Padma Awards 2026: President Murmu confers Padma Vibhushan on Dharmendra posthumously, Uday Kotak gets Padma Bhushan

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday conferred the Padma Vibhushan on veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra posthumously and renowned classical violinist N. Rajam at a Civil Investiture Ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. 

Dharmendra was honoured for his exceptional and distinguished contribution to the field of art. His wife, actor and MP Hema Malini, received the award on his behalf. 

N. Rajam was recognised for her pioneering contribution to Indian classical music, particularly for popularising the ‘Gayaki Ang’ style of violin performance, which emulates the nuances of vocal music on the instrument. 

The Padma Awards 2026 ceremony is honouring some of the country’s most prominent personalities from cinema, music, sports, public service and industry. 

Former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and veteran banker Uday Kotak were conferred the Padma Bhushan while Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur received the Padma Shri. 

Kotak is recognised for his transformative role in building one of India's leading private sector banks and shaping the modern financial landscape.

A total of 131 Padma Awards

This year, the government announced a total of 131 Padma Awards, including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri honours. Among the recipients, 19 are women and 16 awards are being conferred posthumously. 

According to an official release, 66 awards are being presented in the first phase of the ceremony. President Murmu is expected to confer two Padma Vibhushan, six Padma Bhushan and 58 Padma Shri awards during the event. 

The Padma Awards — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri — are among India’s highest civilian honours and recognise distinguished contributions across fields such as art, literature, education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, and trade and industry.