Padma Awards 2026: Celebrating Excellence Across Diverse Fields
The Government of India has unveiled the prestigious Padma Awards for the year 2026, honoring exceptional contributions from civilians in various domains. Announced on the eve of Republic Day, these awards recognize achievements in art, social work, public affairs, science, engineering, trade, industry, medicine, literature, education, sports, and civil service.
Posthumous Honor for Bollywood Legend Dharmendra
In a poignant tribute, iconic Bollywood actor Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025, will be conferred with the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. This marks a significant elevation from his previous honor, the Padma Bhushan, which he received in 2012. Dharmendra remains one of the most celebrated figures in the history of Hindi cinema, and this award acknowledges his enduring legacy and immense contribution to Indian arts.
Padma Bhushan for Distinguished Personalities
The Padma Bhushan category sees the inclusion of several eminent individuals. Legendary Malayalam actor Mammootty, renowned for his versatile performances across decades, has been named a recipient. Joining him is ace playback singer Alka Yagnik, whose melodious voice has defined countless Bollywood hits. Additionally, advertising legend Piyush Pandey is recognized for his transformative impact on the industry.
Padma Shri Honorees from the Entertainment World
In the Padma Shri category, notable actors from Indian cinema have been selected. R Madhavan, celebrated for his work in Hindi and Tamil films, Prosenjit Chatterjee, a stalwart of Bengali cinema, and Satish Shah, known for his memorable roles in television and movies, are among the recipients. These awards highlight their significant artistic contributions and public influence.
Award Ceremony Details
The Padma Awards will be formally conferred by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremonial event scheduled to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan later this year. This ceremony symbolizes the nation's gratitude towards its distinguished citizens and serves as an inspiration for future generations.
Overall Distribution: The 2026 Padma Awards list includes five individuals for the Padma Vibhushan, thirteen for the Padma Bhushan, and one hundred thirteen for the Padma Shri, reflecting a broad spectrum of excellence across India.
