New Delhi, Jan 25: Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, leaving an indelible mark on Hindi cinema, has been posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
In addition, veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty and acclaimed Bollywood playback singer Alka Yagnik will be honored with the Padma Bhushan.
Dharmendra’s illustrious career is a testament to his enduring talent and unwavering dedication. He never limited himself to a single genre, seamlessly balancing romance, action, comedy, and social drama. This versatility made him one of the most commercially successful actors in the history of Indian cinema. His final film, Ikkis, was released on December 25, 2025.
On the eve of Republic Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released the official list of Padma awardees for 2026. The prestigious civilian awards recognize individuals across various fields—arts, literature, social service, medicine, education, and public service—for their exceptional contributions and lifelong dedication to society.
Mammootty is widely regarded as one of India’s most accomplished actors, with a global fan following. He made his acting debut in a junior role in Anubhavangal Paalichakal (1971) and has since built a remarkable body of work spanning multiple genres and languages. In November 2025, he won his seventh Best Actor award at the Kerala State Film Awards.
Upon receiving the honor, Mammootty expressed gratitude to his fellow artists and the team behind Bramayugam, writing:
"Heartfelt congrats to Shamla Hamza, Asif, Tovino, Soubin, Sidharth, Jyothirmayi, Lijo Mol, Darshana, Chidambaram, and the entire teams of Manjummel Boys, Bougainvillea, Premalu, and all other winners of the Kerala State Awards."
Mammootty has also been recognized with multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards, solidifying his status as a cinematic legend.
Alka Yagnik has captivated audiences with her soulful voice since the late 1970s. Over nearly five decades, she has delivered countless musical hits, including beloved tracks such as Agar Tum Saath Ho, Chand Chhupa Badal Mein, Tip Tip Barsa Paani, Chura Ke Dil Mera, and Tere Naam. Her melodious contributions have left an enduring mark on Indian music.
