On May 27, 2025, 139 people were honoured with the Padma awards for their exceptional work in their specific fields. Out of them, 113 people were awarded the Padma Bhushan, which is the fourth-highest civilian award in India. All these distinguished individuals who had excelled in their fields were conferred with the award by President, Droupadi Murmu. One of these Padma Shri awardees was the veteran actor, Ashok Saraf. After receiving this prestigious award, when the actor boarded his Delhi to Mumbai flight, a surprise was waiting for him. His niece and Captain of the plane, Aditi Paranjpe, made a heartwarming announcement.
Captain Aditi Paranjpe made an announcement congratulating her uncle, Ashok Saraf
After receiving the fourth highest civilian award, Padma Shri from President, Droupadi Murmu, Ashok Saraf made his way home from Delhi to Mumbai. The same flight was captained by his niece, Aditi Paranjpe. The young pilot said in her announcement that the journey was very special for that day since her uncle, Ashok Saraf, was flying on the plane. She further stated how proud she was to share the journey with him and fly alongside him. The flight echoed from claps by the co-passengers and crew for the veteran actor. In her own words, Captain Aditi said:
“Today’s journey is very special because my uncle, Ashok Saraf, is flying with us,” said Captain Aditi Paranjpe. “It’s a proud moment to fly alongside him.”