New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu will confer 131 Padma Awards 2026 during the first Civil Investiture Ceremony scheduled to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on May 25. The prestigious civilian honours, regarded among the highest recognitions in the country, will celebrate distinguished contributions across art, cinema, music, literature, public service and several other fields.
This year, the Government of India has announced five Padma Vibhushan awards, 13 Padma Bhushan honours and 113 Padma Shri awards. Several renowned personalities from the entertainment industry, including actors, filmmakers and playback singers, are among the awardees.
Posthumous Honours for Dharmendra and Satish Shah
The ceremony is expected to be an emotional moment for cinema lovers as two iconic figures of Hindi cinema will be honoured posthumously for their extraordinary contribution to Indian entertainment.
Veteran actor Dharmendra, fondly remembered as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” will be conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour. Known for timeless classics such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke and Phool Aur Patthar, Dharmendra remained one of the most admired stars in Indian cinema for over six decades. The legendary actor passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. The honour is being seen as a tribute to his remarkable 65-year cinematic journey.
Late actor Satish Shah will receive the Padma Shri posthumously for his immense contribution to Indian television and cinema. Famous for his impeccable comic timing, Satish Shah became a household name through television classics like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi and F.I.R.. His portrayal of Indravadan Sarabhai remains one of Indian television’s most loved comic characters. He also left a lasting impact in films such as Main Hoon Na, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. Shah passed away on October 25, 2025, at the age of 74.
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Mammootty and Alka Yagnik to Receive Padma Bhushan
Two towering personalities from Indian cinema and music will be honoured with the Padma Bhushan for their long-standing contribution to the arts.
Malayalam cinema superstar Mammootty has been selected for the Padma Bhushan in recognition of his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. Over a career spanning several decades, Mammootty has worked extensively in Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi films, earning critical acclaim and a massive fan following. He had earlier been awarded the Padma Shri in 1998 for his contribution to the arts.
Celebrated playback singer Alka Yagnik will also receive the Padma Bhushan for her exceptional contribution to Indian music and cinema. With a career spanning decades, Alka Yagnik has delivered countless chartbusters and remains one of the most iconic voices in Bollywood music history.
Padma Shri for R. Madhavan and Prosenjit Chatterjee
Acclaimed actor R. Madhavan, popularly known as “Maddy,” will be honoured with the Padma Shri. The actor is widely admired for his performances in films like Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, 3 Idiots and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. Madhavan had earlier won the National Film Award in 2023 for “Rocketry.”
Veteran Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee has also been selected for the Padma Shri. One of the most influential stars in Bengali cinema, Prosenjit has acted in more than 350 films during his illustrious career spanning nearly five decades.
About the Padma Awards
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and are presented annually to recognise distinguished and exceptional service in various disciplines, including art, literature, education, sports, medicine, science, social work and public affairs.
The Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 25 is expected to bring together leading personalities from across the country to celebrate the achievements and legacy of these distinguished awardees.