Who Are the Stars Receiving the Prestigious Padma Awards 2026?
Padma Awards 2026 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 awards. Notable recipients include the late actor Dharmendra, Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty, and celebrated playback singer Alka Yagnik. Since their inception in 1954, the Padma Awards have been recognized as some of the highest civilian honors in India, celebrating exceptional contributions in various fields such as arts, literature, sports, medicine, science, social work, and public affairs.
Highlights of the Padma Awards 2026 Recipients
About Padma Awards 2026 recipients
This year, the late Dharmendra will receive the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. He is celebrated as one of the most iconic figures in Hindi cinema, known for his legendary performances in classics like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, and Phool Aur Patthar.
Next, Mammootty, a stalwart of Malayalam cinema, will be honored with the Padma Bhushan for his remarkable contributions to Indian cinema. With a career spanning several decades, he has delivered outstanding performances across Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi films, having previously received the Padma Shri in 1998.
Actor R Madhavan will be awarded the Padma Shri for his artistic contributions. Known affectionately as “Maddy,” he has starred in notable 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.
Posthumously, beloved actor Satish Shah will receive the Padma Shri. He is renowned for his exceptional comedic talent and memorable roles in television and film, becoming a household name through shows like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, and FIR. His film credits include Main Hoon Na, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, and Mujhse Shaadi Karoge.
Acclaimed playback singer Alka Yagnik will be honored with the Padma Bhushan for her extensive contributions to Indian music and cinema.
Prosenjit Chatterjee, a prominent figure in Bengali cinema, will receive the Padma Shri. Over his five-decade career, he has appeared in more than 350 films.
Veteran theatre and film artist Anil Kumar Rastogi will also be awarded the Padma Shri. With over sixty years in theatre, he is recognized for his roles in films like Ishaqzaade, Thappad, and Mulk. In addition to acting, Rastogi is respected for his contributions to science and academia.
Lastly, veteran actor and director Arvind Vaidya will receive the Padma Shri for his significant impact on Indian theatre and performing arts. With a career exceeding sixty years, he is currently portraying Hasmukh "Babuji" Shah in Rupali Ganguly's Anupamaa.