Mammootty Honoured with Padma Bhushan in Padma Awards 2026

Legendary Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty has been honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan as part of the Padma Awards 2026, recognising his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. The award was approved by the President of India and officially announced on Republic Day, placing Mammootty among the nation’s most respected cultural figures.

The Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, acknowledges Mammootty’s extraordinary career spanning more than five decades, during which he has delivered some of the most powerful and memorable performances in Indian film history.

A Five-Decade Legacy in Indian Cinema

Born as Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail, Mammootty has appeared in over 400 films, primarily in Malayalam cinema, while also making a significant impact in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English films. Known for his intense performances, realism, and commanding screen presence, Mammootty is widely regarded as one of the finest actors India has ever produced.

From critically acclaimed roles in parallel cinema to mass entertainers and socially relevant films, Mammootty’s filmography reflects remarkable versatility and artistic integrity. His performances have consistently set benchmarks for character-driven storytelling in Indian cinema.

Awards, Recognition, and Influence

Over the years, Mammootty has received numerous National Film Awards, Kerala State Film Awards, and international accolades for his contribution to cinema. Beyond acting, he has also played a crucial role as a producer, supporting meaningful and content-oriented films that have enriched Malayalam cinema.

The Padma Bhushan honour is being widely hailed as a long-overdue recognition of Mammootty’s enduring influence on generations of actors, filmmakers, and audiences. Members of the film fraternity across industries have welcomed the announcement, calling it a fitting tribute to an actor who redefined excellence in Indian cinema.

Padma Bhushan Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Padma Bhushan award will be formally conferred at a ceremonial function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan during March–April 2026, along with other Padma Award recipients.

Why Mammootty’s Padma Bhushan Matters

• Over 50 years of cinematic excellence
• More than 400 films across multiple languages
• A pioneer of realism and performance-driven cinema
• A lasting cultural icon of Indian and Malayalam cinema

With the Padma Bhushan 2026, Mammootty’s legendary status is further cemented, celebrating a career defined by excellence, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the art of cinema.