Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty was conferred the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, at the Padma Awards ceremony held in New Delhi on June 23, 2026. The event also saw actor R. Madhavan and singer Alka Yagnik receiving the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honour. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier this year, and the awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Mammootty's Reaction to Padma Bhushan
Mammootty, who has acted in over 400 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, expressed his gratitude after receiving the honour. "I am deeply humbled and grateful to the Government of India for this recognition. This award is not just for me but for the entire Malayalam film industry and my fans who have supported me throughout my journey," he said in his acceptance speech. The 74-year-old actor is known for his versatile roles and has won three National Film Awards and several state awards.
R. Madhavan's Journey to Padma Shri
R. Madhavan, popularly known as Maddy, was awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to the arts. The actor, who made his debut in 1996 with the Tamil film Alai Payuthey, has starred in numerous critically acclaimed films in Tamil, Hindi, and other languages. "I feel honoured and privileged. This recognition motivates me to work harder and contribute more to the field of cinema," Madhavan said after receiving the award. He is also known for his work in films like Rang De Basanti, 3 Idiots, and Tanu Weds Manu.
Alka Yagnik's Musical Legacy Honoured
Veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik, known for her melodious voice in thousands of Hindi film songs, was also honoured with the Padma Shri. The singer, who has been active since the 1980s, has won numerous awards including two National Film Awards and several Filmfare Awards. "I am overwhelmed with joy. This award is a testament to the love and support of my fans and the music industry," she said. Yagnik has sung iconic songs like "Ek Do Teen" from Tezaab and "Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai" from Dhadkan.
Padma Awards 2026: A Star-Studded Ceremony
The Padma Awards ceremony this year honoured a total of 132 recipients, including 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 106 Padma Shri awardees. The event was attended by dignitaries from various fields, including politics, arts, sports, and science. Among the other notable recipients were former President Ram Nath Kovind (Padma Vibhushan), cricketer Mithali Raj (Padma Shri), and scientist Tessy Thomas (Padma Shri). The ceremony was broadcast live on national television and streamed online.
Impact and Reactions
The recognition of Mammootty, Madhavan, and Alka Yagnik has been widely celebrated on social media, with fans and colleagues congratulating them. Malayalam actor Mohanlal tweeted, "Proud of you, Mammukka. Well-deserved honour!" Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar also congratulated Madhavan, saying, "So happy for you, Maddy. You deserve all the accolades." The awards highlight the government's recognition of contributions to Indian cinema and music.
