Droupadi Murmu is to be recognised with 66 Padma awardees during the inaugural Civil Investiture Ceremony, 2026, on Monday, May 25, at Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Amongst the dignitaries and high-profile guests at the gala will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The President granted 131 Padma awards in 2026 – 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.
Among the top civilian awards in India, the Padma Awards honour pioneering contributions made to the arts of India in various fields such as literature, science, social work, public affairs, sports, medicine, trade and industry.
The annual list features the top figures in Indian cinema, music and entertainment whose work has affected the country’s cultural landscape for years. Dharmendra is the recipient of a Posthumous Padma Vibhushan. Following his death, Bollywood actor Dharmendra will be inducted and celebrated posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan.
Indian actor Dharmendra died on 24 November 2025 in Mumbai. Dharmendra is respected for his involvement in Indian films, starring in numerous such classics, including the film Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Dream Girl, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Reports say his last appearance was in Ikkis.
Mammootty and Alka Yagnik presented the Padma Bhushan to Mammootty. Mammootty of India’s superstars, is awarded Padma Bhushan this year in recognition of the Malayalam star. Mammootty, the industry-renowned best player, is also known for Padma Shri, and has won various National Film Awards for best actor.
He is well known for Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Mathilukal, Bheeshma Parvam and Kaathal – The Core. Famous playback actress Alka Yagnik is also getting the Padma Bhushan for her achievements in Indian music, which are legendary. She has produced a number of movie chart leaders over the years, including Chura Ke Dil Mera, Baazigar O Baazigar and Agar Tum Saath Ho.
Padma Shri Recipients R Madhavan, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Satish Shah. In Indian film, the actor R. Madhavan will get the Padma Shri. Deeply interwoven in the film industry, Madhavan produced films like Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, 3 Idiots and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect.
Prosenjit Chatterjee will also receive the Padma Shri award for his widely known Bengali film acting. He is in the award-winning league for Chokher Bali, Autograph, Moner Manush and more.
Satish Shah is celebrated as a posthumous Padma Shri. The actor, whose last year was plagued by kidney-related problems, was also widely acclaimed for his comic timing and unforgettable performances in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, and Main Hoon Na. Padma Awards are a widely recognised annual performance.
Padma Awards are the most honourable Indian awards to somebody who can make a significant impact in art, people and the potential of Indian and future generations.
