The Padma Awards 2026 celebrated some of India’s most respected personalities from cinema, music and sports. From legendary actors and singers to cricket captains and hockey stars, several achievers were honoured by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan for their extraordinary contribution to the nation.
- Satish Shah (Posthumous Padma Shri)
- Alka Yagnik (Padma Bhushan)
- Rohit Sharma (Padma Shri)
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Padma Shri)
- Savita Punia (Padma Shri)
- Vijay Amritraj (Padma Bhushan)
- Baldev Singh (Padma Shri)
- Praveen Kumar (Padma Shri)
- R Madhavan (Padma Shri)
- Prosenjit Chatterjee (Padma Shri)
- Murali Mohan (Padma Shri)
- Gadde Babu Rajendra Prasad (Padma Shri)
- A Celebration of Excellence
Here’s a look at some of the notable Padma awardees of 2026:
Satish Shah (Posthumous Padma Shri)
Veteran actor and comedian Satish Shah was honoured with the Padma Shri posthumously for his four-decade contribution to Indian cinema, television and theatre. His cousin Arvind Mamania received the award from President Droupadi Murmu on his behalf. Family members and colleagues described the moment as emotional, saying they wished the actor had been alive to receive the honour himself.
Known for iconic performances in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Main Hoon Na and Kal Ho Naa Ho, Satish Shah left behind an unforgettable legacy.
Alka Yagnik (Padma Bhushan)
Legendary playback singer Alka Yagnik received the Padma Bhushan for her immense contribution to Indian music. The award came during a challenging phase in her life as she continues to recover from a rare sensorineural hearing disorder.
After receiving the honour, Alka expressed gratitude to fans and said she is “slowly finding her way back.” Her timeless songs from films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Mohra, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Tamasha have made her one of India’s most beloved voices.
Rohit Sharma (Padma Shri)
Former India captain Rohit Sharma was awarded the Padma Shri for his outstanding achievements in cricket. The “Hitman” attended the ceremony with wife Ritika Sajdeh and called the honour special for his entire family.
Since his debut in 2007, Rohit has become one of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers. Under his captaincy, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. His record-breaking batting feats and leadership made him a deserving recipient of the country’s fourth-highest civilian honour.
Harmanpreet Kaur (Padma Shri)
Indian women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur was honoured with the Padma Shri after leading India to its historic maiden Women’s ODI World Cup triumph.
Calling the recognition a shared achievement, Harmanpreet dedicated the award to her parents, coaches, teammates and supporters. She said representing India has always been the greatest honour of her life and vowed to continue giving her best for the country.
Savita Punia (Padma Shri)
Indian women’s hockey legend Savita Punia received the Padma Shri for her exceptional contribution to the sport. With more than 300 international caps, she has been one of the pillars of Indian hockey for over a decade.
The goalkeeper played a major role in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics and led the team to medals and titles at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Champions Trophy. Savita said the honour belonged equally to her family and teammates.
Vijay Amritraj (Padma Bhushan)
Former tennis star Vijay Amritraj was conferred with the Padma Bhushan. A pioneer of Indian tennis, he reached four Grand Slam quarter-finals and represented India at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. His contribution to Indian sport and philanthropy has been widely admired.
Baldev Singh (Padma Shri)
Veteran hockey coach Baldev Singh received the Padma Shri for nurturing generations of Indian players and contributing immensely to the development of hockey in the country.
Praveen Kumar (Padma Shri)
Paralympic champion Praveen Kumar was honoured with the Padma Shri for his achievements in para-athletics. His inspiring journey and international success have made him one of India’s leading sporting icons.
R Madhavan (Padma Shri)
Actor R Madhavan was awarded the Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian cinema. Over the years, he has won hearts with memorable performances in films such as Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Rang De Basanti, 3 Idiots, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect and Shaitaan. His work across Hindi, Tamil and international cinema has earned him widespread acclaim.
Prosenjit Chatterjee (Padma Shri)
Bengal superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee received the Padma Shri for his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema. One of the biggest names in Bengali films, Prosenjit has delivered several iconic performances and has been a major force behind the growth of regional cinema in India.
Murali Mohan (Padma Shri)
Veteran Telugu actor and producer Maganti Murali Mohan was honoured with the Padma Shri for his contribution to the field of art. Over the years, he has played an important role in Telugu cinema and earned respect for his work both on and off the screen.
Gadde Babu Rajendra Prasad (Padma Shri)
Popular actor Rajendra Prasad received the Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian cinema. Having acted in more than 286 films across six languages, he is regarded as one of Telugu cinema’s finest performers and is celebrated for proving that content-driven films can leave a lasting impact.
A Celebration of Excellence
The Padma Awards 2026 honoured individuals who have inspired generations through their achievements in entertainment and sports. From the unforgettable legacy of Satish Shah to the sporting brilliance of Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, the awardees represent dedication, talent and years of service to the nation. Their stories continue to inspire millions and remind us that excellence comes from passion, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to one’s craft.
