Bengaluru, Jan. 26 -- Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej, whose music is globally acclaimed for its unique blend of sound and social consciousness, was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honours.

The announcement made a day before the 2025 Republic Day celebrations, marks a monumental achievement in Kej's career.

Speaking to ANI, Ricky Kej shared his overwhelming joy at receiving the Padma Shri, and said, "It came as a huge, huge shock to me that I had won the Padma Shri, and I was very thrilled. In the past, I have won three Grammy Awards but every single Grammy Award is about a certain work that I have done, one particular album or one particular song... Whereas the Padma Shri is about my career ...