Nandamuri Balakrishna received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, on Monday in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Balakrishna. Along with him, Tamil actor Ajith also received the 
award. Balakrishna attended the event with his family, including his two daughters, sons-in-law, son Mokshagna, sister and Chandrababu Naidu’s wife Nara Bhuvaneswari.
After receiving the award, Balakrishna expressed his joy: “I am overjoyed. I thank my fans and the Government of India for this award. I completed 50 years as an actor and was elected as an MLA from Hindupur constituency three times. Basavatarakam Hospital is among the top five hospitals in the country and I am very happy to receive this recognition.”
He added, “Many told me I should have received the award long ago. But I told them the timing is right now. I gave four consecutive hit films, served as chairman of Basavatarakam Cancer Hospital for the last 15 years and completed 50 years in cinema. So yes, the timing is perfect.”
