. Sripathi Panditharadhyula Balasubrahmanyam have been conferred with Padma Bhushan.

Padma Awards, India's highest civilian awards, are given in three categories - Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri - and announced on the eve of the Republic Day.

'Padma Vibhushan' is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; 'Padma Bhushan' for distinguished service of high order and 'Padma Shri' for distinguished service in any field.