Malayalam cinema’s megastar Mammootty has been honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award. The announcement, made on January 25, 2026, ahead of Republic Day, has been met with widespread appreciation across the film fraternity and beyond.
Mammootty, reacting to the prestigious honor, expressed his gratitude. Speaking to the media, he stated simply, "Thanks," when asked about the announcement. He further acknowledged the award as a recognition of his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema. In a more profound expression of gratitude, Mammootty stated that nothing surpasses recognition from the nation itself. This sentiment reflected the grounded persona he has maintained throughout his illustrious career.
With a career spanning over five decades and encompassing more than 400 films, Mammootty remains one of India's most respected and accomplished actors. Fondly known as Mammukka, he has delivered iconic performances in films such as Adiyozhukkukal (1984), Vatsalyam (1993), Kaazhcha (2004), Paleri Manikyam (2009), Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2022), and Kaathal – The Core (2023). He has won the National Film Award for Best Actor three times – for Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha and Mathilukal (1990), Vidheyan and Ponthan Mada (1994), and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (1999), in which he portrayed B.R. Ambedkar. In 2022, he was also conferred the Kerala Prabha, the state's highest civilian honor. Last year, in November, he won his seventh Best Actor award at the Kerala State Film Awards.
The Padma Bhushan announcement coincided with Mammootty being honored with his seventh Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for Bramayugam (2024). The timing added to the celebratory mood of fans, many of whom had repeatedly voiced disappointment over his exclusion from higher civilian honors despite his vast body of work and national acclaim.
Tributes poured in from across the Indian film industry. Actor Kamal Haasan shared a heartfelt message, noting that the award felt personally meaningful. Prithviraj Sukumaran wrote, "Padma Bhushan (Crown smiley) Well deserved and much delayed! @mammootty,". Jr NTR posted, "Congratulations to @mammukka sir on receiving the Padma Bhushan for inspiring generations through decades of remarkable work,".
Beyond his towering performances, stories have emerged highlighting Mammootty's attentiveness to new filmmakers and his willingness to engage with small, often overlooked films. Filmmaker Rasheed Parakkal, director of Kuttante Shinigami, recounted an experience where Mammootty contacted him directly to offer feedback on his film.
Mammootty's Padma Bhushan places him among a select group of artists whose work has shaped India's cultural identity. The formal investiture ceremony will be held later at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President of India will present the honors.
