Legendary Hindi cinema actor Dharmendra has been posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, recognising his monumental contribution to Indian cinema. Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that shaped generations of filmgoers.



The honour was announced on the eve of Republic Day 2026, as the Ministry of Home Affairs unveiled the official list of Padma awardees.



Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali village of Punjab’s Ludhiana district, he was the son of school headmaster Kewal Kishan Singh Deol. His passion for cinema led him to stardom, beginning with his first major commercial success in Ramesh Saigal’s Shola Aur Shabnam (1961). He went on to deliver memorable performances in films such as Anpadh (1962), Bimal Roy’s Bandini (1963)—which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi—and Kaajal (1965).



Joining Dharmendra among the honourees, veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty and celebrated playback singer Alka Yagnik have been named recipients of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.



Widely regarded as one of India’s finest actors with a global following, Mammootty made his debut with Anubhavangal Paalichakal (1971) and has since built a prolific, multi-language career spanning over five decades. He won his seventh Best Actor honour at the Kerala State Film Awards last year.



Alka Yagnik, whose illustrious career spans nearly five decades, has been one of Indian cinema’s most beloved voices since the late 1970s. Her timeless songs include Agar Tum Saath Ho, Chand Chhupa Badal Mein, Tip Tip Barsa Paani, Chura Ke Dil Mera and Tere Naam.



Actor R. Madhavan will be conferred with the Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian cinema. A versatile performer across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu films, Madhavan made his Bollywood debut with Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein (2001) and earned early acclaim with Mani Ratnam’s Alai Payuthey. He also made his directorial debut with Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. He was recently seen in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, with its sequel slated for release on March 19, 2026.



The Padma Shri will also be awarded posthumously to veteran actor Satish Shah, who passed away on October 25 last year. An FTII alumnus, Shah rose to prominence with Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and became a household name through television shows such as Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.



Late advertising stalwart Piyush Pandey has been posthumously honoured with the Padma Bhushan for his decades-long contribution to the Indian advertising industry. Pandey passed away on October 24, 2025, at the age of 70.



Meanwhile, Bengali cinema icon Prosenjit Chatterjee has been named a Padma Shri awardee for his contribution to the arts. With a career spanning over three decades and more than 200 films, he is known for acclaimed works such as Chokher Bali, Moner Manush, Jaatishwar, Baishe Srabon and Shankhachil. His Hindi and OTT projects include Shanghai, Traffic, Jubilee and Khakee: The Bengal Chapter. He was last seen in Vijaynagarer Hirey.



For 2026, the President has approved a total of 131 Padma Awards, including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri honours. The list includes 16 posthumous awardees and 19 women recipients.



The Padma Awards are conferred annually based on the recommendations of the Padma Awards Committee, constituted by the Prime Minister. The awards will be presented later this year by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.