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Padma Awards 2026: Stalwarts from cinema industry who have been honoured

Updated On: 26 January, 2026 01:30 PM IST | Athulya Nambiar

The Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honours of India, are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day. The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of higher order and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field of activity

The Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honours of India, are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day. The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of higher order and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field of activity

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The Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honours of India, are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day. The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of higher order and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field of activity
<p><strong>Dharmendra Singh Deol</strong></p>
<p>A legendary figure in Indian cinema, Dharmendra has enjoyed a career spanning over six decades, delivering iconic performances across genres. Fondly known as the &lsquo;He-Man&rsquo; of Hindi cinema, he starred in classics like Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar and Chupke Chupke. His enduring popularity and contribution to Indian films have earned him the Padma Vibhushan</p>

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Dharmendra Singh Deol

A legendary figure in Indian cinema, Dharmendra has enjoyed a career spanning over six decades, delivering iconic performances across genres. Fondly known as the ‘He-Man’ of Hindi cinema, he starred in classics like Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar and Chupke Chupke. His enduring popularity and contribution to Indian films have earned him the Padma Vibhushan

<p><strong>Alka Yagnik (Padma Bhushan)</strong></p>
<p>One of India&rsquo;s most celebrated playback singers, Alka Yagnik has lent her voice to thousands of songs across multiple languages. She dominated the 1990s music scene with chartbusters in films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Her timeless melodies have made her a household name</p>

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Alka Yagnik (Padma Bhushan)

One of India’s most celebrated playback singers, Alka Yagnik has lent her voice to thousands of songs across multiple languages. She dominated the 1990s music scene with chartbusters in films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Her timeless melodies have made her a household name

<p><strong>Mammootty (Padma Bhushan)</strong><br />A towering presence in Indian cinema, Mammootty is known for his versatility and intense performances, especially in Malayalam films. With over four decades in the industry, he has won multiple National Awards and critical acclaim for roles in films like Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha and Peranbu. He continues to be one of the most respected actors in the country</p>

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Mammootty (Padma Bhushan)
A towering presence in Indian cinema, Mammootty is known for his versatility and intense performances, especially in Malayalam films. With over four decades in the industry, he has won multiple National Awards and critical acclaim for roles in films like Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha and Peranbu. He continues to be one of the most respected actors in the country

<p><strong>Piyush Pandey (Posthumous) (Padma Bhushan)</strong></p>
<p>Widely regarded as India&rsquo;s most influential advertising professional, Piyush Pandey transformed the country&rsquo;s advertising landscape with his storytelling-driven campaigns. As the longtime creative leader at Ogilvy India, he created iconic ads that resonated deeply with Indian audiences. His legacy continues to inspire generations of creatives</p>

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Piyush Pandey (Posthumous) (Padma Bhushan)

Widely regarded as India’s most influential advertising professional, Piyush Pandey transformed the country’s advertising landscape with his storytelling-driven campaigns. As the longtime creative leader at Ogilvy India, he created iconic ads that resonated deeply with Indian audiences. His legacy continues to inspire generations of creatives

<p><strong>Anil Kumar Rastogi (Padma Shri) </strong></p>
<p>Anil Kumar Rastogi is a seasoned actor known for his impactful performances in Hindi cinema and theatre. He gained recognition through films like Black Friday and Shanghai, often portraying layered, realistic characters. His work reflects a strong commitment to meaningful storytelling</p>

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Anil Kumar Rastogi (Padma Shri)

Anil Kumar Rastogi is a seasoned actor known for his impactful performances in Hindi cinema and theatre. He gained recognition through films like Black Friday and Shanghai, often portraying layered, realistic characters. His work reflects a strong commitment to meaningful storytelling

<p><strong>Gadde Babu Rajendra Prasad (Padma Shri)</strong></p>
<p>Rajendra Prasad is a veteran Telugu actor celebrated for his impeccable comic timing and versatile performances. With a career spanning decades, he has appeared in over 200 films, earning several awards including National Film Awards. He remains one of Telugu cinema&rsquo;s most beloved actors</p>

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Gadde Babu Rajendra Prasad (Padma Shri)

Rajendra Prasad is a veteran Telugu actor celebrated for his impeccable comic timing and versatile performances. With a career spanning decades, he has appeared in over 200 films, earning several awards including National Film Awards. He remains one of Telugu cinema’s most beloved actors

<p><strong>Prosenjit Chatterjee (Padma Shri)</strong></p>
<p>A leading star of Bengali cinema, Prosenjit Chatterjee has redefined commercial and parallel cinema through his evolving body of work. From mass entertainers to critically acclaimed films like Autograph and Jalsaghar, he remains a pivotal force in regional cinema. His influence also extends to Hindi films and OTT platforms</p>

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Prosenjit Chatterjee (Padma Shri)

A leading star of Bengali cinema, Prosenjit Chatterjee has redefined commercial and parallel cinema through his evolving body of work. From mass entertainers to critically acclaimed films like Autograph and Jalsaghar, he remains a pivotal force in regional cinema. His influence also extends to Hindi films and OTT platforms

<p><strong>Madhavan Ranganathan (Padma Shri)</strong></p>
<p>Madhavan Ranganathan is a noted professional recognised for his contribution to public service and administration. Through years of dedicated work, he has played a role in shaping policy and institutional frameworks. His Padma honour acknowledges his long-standing service to the nation</p>

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Madhavan Ranganathan (Padma Shri)

Madhavan Ranganathan is a noted professional recognised for his contribution to public service and administration. Through years of dedicated work, he has played a role in shaping policy and institutional frameworks. His Padma honour acknowledges his long-standing service to the nation

<p><strong>Maganti Murali Mohan (Padma Shri)</strong></p>
<p>Murali Mohan is a prominent Telugu film actor and producer with a career that spans more than four decades. Known for his dignified screen presence, he has also been active in public life and philanthropy. His contributions extend beyond cinema into social initiatives</p>

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Maganti Murali Mohan (Padma Shri)

Murali Mohan is a prominent Telugu film actor and producer with a career that spans more than four decades. Known for his dignified screen presence, he has also been active in public life and philanthropy. His contributions extend beyond cinema into social initiatives

<p><strong>Satish Shah (Posthumous) (Padma Shri)</strong></p>
<p>Satish Shah was a versatile actor known for his sharp comic timing and memorable character roles. From Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro to popular TV shows like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, his performances left a lasting impact. His contribution to Indian cinema and television continues to be widely celebrated</p>

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Satish Shah (Posthumous) (Padma Shri)

Satish Shah was a versatile actor known for his sharp comic timing and memorable character roles. From Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro to popular TV shows like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, his performances left a lasting impact. His contribution to Indian cinema and television continues to be widely celebrated

<p><strong>Ms. Deepika Reddy (Padma Shri)</strong></p>
<p>Deepika Reddy has made significant contributions in her field through years of dedicated service and excellence. Known for her professional integrity and leadership, she has played a key role in advancing institutional and cultural initiatives. Her recognition reflects sustained impact and commitment</p>

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Ms. Deepika Reddy (Padma Shri)

Deepika Reddy has made significant contributions in her field through years of dedicated service and excellence. Known for her professional integrity and leadership, she has played a key role in advancing institutional and cultural initiatives. Her recognition reflects sustained impact and commitment

<p><strong>Arvind Vaidya (Padma Shri)</strong></p>
<p>Arvind Vaidya was a respected actor best known for his contribution to Hindi television and cinema. He became a familiar face through popular shows like Ramayan and films such as 3 Idiots. His performances were marked by warmth, authenticity, and emotional depth</p>

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Arvind Vaidya (Padma Shri)

Arvind Vaidya was a respected actor best known for his contribution to Hindi television and cinema. He became a familiar face through popular shows like Ramayan and films such as 3 Idiots. His performances were marked by warmth, authenticity, and emotional depth

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