Veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik was conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu during the second investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on June 23. The honour, India's third-highest civilian award, recognizes her immense contribution to Indian music and her remarkable career spanning more than four decades in the Hindi film industry. The ceremony was attended by several distinguished personalities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A moment from the ceremony drew widespread attention when Alka Yagnik touched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet before receiving the award. The gesture was seen as a mark of respect and was captured on camera during the event. Earlier in the ceremony, acclaimed Malayalam actor Mammootty was also presented with the Padma Bhushan, highlighting the government's recognition of excellence across different fields of arts and culture.
Reacting to the honour earlier this year, Alka Yagnik had expressed her gratitude after learning about the award. She revealed that it was her daughter who first informed her about the Padma Bhushan announcement. Thanking the Government of India, the singer said she felt deeply honoured and humbled to be recognized for her contribution to Indian music. The award adds another milestone to an already illustrious career filled with numerous accolades and achievements.
Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee Says Vipul Shah’s Views On The Kerala Story Don’t Matter To Him
Alka Yagnik has remained one of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema, delivering countless chart-topping songs over the decades. Trained in classical music from a young age, she began singing when she was just four years old and went on to dominate Bollywood playback singing through multiple generations. Some of her most memorable songs include "Tu Shayar Hai Main Teri Shayari," "Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi Mein," "Gali Mein Aaj Chaand Nikla," and "Chori Chori Chupke Chupke."
The singer has also achieved significant global recognition in the digital era. She has been listed among the most-streamed music artists on YouTube and earned mentions in the Guinness World Records for her massive streaming numbers. Several soundtracks featuring her songs have been included in lists of the greatest Bollywood soundtracks, further cementing her status as one of India's most influential playback singers.
Despite facing personal health challenges, including a rare sensory neural hearing disorder that she publicly disclosed in 2024, Alka Yagnik has continued to inspire fans and fellow artists. Her most recent work was heard in Imtiaz Ali's film "Amar Singh Chamkila," where she sang "Naram Kaalja," composed by AR Rahman. With two National Film Awards, seven Filmfare Awards, and now the Padma Bhushan, Alka Yagnik's legacy remains firmly etched in the history of Indian music.
Also Read: Motherhood, Sacrifice And Survival: Shraddha Kapoor Shines In 'Eetha' Teaser