Padma Bhushan Honoree Alka Yagnik Says She’s ‘Slowly Finding Way Back’

MUMBAI — Legendary playback singer Alka Yagnik expressed gratitude after receiving the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Sharing a photograph from the ceremony on social media, Alka described the recognition as a deeply humbling moment and thanked the Government of India, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the honor.

“Today, as I stepped out to receive one of highest civilian honors in the country — the distinguished Padma Bhushan — I did so with a heart full of gratitude. This honor is deeply humbling, and while my name may be on it, it belongs just as much to every listener who welcomed my voice into their lives,” she wrote.

Calling the moment especially meaningful, Alka added, “I am slowly finding my way back, and I wanted to be here today — not only for myself, but for each and every one of you who have been a part of this journey.”

The singer revealed that she had largely stayed away from the spotlight over the last two years because of health challenges. In June 2024, she disclosed that she had been diagnosed with a rare sensorineural hearing loss triggered by a viral attack.

Playback singer Shaan, who has collaborated with Alka on several popular songs, congratulated her on the honor and wished her a speedy recovery.

“Most Deserved Alka Ji!!! You are our Pride and Joy!!! And nothing would please your fans more than you finding your health and wellbeing back and finding the confidence and motivation to come back to regale us with your voice like only you can,” Shaan wrote.

Alka is regarded as one of the most successful playback singers in Hindi cinema, with a career spanning more than four decades and numerous hit songs. (IANS)