Mamata Shankar, who has been honoured with the Padma Shri for her iconic contributions to Indian cinema, expressed heartfelt gratitude.
Mamata Shankar has been honoured with the Padma Shri.
Mamata Shankar, who has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema through her nuanced performances in critically acclaimed films, many of which are considered milestones in Bengali and Indian cinema, has been honoured with the Padma Shri. She made her debut in Satyajit Ray’s Ashani Sanket, where her poignant portrayal of a young bride during the Bengal famine garnered a lot of critical acclaim. Her collaboration with Ray continued in Shakha Proshakha and she also worked with legendary filmmakers like Mrinal Sen in Oka Oorie Katha and Ek Din Pratidin, delivering memorable performances that explored complex social and emotional themes.
In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha after the list was out, Mamata expressed heartfelt gratitude. She said, “I want to thank everyone, all the stalwart directors I’ve worked with—who have helped me reach where I am today,” she said. Acknowledging her audience, she added, “To those who have seen and loved my work, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And to those who haven’t liked my work, I thank you as well. I will work harder to make them like me. I will strive to better myself.”
Remembering the legendary director Mrinal Sen, Mamata said, “I am missing him the most today because it is because of him that I made it where I have, and it is because of him that people know me today.”
Reflecting on her Padma Shri recognition, she shared, “I’ve been extremely lucky. The feeling hasn’t sunk in yet. When people told me that my name was on the list, I asked them, ‘Are you sure?’ I couldn’t believe it. I don’t know… it hasn’t steeped in.”
The Centre announced the list of recipients for Padma Awards on Saturday on the eve of the Republic Day. The President approved the conferment of 139 Padma Awards, comprising seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards.
