Veteran actors Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi and filmmaker of international repute Mira Nair were named for the Padma Bhushan, the country's third highest civilian honour on the eve of Republic Day Wednesday.

The three have been chosen in the art-cinema category.

After making his debut in 1960, Dharmendra, also known as Bollywood's original He Man, went on to do a variety of work.

From the lyrical "Bandini" and the serious "Satyakam" to comic classics like "Chupke Chupke" and, of course, the cult entertainer "Sholay", he did it all -- and continues to entertain the audience with his charm.

Among his last releases were "Yamla Pagla Deewana" and "Tell Me O Kkhuda", in both of which he shared the frame with his children.

As one of the few actresses who have successfully featured in experimental and mainstream cinema, Shabana, who received the Padma Shri in 1988, will now be honoured with the Padma Bhushan.

A five-time National Award winner, she has proved her mettle in films like "Ankur", "Nishant", "Arth", "Masoom", "Godmother" and "Fire" as well as in movies like "Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd", "Sorry Bhai!" and "It's A Wonderful Afterlife". She has also dabbled in international films, and done her bit for social work as well.

US-based Mira has found international recognition with films like "Salaam Bombay", "Monsoon Wedding", "Vanity Fair", "The Namesake" and "Amelia". The National award-winning filmmaker is currently busy with "The Reluctant Fundamentalist", which is based on a book of the same name.

Nair's "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" also features Shabana in a pivotal role.

Anup Jalota, Priyadarshan to receive Padma Shri

Ghazal and bhajan singer Anup Jalota and acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan will receive the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, it was announced here Wednesday.

Jalota will be given the honour for his contribution to Indian classical music, while Priyadarshan will be recognised for his excellence as a movie director.

Some of Jalota's popular bhajans include "Aisi lagi lagan", "Main nahi makhan khayo", "Rang de chunariya", "Jag mein sundar hai do naam", and "Chadariya jhini re jhini". He has recorded over 2,000 bhajans, ghazals and songs.

Priyadarshan has made several southern and Bollywood films in his career of over three decades. Some of his popular Bollywood projects include "Hera Pheri", "Hungama", "Hulchul", "Garam Masala", "Bhagam Bhag", "Chup Chup Ke", "Dhol", and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa".

In the south, he has made films in Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil. These have included "Megham", "Chandralekha", "Kala Pani" and the National award-winning "Kanchivaram".

He is currently working on "Tezz", a Hindi action film, which has a cameo by Mohanlal.