On the eve of Republic Day 2026, the Government of India has announced this year’s Padma Awards – featuring a list where important personalities from the arts and entertainment sectors have been honoured for their contributions to the field.
One of the most notable honourees on the list was the legendary actor Dharmendra, who has been posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan. The actor passed away last year on December 8, 2025 and a period of grief hung over the industry as long-time friends and fans mourned his loss.
Dharmendra worked in the film industry for over sixty years. He became a household name because he could handle a comedic role just as well as a serious action role. Fans remember him for his iconic role as Veeru in Sholay, but he was also respected for his work in dramas and comedies. Since he is no longer here to accept it, the award carries extra emotional weight for his family and his many fans who grew up watching his movies. The actor was last seen in the 2026 film Ikkis.
High honours for Mammootty and Alka Yagnik
Alongside the tribute to Dharmendra, the government awarded the Padma Bhushan to Malayalam actor Mammootty and playback singer Alka Yagnik. These are the third-highest civilian honours in the country. For Mammootty, this is a step up from the Padma Shri he received in 1998.
The actor is still very active in cinema today; frequently taking on challenging roles that receive significant attention from critics and audiences alike. His career has lasted over five decades, and he remains a major figure in South Indian films while also working in other languages.
Alka Yagnik’s award was a long time in the making; her contributions to Bollywood revolutionised the industry and her songs dominated films for years. She was – simply put – one of the most successful singers throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with a catalogue containing thousands of songs.
Even with the rise of newer artists, her music remains evergreen and her status as a playback singer has achieved legendary heights. The award acknowledges her consistency and the way her voice has stayed popular with different age groups over time.
Recognition across regional cinema
The list of winners also includes several artists who received the Padma Shri. Prosenjit Chatterjee, a major star in the Bengali film industry, was recognized for his work in Kolkata.
Actor R. Madhavan, who was most recently in Dhurandhar, also received the Padma Shri, which makes sense given his popularity in both Tamil and Hindi films. The list also includes a posthumous recognition for comedic legend Satish Shah, who like Dharmendra, passed away last year on October 25, 2025, honouring his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema and television.