Alka Yagnik receives Padma Bhushan; Shaan urges comeback
Synopsis
Alka Yagnik accepted the Padma Bhushan at Rashtrapati Bhavan while battling a rare hearing loss that has kept her off stage for two years. Singer Shaan's public plea for her comeback — 'nothing would please your fans more' — captures the quiet anxiety of an industry that has not heard her voice in far too long.
Key Takeaways
Alka Yagnik received the Padma Bhushan from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 24 June .
The singer has been away from public life for two years due to a serious health condition.
She was diagnosed with rare sensory neural nerve hearing loss , reportedly triggered by a viral attack.
Singer Shaan publicly urged her recovery and comeback in the comments of her Instagram post.
Yagnik expressed gratitude to President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi , and the Government of India for the honour.
Veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik was conferred the Padma Bhushan — one of India's highest civilian honours — by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, 24 June, in what was a rare public appearance for the singer, who has been battling a serious health condition for the past two years.
A Rare Public Appearance
Yagnik's presence at the ceremony drew attention as observers noted she did not appear to be in the best of health. Following the event, she broke her extended public silence by posting a heartfelt update on her official Instagram handle, opening up about the challenges her health continues to pose.
In her post, Yagnik wrote: 'For the last two years, I have stayed away from the spotlight, from public appearances, and from sharing much of my journey. Many of you knew I am going through difficult health and through it all, your love, prayers, messages, and unwavering support have stayed with me every step of the way.'
Shaan's Emotional Appeal
Singer Shaan, who has collaborated with Yagnik on numerous iconic tracks over the decades, responded warmly in the comment section of her Instagram post. He wrote: '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 !!'
The message resonated widely among fans and fellow artists, underscoring the deep affection the industry holds for Yagnik.
Gratitude for the Honour
Expressing her appreciation, Yagnik wrote: 'I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Government of India for conferring upon me this extraordinary honour. I accept it with immense humility and respect.'
The Health Battle Behind the Absence
Yagnik had previously revealed that she was diagnosed with rare sensory neural nerve hearing loss, reportedly triggered by a viral attack. The condition has kept her away from recording and public life for an extended period, making her Padma Bhushan recognition all the more poignant for fans who have waited for news of her recovery.
Notably, this is one of the most celebrated voices in Hindi film music — a singer whose career spans four decades and multiple Filmfare and National Award wins — receiving the honour at a moment when her return to the microphone remains uncertain. The music fraternity and millions of fans now await word on her recovery.
Point of View
However warmly intended, also reflects an industry truth: the music world has few voices of Yagnik's calibre, and her absence has been felt. The more pressing question mainstream coverage skirts is whether rare sensory neural hearing loss at this stage is reversible — and what it would take for a return to professional recording to be medically viable, not just emotionally desired.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What award did Alka Yagnik receive on 24 June?
Alka Yagnik received the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honours, conferred by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 24 June.
What health condition has Alka Yagnik been battling?
Alka Yagnik has been diagnosed with rare sensory neural nerve hearing loss, reportedly triggered by a viral attack. The condition has kept her away from public appearances and recording for approximately two years.
What did singer Shaan say about Alka Yagnik?
Shaan commented on Yagnik's Instagram post, writing that 'nothing would please your fans more' than her finding her health back and making a comeback. He called her 'our Pride and Joy.'
What did Alka Yagnik say about her two-year absence?
In an Instagram post following the ceremony, Yagnik said she had stayed away from the spotlight and public appearances for two years due to her health challenges, and thanked fans for their unwavering support throughout.
Who conferred the Padma Bhushan on Alka Yagnik?
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Bhushan on Alka Yagnik at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Yagnik also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Home Affairs for the honour.
