Dharmendra honoured with Padma Vibhushan; Mammootty, R Madhavan and Prosenjit Chatterjee among awardees

Dharmendra honoured with Padma Vibhushan

• Padma Awards 2026 announced, honoring excellence across diverse fields.
• Dharmendra Singh Deol receives Padma Vibhushan for his impact on Indian cinema.
• Alka Yagnik, Mammootty receive Padma Bhushan for music and acting.

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On the eve of India’s Republic Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the recipients of the Padma Awards for 2026, shining a spotlight on individuals whose life’s work has left a lasting mark on the nation.

This year, veteran actor Dharmendra Singh Deol has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan (posthumously), a recognition of his exceptional and distinguished service to Indian cinema.

With a career spanning more than six decades, Dharmendra Singh Deol has been more than just a leading man—he has been a symbol of timeless charm, emotional depth, and resilience, influencing generations of actors and filmmakers across eras.

The Padma Bhushan has been awarded to legendary playback singer Alka Yagnik and acclaimed actor Mammootty. Alka Yagnik’s voice has been the soundtrack to countless lives, shaping the golden era of Hindi film music with melodies that remain etched in popular memory.

Mammootty, widely admired for his discipline and artistic range, has built a body of work that has elevated Malayalam cinema while also resonating across India and beyond.

These honours celebrate excellence across fields as diverse as cinema, music, literature, social service, education, medicine, and public life, recognising not just achievement, but sustained contribution over time.

While the names are revealed ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, the awards will be formally presented later this year at Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.

Regarded as among the country’s highest civilian honours, the Padma Awards are conferred in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—each acknowledging a different degree of service and impact.

Receiving the Padma Shri are Ranganathan Madhavan, Prosenjit Chatterjee, and Satish Shah (Posthumous). Ranganathan Madhavan has earned respect for seamlessly moving between languages and genres, bringing sincerity and intelligence to every role.

Prosenjit Chatterjee remains a cornerstone of Bengali cinema, known for redefining storytelling through both commercial and experimental films.

The late Satish Shah, honoured posthumously, is fondly remembered for his sharp wit, impeccable comic timing, and a career that spanned theatre, television, and film.

Also Read: Dharmendra Net Worth: Know everything about veteran actor's properties, restaurants, car collection and luxurious assets

As officially defined, “Padma Vibhushan” is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; “Padma Bhushan” for distinguished service of high order and “Padma Shri” for distinguished service in any field.

Announced annually on Republic Day, the Padma Awards stand as a tribute to individuals whose dedication, talent, and perseverance continue to inspire the nation.