A month after legendary actor and writer Kader Khan passed away, he was bestowed with the coveted Padma Shri posthumously for his contribution to the art of cinema. In an interview dated 2016, Kader Khan was seen speaking about not being recognised for his work in cinema. We, hence, got in touch with his son Sarfaraz Khan who in an exclusive statement said that he will accept the honours bestowed by the Government of India graciously.
He said, "It’s my father’s hard work, I will accept it." When asked if like many others, he thinks the recognition is delayed, Sarfaraz added, "It would have been good him accepting it, but I just want to get it for my father, if God is happy with a person, he still gives respect after the person has left." Kader Khan has worked in more than 300 films and is best known for his work in Mard, Hum Hain Kamaal Ke, Coolie No. 1, Dulhe Raja, Baap Numbari Beta Dus Numbari, Hum, Coolie, Muqaddar Ka Sikander, Angaar, among others.
Khan passed away after prolonged illness at the age of 81. The actor was admitted to a hospital in Toronto and was under treatment since a very long time. His last rites were held in a Toronto cemetery.
Apart from him, actors like Mohanlal, Manoj Bajpayee, singer Shankar Mahadevan, ace choreographer and director Prabhudheva among others have also been conferred with Padma honours by the government.