Rajesh Khanna, Sharmila Tagore, Sridevi shortlisted for Padma Awards?

If official sources are to be believed then late Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore,English Vinglishstar Sridevi,Sholay'sdirector Ramesh Sippy and noted singer Kailash Kher have been shortlisted for this year’s Padma Awards. The list of the nominees for the prestigious awards has already been sent to PM Manmohan Singh for his approval and the final names will be announced today evening on the eve of the Republic Day.

According to sources, though the Padma awards are not conferred after the death of a person, Khanna is being considered for Padma Vibhushan as he was a highly deserving candidate. Last year music director Bhupen Hazarika was also honoured with the Padma Vibhushan posthumously as an exception. The high-level committee comprised of cabinet secretary Ajit Seth, home secretary R K Singh, scientist Anil Kakodkar, principal secretary to the PM Pulok Chatterjee as well as actor Ratna Pathak Shah has reportedly shortlisted the names of 120 eminent personalities for the prestigious awards.