Padma Awards 2026: Honoring Legends of Indian Cinema and Arts
Padma Awards Ceremony Details
On May 25, President Droupadi Murmu will host the inaugural Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan to present the Padma Awards 2026. This year, the Government of India has announced a total of 131 Padma Awards, which include five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri honors. Among the distinguished awardees are the late Dharmendra, celebrated Malayalam actor Mammootty, and renowned playback singer Alka Yagnik. Established in 1954, the Padma Awards are among the highest civilian accolades in India, recognizing outstanding contributions in various fields such as arts, literature, sports, medicine, science, social work, and public affairs.
Notable Recipients of Padma Awards 2026
About Padma Awards 2026 recipients
This year, the late Dharmendra will receive the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. He is remembered as one of the most iconic figures in Hindi cinema, known for his legendary roles in classics like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, and Phool Aur Patthar. Additionally, Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty will be awarded the Padma Bhushan for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. With a career that spans decades, he has delivered remarkable performances in Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi films, previously receiving the Padma Shri in 1998.
Other Honorees
Actor R Madhavan will be honored with the Padma Shri for his artistic contributions. Known affectionately as “Maddy,” he has starred in popular films such as Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, 3 Idiots, and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. He also won a National Award in 2023 for his work in Rocketry. The late Satish Shah will receive the Padma Shri posthumously, celebrated for his exceptional comedic talent and memorable roles in television and film, including Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Main Hoon Na.
Celebrated Artists Recognized
Renowned playback singer Alka Yagnik will be awarded the Padma Bhushan for her outstanding contributions to Indian music and cinema over the decades. Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee will also receive the Padma Shri, recognized as a leading figure in Bengali cinema with over 350 films to his credit. Veteran theatre and film artist Anil Kumar Rastogi will be honored with the Padma Shri for his extensive work in theatre and films like Ishaqzaade and Thappad. Additionally, veteran actor and director Arvind Vaidya will receive the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to Indian theatre and performing arts, currently known for his role in Rupali Ganguly's Anupamaa.