Padma Awards 2026: Dharmendra honoured with Padma Vibhushan; Alka Yagnik and Mammootty receive Padma Bhushan

On the eve of India’s Republic Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the recipients of the Padma Awards for 2026, recognising individuals whose lifelong contributions have left a deep and lasting impact on the nation.

 The announcement once again highlighted excellence across cinema, music, literature, social service, education, medicine, and public life.

Also Read: Hitman Rohit Sharma to receive Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian sports

Dharmendra Awarded Padma Vibhushan Posthumously

Veteran actor Dharmendra Singh Deol has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, India’s second-highest civilian award. With a career spanning over six decades, Dharmendra emerged as one of Hindi cinema’s most enduring stars, admired for his charm, emotional depth, and versatility. More than a leading man, he became a cultural symbol whose influence shaped generations of actors and filmmakers across eras.

Alka Yagnik and Mammootty Receive Padma Bhushan

The Padma Bhushan has been conferred on legendary playback singer Alka Yagnik and acclaimed actor Mammootty. Alka Yagnik’s timeless voice defined the golden era of Hindi film music, becoming the soundtrack of countless lives with melodies that continue to resonate across generations.

Mammootty, celebrated for his discipline and artistic range, has built an extraordinary body of work that elevated Malayalam cinema while also earning admiration across India and internationally. His career stands as a benchmark for consistency, craft, and creative integrity.

Padma Shri for R Madhavan, Prosenjit, and Satish Shah

Receiving the Padma Shri are Ranganathan Madhavan, Prosenjit Chatterjee, and Satish Shah (posthumous). Madhavan has earned respect for effortlessly transitioning between languages and genres, bringing sincerity and intelligence to every performance.

Prosenjit Chatterjee remains a pillar of Bengali cinema, known for redefining storytelling through both commercial successes and experimental films. The late Satish Shah is fondly remembered for his sharp wit, impeccable comic timing, and an illustrious career across theatre, television, and cinema.

Also Read: Three eminent personalities from Odisha likely to receive Padma Shri

About the Padma Awards

Among India’s highest civilian honours, the Padma Awards are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. The awards will be formally presented later this year by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.