Instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and music composer, Ilaiyaraaja among the 85 personalities named for the 2018 Padma Awards, received the country's second highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan. After the announcement, the multi-talented musician told the press, "The Padma Vibhushan award conferred upon me is an indication of PM Modi led government's respect to Tamil people and Tamil Nadu."

Ilaiyaraaja who has primarily composed music for the Tamil film industry receives his sixth National Film Award this year. He was conferred with Padma Bhushan in 2010. He has worked for over 1000 films (including Hindi and South films) in a career over four decades.

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Also receiving this prestigious award was classical singer Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan. Awarded with the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2006, the infamous singer and music director will receive his first Padma Vibhushan award this year. He has been a guru to several noted playback and classical singers such as Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey, Waheeda Rahman, A. R. Rahman, Shaan, Sonu Nigam, Alisha Chinoy, Shilpa Rao, etc.

Another musician to have one the second highest civilian award is sitar player Arvind Parikh and folk singer Sharda Sinha. Known for the Chhath Puja themed song, the two will be conferred with the Padma Bhushan.

Manoj Joshi who is known for his films like Hungama, Hulchul, Phir Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, to name a few in the Hindi cinema was also named for the Padma Shri. A versatile actor who has worked for the silver screen and the small screen and in various Marathi and Gujarati films, this will be the first Padma Award received by the actor. In 2017, the Manoj won a National Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in Dashakriya.

The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. Cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been named for the Padma Bhushan this year.