Dharmendra, Mammootty accorded Padma Awards 2026, veteran Malayalam actor says 'nothing bigger than nation's honour'

Padma Awards 2026: Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, who passed away last year, was accorded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Mammootty and singer Alka Yagnik receive Padma Bhushan.

Dharmendra, Mammootty honoured with Padma Awards 2026

On the eve of the Republic Day, the nation has honoured the stalwarts of cinema for their valuable contributions to the film field. Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, who passed away last year, has been accorded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Other notable names from the film industry to be honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan are iconic Malayalam actor Mammootty and singer Alka Yagnik.

Who are the 2026 Padma Award recipients

Ahead of India’s 2026 Republic Day Celebrations, the Union government has revealed the list of Padma Award recipients for the year. Late actor Dharmendra has been accorded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. The veteran Bollywood actor, who starred in over 300 films, passed away on November 24, 2025. The actor, who was last seen in the Hindi war drama Ikkis, was earlier accorded the Padma Bhushan in 2012. Dharmendra was one of the biggest stars of the 1970s, with some of his movies, such as Sholay, attaining a cult status and remaining popular. The 2026 movie Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda and directed by Sriram Raghavan, marked Dharmendra's last film.

Also read: Dharmendra: The Star Who Finished His Arc Early & Let The Myth Stand Alone

Malayalam megastar Mammootty too has been honoured by the nation with a Padma Bhushan award. The actor, who has been enthralling audiences for more than four decades, had earlier been accorded the Padma Shri, but way back in 1998. Mammootty, who has won a record-breaking seven Kerala State Film Awards, also has three National Awards to his name. The award is long overdue for the Patriot actor and his fans are overjoyed by the national recognition. In his first response to Mathrubhumi News after the announcement, Mammootty says that "nothing is bigger than the nation's honour". Last year, the government honoured Malayalam superstar Mohanlal with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Playback singer Alka Yagnik, popular for her Hindi film songs from the 80s to 2000s, has also been accorded the Padma Bhushan award. Alka has won two National Awards and several Filmfare Awards. One of the most popular singers of her generation, Alka is known for her melodious voice.

The central government has announced as many as 131 Padma awards for the year 2026, which includes 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards.

While Padma Vibhushan is the second highest-civilian award for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award for distinguished service of high order.

Former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan was also awarded Padma Vibhushan posthumously, while ad guru Piyush Pandey was awarded Padma Bhushan posthumously.

Actors R Madhavan, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Rajendra Prasad were honoured with Padma Shri, along with Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur. Actor Satish Shah was honoured with the Padma Shri posthumously.

Padma Awards 2026 FAQs

Q. Who all were awarded Padma Vibhushan posthumously?

A. Late Bollywood actor Dharmendra and former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan were awarded Padma Vibhushan posthumously in 2026.

Q. Did Mammootty get Padma Bhushan?

A. Yes, Mammootty was accorded the Padma Bhushan Award in 2026 by the Indian government.

Q: Is Ikkis Dharmendra's last movie?

A: Yes, Ikkis marks Dharmendra's last movie. The veteran Hindi actor passed away on November 24, 2025.

Share