Padma Shri is one of the highest civilian honours that can be bestowed on an Indian citizen and every years, hundreds of people try to lobby the Government for this award. But there are some who maintain a distance from these recognitions. There are various reasons for this. Some feel that they have been neglected for far too long. Some see a rejection as a way to express their displeasure towards the Government.
Tanikella Bharani is one such person who says that he will reject a Padma Shri award even if it comes to him in future. The veteran actor and director made these comments during a public literary interaction in the city of Khammam.
Tanikella Bharani says that many deserving people like Savitri, Surya Kantham, S.V. Ranga Rao etc did not receive any Padma award from the Government. “When stalwarts like these have not received any Padma recognition, I am too small to accept it even if it comes to me in future. I will politely refuse it”, said Tanikella.
The veteran actor’s comments have set tongues wagging in the Industry. Is this Tanikella’s way of expressing his displeasure at being ignore until now? We may never know.
