Singer Suresh Wadkar strongly believes in the adage — better late than never. “Bahut din se intezar tha,” shares Wadkar, who was honoured with the Padma Shri award on Monday.

“I have been in the industry for the past 47 years, and I am 67 years old. I know it’s a delayed honour. I have no qualms about expressing it. And I am not complaining about it, but just stating a fact. The award has a big value in my life and I was waiting for it for a long time,” Wadkar says, adding, “Bahut saare logon ko kam age mein mil jaata hai. But der aaye durust aaye. The government has noticed my talent and honoured it, aage kya hi bol sakte hain.”

Wadkar has explored the world of playback singing in Hindi and Marathi, along with devotional music. He is known for hits such as Raat Ke Dhai Baje (Kaminey; 2009), Chapa Chapa Charkha Chale(Maachis; 1996), Tumse Milke Aisa Laga and Lagi Aaj Saawan (Parinda and Chandni respectively, both 1989), Aye Zindagi Gale Laga Le (Sadma; 1983).

Now, the singer wants to see how the award affects the work coming his way. “People look at the recipients of this honour in a very different way and give them more respect. Iska maan alag hota hai society mein. Kaam pe kitna asar padega, woh toh ab pata chalega,” says Wadkar, who has recorded some of his personal favourite classics of the past, and will release them soon.