Veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik has addressed concerns about her health after her appearance at the Padma Awards 2026 ceremony sparked widespread discussion among fans on social media.
The celebrated singer was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on June 23. The award recognized Alka’s remarkable contribution to Indian music over a career spanning several decades.
Videos from the ceremony quickly went viral, showing the singer appearing frail and receiving assistance as she walked to the stage. Concerned fans flooded social media with messages of support and questions about her well-being.
Responding to the outpouring of concern, Alka shared an emotional note on Instagram, revealing that she has largely remained away from public appearances for the past two years due to ongoing health challenges. She expressed gratitude for the love, prayers, and encouragement she has received from fans throughout her recovery journey.
The singer described receiving the Padma Bhushan as a deeply humbling moment and dedicated the honour to the listeners who have supported her music across generations. She emphasized that the recognition was not only a celebration of her work but also a symbol of resilience, hope, and the strength she has drawn from her supporters.
Alka also shared that she is gradually recovering and “finding her way back,” making her appearance at the prestigious ceremony especially meaningful. She said she wanted to attend the event not just for herself but for everyone who had stood by her during difficult times.
In 2024, Alka Yagnik revealed that she had been diagnosed with a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss caused by a sudden viral attack. Despite the setback, she has remained optimistic about her recovery.
Her most recent playback performance was the song “Naram Kaalja” from filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s 2024 film Amar Singh Chamkila, composed by A.R. Rahman.
