South Indian cinema superstar Mammootty and four prominent Muslim personalities have been named among the recipients of India’s prestigious Padma Awards 2026. The government announced the honours on the eve of Republic Day, recognising individuals for their exceptional contributions in art, literature, education, and culture.
Mammootty, whose real name is Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail, has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour. The veteran Malayalam actor, who has appeared in over 400 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English languages, said he was overwhelmed by the recognition. Speaking to Mathrubhumi News, Mammootty said, “Santosham, athi santhosham… there is nothing bigger than the honour from the country.” With a career spanning more than five decades, Mammootty has previously received the Padma Shri in 2021 and won three National Film Awards and 11 Kerala State Film Awards.
Ghaffaruddin Mewati Jogi from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his contribution to folk arts. A master of the Bhapang instrument and the only living performer of Pandun ka Kada, a Mahabharata storytelling tradition, Ghaffaruddin has memorised over 2,500 couplets and preserved this unique heritage for more than 60 years. Speaking about the honour, he said, “It is a great joy to see my work recognised at the national level. I hope our folk traditions continue to inspire future generations.” Ghaffaruddin comes from the Mewati Jogi community, known for blending Hindu and Muslim musical traditions, and his performances bring alive stories from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and the lives of deities like Shiva, Shri Ram, and Shri Krishna.
Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai, popularly known as Haji Ramakdu, has also been named for the Padma Shri. The Gujarat-based folk artist is celebrated for his mastery of the Dholak and performances in Bhajans, Santvani, Ghazals, and Qawwali. He has performed in over 3,000 programs and more than 1,000 stage shows, earning widespread recognition for his unique style and dedication to folk music.
From Assam, Nuruddin Ahmed has been honoured for his work as a sculptor and visual artist. Known for his Durga Puja idols, temple sculptures, and large-scale cultural installations, Nuruddin combines deep knowledge of scriptures with artistic skill. He has created sculptures of legendary Assamese personalities, including music maestro Bhupen Hazarika and the state’s first premier, Gopinath Bordoloi. Reflecting on the award, he said, “Art is a way to connect with people and culture. I am humbled that my work has been recognised nationally.”
Professor Shafi Shauq, an eminent Kashmiri scholar, poet, linguist, and translator, has also been named for the Padma Shri for his outstanding contributions to education and literature. Born in 1950 in Shopian, Shauq has authored, edited, and translated more than 100 books in Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, and English, including the seminal Keeshur Lugaat and Kaeshir Zabana ti Adibuk Tawaariekh. He served as a professor at the University of Kashmir for over three decades, guiding generations of students and scholars. “It is a matter of immense pride to be recognised for work I have devoted my life to,” Shauq said.
