On the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officially announced the list of Padma Awards for 2026. This year, the prestigious civilian honours celebrate a powerful blend of cinematic legends, musical icons, and advertising visionaries. Headlining the list is the late veteran superstar Dharmendra Singh Deol, who will be posthumously conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, the nation’s second-highest civilian award.
The 2026 list recognizes 131 distinguished personalities, including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awardees. The entertainment sector features prominently this year, reflecting the enduring cultural impact of Indian cinema and arts on the global stage.
In a moment that brought tears to millions of fans, the Government of India announced the Padma Vibhushan for the legendary “He-Man” of Bollywood, Dharmendra. The honour comes posthumously following the actor’s passing in November 2025 at the age of 89.
Dharmendra’s career spanned over six decades, during which he redefined the Indian action hero while delivering soulful performances in classics like Satyakam, Sholay, and Chupke Chupke. His family, including sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, expressed deep gratitude, noting that while the recognition is bittersweet, it serves as a fitting tribute to a man who lived for the love of his audience.
The Padma Bhushan category this year celebrates two titans of the performing arts: Malayalam superstar Mammootty and legendary playback singer Alka Yagnik.
Malayalam cinema’s pride, Mammootty, receives the Padma Bhushan for his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. With a career spanning over 400 films across multiple languages, the three-time National Award winner continues to reinvent himself, as seen in his recent critically acclaimed work in Bramayugam. Upon hearing the news, the actor remarked that there is “no greater joy than the country acknowledging one’s service.”
Alka Yagnik, the melody queen who defined the 90s and early 2000s, has been honoured for her decades-long influence on Indian music. With over 20,000 songs to her credit and numerous accolades, her voice remains a cornerstone of the Indian musical fabric. This recognition highlights her journey from a young prodigy to a global icon of playback singing.
The list also honours Piyush Pandey, the legendary ad guru and the creative force behind some of India’s most iconic campaigns (such as Kuch Meetha Ho Jaaye). Pandey receives the Padma Bhushan posthumously, acknowledging his role in revolutionizing the Indian advertising and brand communication landscape. His ability to connect with the “Indian heartbeat” changed the way the nation consumes stories.
The Padma Shri category, awarded for distinguished service in any field, features two beloved actors who have consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling.
- R. Madhavan: The “Maddy” of Indian cinema has had a stellar run in recent years. Following the success of his directorial debut Rocketry: The Nambi Effect and his recent role in Dhurandhar, the actor receives the Padma Shri. Madhavan’s ability to move effortlessly between Tamil and Hindi cinema has made him a truly pan-Indian star.
- Satish Shah: Veteran actor and comedian Satish Shah receives the Padma Shri posthumously. Known for his impeccable comic timing in classics like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Shah’s passing in late 2025 left a void in the industry. This honour recognizes his lifetime of bringing laughter to Indian households.
The 2026 Padma Awards also feature Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee and television veteran Arvind Vaidya in the Padma Shri list, underlining a concerted effort by the government to represent regional diversity. Of the 131 awardees, 19 are women, and 16 honours are being conferred posthumously, reflecting a list that balances legacy with contemporary excellence.
President Droupadi Murmu will present these medals at a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan later this spring. As the nation celebrates its 77th Republic Day, these awards stand as a testament to the power of art to inspire and unite a diverse India.
