I feel happy when people say, I 'deserved' Padma Shri: Kailash Kher

New Delhi: Singer Kailash Kher, who has been conferred India's fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, on Thursday, said that he feels extremely happy when people tell him, "I 'deserved' this award."

While speaking to ANI here, after receiving the recognition from President Pranab Mukherjee, the 'Allah Ke Bande' singer said, "My Padma Shri is for the country, I am for the country. I feel extremely happy when people tell me I 'deserved' this award."

Known for adding Sufi touch to his songs, the singer stated that music is not entertainment, but the way of living for him.

"Music is not entertainment for me; it's the way I live. Entertainment is just a medium," he said.

He continued, "This award is not for me but for all, who love me. This is a result of my parents' blessings. I feel honoured for all the love that people and my fans bestow me with."

Adding, "The work that I have done is because of my upbringing as I used to listen to Kabir, Guru Nanakdev. So before music, I got versed with literature. And that's how I started writing. You can see the revolution that has come now. More than one crore people follow me on social media and they are dedicated followers."

The 43-year-old singer, who hails from Meerut, gave up education decades ago to pursue his dream to be a singer.

Kailash has crooned some famous tracks like Teri deewani, Ya Rabba, Yun hi chala chal rahi and many more. 'Teri Deewani,' 'Ya Rabba,' 'Yun Hi Chala Chal Rahi' and many more.