Padma Awards 2026: Legendary Bollwood actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, leaving an irreplaceable void in Hindi cinema, has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Celebrated for his enduring talent and unmatched versatility, Dharmendra carved a unique legacy by seamlessly excelling across genres from romance and action to comedy and social dramas, making him one of the most commercially successful and beloved stars in Indian film history.
On the eve of Republic Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled the official list of Padma awardees for 2026. The prestigious civilian honours recognise individuals from diverse fields, including arts, literature, social service, medicine, education and public service, for their excellence, dedication and long-term contribution to society.
Mammootty, Satish Shah, R Madhavan Receive Padma Bhushan
Meanwhile, Malayalam cinema veteran Mammootty and iconic playback singer Alka Yagnik have been honoured with the Padma Bhushan at the Padma Awards 2026. Meanwhile, Bengali Film legend Prosenjit Chatterjee, actor R Madhavan and late actor Satish Shah have been awarded the Padma Shri in recognition of their significant contributions to Indian cinema and music.
Padma Awards 2026: Padma Vibhushan Awardee List
| Recipient | Field | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Dharmendra Singh Deol | Indian Cinema | Awarded posthumously for exceptional contribution to cinema |
| K T Thomas | Public Affairs | Former Supreme Court judge |
| N Rajam | Art | Renowned classical violinist |
| P Narayanan | Literature and Education | Eminent educationist and academic |
| V S Achuthanandhan | Public Affairs | Veteran political leader; awarded posthumously |
Padma Awards 2026: Padma Bhushan Awardee List
| Recipient | Field | Contribution / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Alka Yagnik | Music | Honoured for her outstanding contribution to Hindi film music |
| Mammootty | Cinema | Awarded for a prolific career marked by powerful, performance-driven roles that elevated Malayalam cinema nationally and globally |
Padma Awards 2026: Padma Shri Awardee List
| Recipient | Field | Contribution / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Prosenjit Chatterjee | Cinema | Recognised for his transformative impact on Bengali cinema and for bridging mainstream success with critically acclaimed storytelling over a four-decade career |
| R Madhavan | Cinema | Honoured for his versatility across Hindi, Tamil and international cinema, and for his growing influence as a filmmaker and cultural voice |
| Satish Shah | Cinema & Theatre | Awarded posthumously for his lifetime contribution to Indian cinema and theatre |
India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, the occasion will hold strong diplomatic importance in addition to its national significance. Traditionally, the selection of chief guests for the Republic Day Parade has mirrored India’s foreign policy focus and the strength of its global relationships.
Manisha Chauhan is a passionate journalist with 3 years of experience in the media industry, covering everything from trending entertainment buzz and celebrity spotlights to thought-provoking book reviews and practical health tips. Known for blending fresh perspectives with reader-friendly writing, she creates content that informs, entertains, and inspires. When she’s not chasing the next viral story, you’ll find her diving into a good book or exploring new wellness trends.
