Dharmendra, Mammootty and Alka Yagnik honoured
Kousholy Ema: Veteran actor Dharmendra, legendary playback singer Alka Yagnik, Malayalam cinema stalwart Mammootty, Bengali film icon Prosenjit Chatterjee and actor R Madhavan are among the prominent personalities set to receive Padma honours at the Padma Awards 2026.
At the highest civilian level, the Padma Vibhushan will be conferred on five individuals this year. Dharmendra Singh Deol has been awarded the honour posthumously for his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema. The other recipients include former Supreme Court judge K T Thomas for Public Affairs, acclaimed classical violinist N Rajam for Art, educationist and academic P Narayanan for Literature and Education, and veteran political leader V S Achuthanandhan for Public Affairs, who has also been honoured posthumously. The Padma Bhushan category features two towering names from the entertainment industry. Alka Yagnik, whose voice defined Hindi film music from the 1990s and early 2000s, has been honoured for her outstanding contribution to music. One of the most celebrated playback singers in Indian cinema, her songs remain integral to the country's musical memory. Actor Mammootty has also been conferred the Padma Bhushan, recognising a prolific career marked by powerful, performance-driven roles that elevated Malayalam cinema on both national and global platforms.
In the Padma Shri list, actor Prosenjit Chatterjee has been acknowledged for his transformative impact on Bengali cinema. With a career spanning over four decades, he successfully bridged mainstream appeal with critically acclaimed storytelling. Actor R Madhavan has also received the Padma Shri, celebrating his versatility across Hindi, Tamil and international cinema, as well as his expanding role as a filmmaker and cultural voice. The Padma Awards 2026 reflect the nation's continued effort to honour artistic and intellectual excellence, celebrating individuals whose work has left an indelible mark on India's cultural and creative history. The announcement recognises decades of artistic excellence across cinema and music, bringing together influential figures who have shaped India's cultural landscape across generations and regions.
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