It was that time of year when all the big start vie for the most prestegious Padma Awards. This year President A P J Abdul Kalam did the honour as Aamir Khan, Naseeruddin Shah and actress Raakhee Gulzar receieved the award from the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday. After receiving the coveted award from President A P J Abdul Kalam, Aamir said that the award meant too much for him, adding that he will "keep working and hope to continue to do a good job" in future too. The 38-year old actor was in the limelight last year because of his hit home production titled Lagaan which also got nominated to Oscars 2002.

Naseeruddin Shah, who is known for his powerful portrayals on screen, too received the award from the president. In his acceptance address Shah said: "I am proud to receive this award. I am grateful to the government to have thought it fit to consider me for it. Shah added: "Unlike other awards, this is not a competition. Nobody lost because of me. It is recognition of what we have done. It has happened at the right time."