“An honor like this is a reflection of a 5 decade long journey that wouldn’t exist without you, my incredible audience.” — Mammootty on receiving the Padma Bhushan.
Veteran actor Mammootty was conferred the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on June 23, 2026. Following the ceremony, the acclaimed actor expressed gratitude and humility, dedicating the recognition to the world of cinema and the audiences who have supported him throughout his five-decade career.
Responding to the announcement, Mammootty thanked the Government of India and reflected on a journey in cinema that has spanned more than five decades.
“Deeply humbled and honored to be conferred with the Padma Bhushan. My sincere gratitude to the Government of India for this prestigious recognition,” he wrote in a social media post.
The actor emphasized that the achievement was not his alone but belonged equally to the millions of fans who have supported him throughout his career.
“An honor like this is a reflection of a 5 decade long journey that wouldn’t exist without you, my incredible audience. Thank you for the endless love, trust, and support that keeps me going every single day.”
Mammootty also dedicated the award to the world of cinema, acknowledging the industry that shaped his career and enabled him to connect with audiences across generations.
“I dedicate this to the beautiful world of cinema and all of you.”
Widely regarded as one of India’s most accomplished actors, Mammootty has appeared in hundreds of films across multiple languages and has earned acclaim for his versatility, longevity, and contribution to Indian cinema. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, he has received numerous national and international honors and remains one of the most influential figures in the Malayalam film industry.
The Padma Bhushan recognition adds another milestone to a distinguished career that continues to inspire generations of actors and film enthusiasts across India and beyond.
