Dharmendra awarded Padma Vibhushan posthumously

The President of India has approved the conferment of 131 Padma awards for the year 2026, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards, in that order after the highest honour Bharat Ratna which is not necessarily given every year.

Actor Dharmendra passed away in 2025. (PTI)

These honors recognise exceptional service across diverse fields such as art, social work, public affairs, and medicine. The 2026 list includes 19 women, 16 posthumous awardees, and six individuals from the foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category.

The awards, announced on the eve of Republic Day 2026, will be formally presented by the President at ceremonial functions at Rashtrapati Bhawan, typically held in March or April.