The 2026 Padma Awards honoured some of India’s biggest entertainment icons, including Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, R. Madhavan and other celebrated stars from cinema, music and theatre
New Delhi: Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted the first Civil Investiture Ceremony for the 2026 Padma Awards today, where President Draupadi Murmu presented India’s highest civilian honours. Out of the 131 personalities recognised this year, several prominent names from the entertainment industry were among the awardees. Icons from the worlds of cinema, music, and theatre were celebrated for shaping the country’s cultural landscape for decades.
The ceremony, attended by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several Union Ministers, carried a special emotional weight as tributes were paid to both living legends and those being honoured posthumously.
Dharmendra Receives Padma Vibhushan Posthumously
The most touching moment of the evening came with the posthumous conferment of the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, to legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra. The veteran star, affectionately called the “He-Man” of Hindi cinema, passed away in November 2025 at the age of 89.
His larger-than-life persona and memorable performances in classics like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Phool Aur Patthar, and many others defined an entire era of Indian filmmaking. For millions of fans, the honour was seen as a fitting recognition of his immense contribution to Indian cinema, a career that spanned over six decades and left an indelible mark on Indian popular culture.
Padma Bhushan for Two Powerhouse Talents
The ceremony also saw the presentation of the Padma Bhushan to two of the biggest icons in Indian entertainment. The prestigious honour was conferred upon acting legend Mammootty and celebrated musical voice Alka Yagnik for their decades of excellence.
• Mammootty: Malayalam cinema’s stalwart was conferred this honour, adding yet another jewel to his illustrious five-decade career. Having already received the Padma Shri in 1998, Mammootty has consistently delivered powerful performances, effortlessly moving between intense dramas such as Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha and critically acclaimed recent films like Bramayugam.
• Alka Yagnik: The melodious voice of a generation was also awarded the Padma Bhushan. Widely regarded as one of the most celebrated playback singers of her generation in the 1990s and 2000s, Yagnik’s soulful and powerful voice has been an integral part of countless hit songs. From the evergreen tracks in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Taal to many other blockbuster soundtracks, her songs continue to resonate with audiences across generations and remain deeply embedded in India’s musical memory.
Padma Shri Recognises Diverse Talents
The Padma Shri category brought together a diverse group of seasoned regional superstars and versatile modern performers:
• R. Madhavan: The charming and talented actor-director received the Padma Shri. Known for his roles in films like Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, 3 Idiots, and the critically acclaimed Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (for which he recently won a National Award), Madhavan’s contribution to both acting and filmmaking has been widely appreciated.
• Prosenjit Chatterjee: A true icon of Bengali cinema, Prosenjit was honoured for his extraordinary journey spanning nearly 50 years and over 350 films. Often called the “King of Tollywood,” his dedication to regional cinema has been unmatched.
• Satish Shah (Posthumous): The ceremony also remembered the late actor Satish Shah with a Padma Shri. Famous for his impeccable comic timing, Shah remains a beloved figure for his memorable roles in television’s Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and films like Main Hoon Na.
Honouring Theatre and Television Veterans
The awards also took a moment to celebrate the incredible talent outside of mainstream cinema. It was a proud moment for television and theatre veterans who have spent decades dedicating their lives to the stage. This honour celebrated their decades-long contribution to theatre and television.
• Arvind Vaidya: Arvind Vaidya, with over 60 years of dedication to theatre and films, received the Padma Shri. He became a household name across the country for his endearing portrayal of “Babuji” in the popular daily soap Anupamaa.
• Anil Kumar Rastogi: A respected theatre personality, academician, and actor, was also honoured. Known for his deep commitment to the stage as well as notable film roles in movies like Ishaqzaade and Mulk, Rastogi represents the intellectual and artistic side of Indian performing arts.
Overall, the 2026 Padma Awards served as a strong reminder of the diversity and depth of India’s artistic talent. From mainstream film stars to regional cinema icons and theatre veterans, the honours reflected the wide spectrum of India’s cultural talent. This year’s honours celebrated those who have spent their lives entertaining, inspiring, and enriching the cultural soul of the nation.
