‘A Crowning Achievement’: Arvind Vaidya on Receiving the Padma Shri; Rupali Ganguly & Rajan Shahi Call It “Well-Deserved”

Mumbai: Veteran actor Arvind Vaidya, fondly known as Hasmukh or Babuji from Rajan Shahi and Deepa Shahi’s Anupamaa, has completed six decades in the entertainment industry. This year, he was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri, and the actor is still overwhelmed by the recognition. He recalled the moment he first heard the life-changing news.
“January 25 never held any particular significance—it’s not my birthday, my wife’s, or my children’s. It was just another ordinary morning,” he said. “A call came, but my children have strictly told me not to answer unknown numbers at my age. I ignored it twice. When it rang a third time, I finally picked up. The caller said they were from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and I was startled. When they asked, ‘Is it Arvind-ji?’ I said yes… and what they said next left me stunned.”
The ministry informed him that he had been selected for the Padma Shri, asking if he would accept the honour. “For a few seconds, I couldn’t speak. Once it sank in, I wondered why they even asked—who wouldn’t accept such an honour? I immediately said yes. From that moment, a new chapter of my life began.”
Vaidya shared that the award feels like the perfect culmination of a long, fulfilling journey in theatre, television, and films. “I have been working for 60 years, even before television existed. I’ve seen many ups and downs, but it has always been a beautiful journey. This award is truly the crowning achievement. I never expected it; all I ever sought was my audience’s love, and they have given me that abundantly.”
He also expressed gratitude for the deep bonds he has built over the years. “I have no complaints in life. I have a wonderful wife, good children, and lifelong friends. All the producers I’ve worked with—whether in theatre, cinema, or TV—ended up becoming my friends. Even with my wife, I have no complaints; she’s been with me for 60 years. I have only two passions: acting and my wife. I cannot function without either.”
Vaidya thanked his mentors and family with heartfelt sincerity. “Receiving the Padma Shri is pure fortune. I thank God, my late gurus Rambhau Joshi and Jaswant Thakar for shaping me, my wife, my children, my friends, and of course, the Government of India.”
Producer Rajan Shahi expressed immense pride, calling it a memorable moment for the entire Anupamaa team. “It’s an honour that he is receiving this award while playing such a pivotal character in the show for over five and a half years. Working with him is always a learning experience. I call him the youngest actor on set because his enthusiasm and discipline are unbelievable. His stories of struggle and perseverance are awe-inspiring.”
Rupali Ganguly, who plays the titular character, echoed the sentiment. “I’ve known him since Sarabhai vs Sarabhaidays. I jokingly call him ‘Padma Shri Bapuji’ on set. Earlier he was Jayshree’s Arvind Vaidya; now he is Padma Shri Arvind Vaidya. We’re extremely proud to have someone with the highest civilian honour among us. I still can’t get over it.”
Rupali also remembered late actor Satish Shah, who was posthumously honoured with the Padma Shri. “It was long overdue. We would always tell him, ‘Kaka, you deserve the Padma Shri more than anyone.’ His body of work, versatility, and the person he was… words fall short. He was like a father figure to me. I only wish he had received it while he was here to experience it. But I’m grateful to the Government for recognising both Satish Kaka and Arvind Uncle—two people who are extremely close to my heart.”