Padma Awards 2026: Hema Malini to receive Dharmendra's posthumous Padma Vibhushan; Mammootty to get Padma Bhushan; Alka Yagnik among top honourees

Veteran actress Hema Malini is set to receive the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband, legendary actor Dharmendra, during the Padma Awards 2026 ceremony in New Delhi. The honour, India's second-highest civilian award, was announced earlier this year in recognition of the actor's extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema. The prestigious recognition comes months after Dharmendra's passing in November 2025. President Droupadi Murmu will confer the award during the first Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.Speaking to Hindustan Times about the occasion, Hema Malini shared her emotions and said, "It's an emotional moment for me. Ahana is with me, Esha wanted to come but could not make it here. The entire family is happy. Sunny, Bobby, everyone is aware of this and its a big moment for all of us." The honour serves as a tribute to Dharmendra's remarkable legacy.

A celebration of India's finest achievers

The Padma Awards remain among the country's most prestigious civilian honours.

Instituted in 1954, the awards recognise exceptional contributions across various fields, including arts, literature, education, sports, science, medicine, social work and public affairs. This year, the Government of India has announced a total of 131 Padma Awards. The list includes five Padma Vibhushan recipients; 13 Padma Bhushan awardees; and 113 Padma Shri honorees.

Mammootty to receive Padma Bhushan

Among the most prominent names on this year's list is Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty.

The veteran actor has been selected for the Padma Bhushan in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. Mammootty's career spans several decades and includes acclaimed performances across Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi films, and his most recent outing was the actioner 'Patriot' where he teamed up with 'Drishyam 3' actor Mohanlal.

Celebrated playback singer Alka Yagnik will also be honoured with the Padma Bhushan this year.

Several cinema personalities make the list

The Padma Awards 2026 list also features several well-known names from the entertainment industry. Veteran Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee has been selected for the Padma Shri after a celebrated career spanning nearly five decades and more than 350 films. Veteran theatre and film actor Anil Kumar Rastogi and actor-director Arvind Vaidya are among the other recipients being honoured this year. Late actor Satish Shah will receive the Padma Shri posthumously.Actor and filmmaker

R. Madhavan

will also receive the Padma Shri. Popularly known as Maddy, he is admired for performances in films such as 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein', '3 Idiots' and 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect'.