Rajendra Prasad and Murali Mohan to receive Padma Shri

Veteran Telugu cinema stars Rajendra Prasad and Murali Mohan have been selected for the prestigious Padma Shri award, recognising their decades-long contribution to Indian cinema.

The Padma Awards 2026 were announced ahead of Republic Day, and from the Telugu film industry, the honour has gone to these two respected actors whose careers have left a lasting impact on audiences across generations.

Rajendra Prasad: The King of Comedy

Fondly hailed as the superstar of comedy, Rajendra Prasad dominated Telugu cinema as a leading hero during the 1980s and 1990s. He delivered several evergreen hits such as Ladies Tailor, April 1 Vidudala, Aha Naa Pellanta, Appula Apparao, Aa Okkati Adakku, and Rajendrudu Gajendrudu.

Known for his impeccable comic timing and natural performances, Rajendra Prasad won multiple Nandi Awards for his acting excellence. In recent years, he has seamlessly transitioned into impactful character roles, often portraying father and father-in-law roles with equal charm.

At the peak of his career, his films were considered true stress busters. Interestingly, former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao was known to watch Rajendra Prasad’s movies to unwind from political pressures.

Murali Mohan: Actor and Producer

Murali Mohan began his cinematic journey nearly five decades ago and has appeared in over 350 films. While he played several lead roles in his early career, he earned greater acclaim as a versatile character actor.

Apart from acting, Murali Mohan also made his mark as a producer under the Jayabheri Arts banner, contributing significantly to Telugu cinema both in front of and behind the camera.