Which iconic Bharatanatyam dancer and actress, Known for her work in over 230 films, was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2025?

Explanation 

Who is Shobana? / शोभना कौन हैं?

Shobana Chandrakumar Pillai is a celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer and Indian film actress. She has performed in over 230 feature films in multiple languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, English, and Kannada.

शोभना चंद्रकुमार पिल्लै एक प्रसिद्ध भरतनाट्यम नर्तकी और भारतीय फिल्म अभिनेत्री हैं। उन्होंने मलयालम, तमिल, तेलुगु, हिंदी, अंग्रेज़ी और कन्नड़ जैसी भाषाओं में 230 से अधिक फीचर फिल्मों में अभिनय किया है।

Why was she honoured? / उन्हें क्यों सम्मानित किया गया?

In 2025, the Government of India honoured Shobana with the Padma Bhushan, the third‑highest civilian award, for her exceptional contributions to performing arts, cinema, and classical dance.

साल 2025 में, भारत सरकार ने उन्हें पद्म भूषण से सम्मानित किया — यह भारत का तीसरा सर्वोच्च नागरिक सम्मान है — उनके अद्वितीय योगदान के लिए प्रदर्शन कला, सिनेमा और शास्त्रीय नृत्य में।

Extra Facts / अतिरिक्त तथ्य

✔ National Awards / राष्ट्रीय सम्मान:
Shobana has won two National Film Awards for Best Actress, for her performances in Manichitrathazhu (1993) and the English film Mitr, My Friend (2001).

✔ Dance Career / नृत्य करियर:
She is also a renowned Bharatanatyam performer and choreographer, trained under legendary gurus. Her classical dance performances are highly acclaimed worldwide.

✔ Dance School / नृत्य स्कूल:
Shobana runs her own dance academy Kalarpana in Chennai, where she teaches and promotes Indian classical dance.

✔ Film Legacy / फिल्मी विरासत:
Her acting career spans over four decades, and she has delivered memorable performances across Indian cinema.

Why other options are incorrect / अन्य विकल्प क्यों गलत हैं?

• Vyjayanthimala Bali / व्यजंतीमाला बाली: Legendary dancer and actress but not honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2025; she received major honors earlier in her career.

• Mallika Sarabhai / मल्लिका साराभाई: Renowned classical dancer and social activist, but not the one honoured in 2025 with the Padma Bhushan for over 230 films.

• Alarmel Valli / अलारमेल वल्ली: Eminent Bharatanatyam artist, but not the Padma Bhushan 2025 recipient linked with film acting.