NEW DELHI: Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty and versatile singer Usha Uthup were honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award for their remarkable contributions to Indian cinema by President Droupadi Murmu on Monday.

Expressing her joy, Usha Uthup said, "I am so, so happy. I am overflowing with joy. Tears are visible in my eyes, you all can see," she said after receiving the award. She added, "For me, this is the biggest moment of my life... to be recognized and appreciated by your country and, of course, by your government. What more could one ask for, truly?"

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Usha Uthup has captivated audiences with several hit songs such as "Ramba Ho Ho," "Hari Om Hari," "Koi Yahan Aha," "One Two Cha Cha Cha," and "Darling," among others.

Usha expressed particular happiness, noting that it is natural for a classical singer or dancer to eventually receive such an award. "But for people like us, we are ordinary people, so to be chosen for the Padma award is such a huge thing. I believe in peace and brotherhood, and I believe that together, as a united force, we can do things for each other and make them smile through my music. That's all I'm interested in," she added.

Mithun Chakraborty has had a long and illustrious career since his debut in the 1976 film Mrigayaa, and he has continued to entertain audiences with his versatile acting skills in various languages, including Hindi and Bengali. Recently, he was seen in Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files. His portrayal of a Santhal rebel in his first film earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He later won two more National Film Awards for his roles in Tahader Katha (1992) and Swami Vivekananda (1998).

Mithun was also very excited to receive the award, saying, "When I received the call informing me that I was being awarded the Padma Bhushan, I was silent for a minute because I hadn't expected it. Thank you to everyone on the committee who selected me," he added. "I am very happy. I have never asked for anything for myself from anyone in my life. I am very happy because when someone receives so much respect and honour."