Mumbai, January 27, 2026 - Vandana Pathak, widely recognized for her comedic role as Jayshree Parekh in the popular Indian sitcom "Khichdi," is overflowing with pride as her father, Arvind Vaidya, a veteran actor and director, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award. The Padma Awards, announced on the eve of Republic Day by the Government of India, are among the highest civilian honors in the nation, recognizing exceptional contributions across diverse fields such as public service, arts, science, education, medicine, sports, and social work.

Arvind Vaidya, a renowned figure in Indian cinema and theatre, has been awarded the Padma Shri in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the arts. With a career spanning 33 years, Vaidya has directed over 200 plays, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Vandana Pathak, visibly elated by her father's achievement, expressed her joy and admiration in an Instagram post. She wrote, "From Shri Arvind Vaidya to Padma Shri Arvind Vaidya. Congratulations to my dad, my hero, my first teacher, my inspiration, and my superstar". The actress also shared several pictures of her father, celebrating his momentous achievement.

Born into a Maharashtrian family and raised in Ahmedabad, Vandana Pathak's early exposure to the world of acting came through her father's involvement in Gujarati theatre, Gujarati and Hindi films, and television series. This early influence shaped her career, leading her to become a celebrated actress known for her comedic timing and memorable performances in sitcoms and plays. She debuted on television in 1995 and is well-known for her roles in "Hum Paanch" as Meenakshi Mathur and as Gaura in "Saath Nibhaana Saathiya".

The Padma Awards 2026 also recognized other prominent personalities. Posthumous Padma Vibhushan awards were conferred upon former Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandhan and veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra Singh Deol. Cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, along with actor R Madhavan, were also among the Padma Shri recipients. Late actor Satish Shah was also posthumously honored with the Padma Shri.

Arvind Vaidya's Padma Shri is a testament to his dedication and contribution to Indian arts and cinema. It also highlights the strong family bond he shares with his daughter, Vandana Pathak, whose pride in her father's accomplishments is evident.