Eminent playback singer Alka Yagnik, who was conferred the Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on June 23, 2026, has shared a heartfelt note on Instagram expressing gratitude and providing a small update on her ongoing health battle. The singer, known for her iconic voice in Bollywood, described the honor as a moment of immense pride and reflected on her journey through a difficult period.
Padma Bhushan honor and emotional response
Alka Yagnik received the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, from President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In her Instagram post, she wrote, "Finding my way back," referring to her health struggles. She thanked her fans, family, and well-wishers for their unwavering support. The singer had previously revealed in 2024 that she was diagnosed with a rare form of hearing loss, which forced her to take a break from live performances.
Health update from the singer
In the same post, Alka Yagnik shared that she is "slowly recovering" and focusing on her health. She did not provide specific details but assured fans that she is following medical advice and taking things one day at a time. The singer wrote, "It has been a difficult health battle, but your love and prayers are helping me heal." She also expressed hope to return to the stage soon, though no timeline was given.
Public and industry reactions
The news of Alka Yagnik receiving the Padma Bhushan was widely celebrated by fans and colleagues from the music industry. Many took to social media to congratulate her, including fellow singers and actors. ANI shared a video of the award ceremony on X (formerly Twitter), showing the singer receiving the honor from the President. The video caption read, "Eminent playback singer Alka Yagnik conferred with Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu."
Background on her health struggle
Alka Yagnik first publicly disclosed her hearing condition in early 2024, revealing that she had been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, a rare condition that affects the inner ear. She had to cancel several concerts and reduce her workload to focus on treatment. Despite the challenges, she continued to work on studio recordings and released new songs. The Padma Bhushan recognition has been seen as a testament to her enduring contribution to Indian music.
Legacy and impact
With a career spanning over four decades, Alka Yagnik has sung thousands of songs in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi. She has won numerous awards, including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards. Her songs remain popular across generations. The Padma Bhushan adds to her list of accolades, solidifying her status as one of India's most beloved playback singers.
