Padma award an impetus to do good work: Kamal Haasan; Vidya Balan 'overjoyed'

Chennai: Popular Tamil film actor and director Kamal Haasan said the Padma Bhushan award conferred on him on Saturday would be an impetus to do more good work.

"Proud to be an Indian. India is a country with great talents in various many fields. While legions await to be honoured, I am honoured that I have been chosen for Padma Bhushan by my government", he said in a statement here.

"I think it is sheer chance and my good fortune that I have been chosen", he said.

Expressing hope that he would live long to do more to deserve the award, the 59-year-old actor said "I do not 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".

Kamal Haasan also congratulated all other awardees, including his friend and popular lyricist Vairamuthu.

I'm overjoyed, overwhelmed: Vidya Balan on Padma award

New Delhi: National award-winning actress Vidya Balan is thrilled at being selected for the Padma Shri, saying it is a matter of "great pride" for her.

Dedicating the honour to her family, an emotionally overwhelmed she said, "i'm thrilled. i'm overjoyed. i'm overwhelmed. i'm honoured. i'm humbled...! i'm running out of words to express my feelings and gratitude."

Balan is known for portraying strong female protagonists in films like 'Paa', 'Ishqiya', 'No One Killed Jessica', 'The Dirty Picture' and 'Kahaani'.

"To be receiving this honour from the government of my country is a matter of great pride for me and I dedicate this award to my family who make me, me!," she went to add.