Alka Yagnik says she is 'progressing positively' after wheelchair video sparks concern
Synopsis
Alka Yagnik’s first public appearance in two years ended with a wheelchair video going viral — but the legendary playback singer has now clarified she was simply fatigued after a long day at the Padma Bhushan ceremony, and is 'progressing positively' in her recovery. The moment has thrown a rare spotlight on a health journey she had kept largely private.
Key Takeaways
Alka Yagnik posted a personal note on 25 June to address viral video showing her in a wheelchair after the Padma Bhushan ceremony.
The singer clarified she was fatigued after a long day and had requested the wheelchair, and is 'progressing positively' in her recovery.
Yagnik revealed she had been dealing with a significant health challenge for the past two years , largely staying out of the public eye.
She expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu , Prime Minister Narendra Modi , and the Government of India for conferring the honour.
The singer described the Padma Bhushan as belonging equally to every listener who has carried her songs through generations.
Veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik on Thursday, 25 June broke her silence over a viral video that showed her leaving the Padma Bhushan awards ceremony in a wheelchair, reassuring fans that she is recovering well and had simply been fatigued after a long day at the prestigious event in Mumbai.
What Alka Yagnik Said
Posting a personal note on her social media account, the singer addressed the wave of concern head-on. “Thank you for your love, concern and countless good wishes. I have seen the concern surrounding a video from the ceremony and would like to assure everyone that I am well and progressing positively in my recovery. After a long and memorable day at the Padma facilitation, I was simply fatigued and requested a wheelchair while leaving,” she wrote.
She added: “Please do not worry. I am feeling much better and remain deeply grateful for the prayers and support that continue to strengthen me. My heartfelt thanks to the Hon’ble President of India, the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Government of India for this tremendous honour.”
What Sparked the Concern
A video of Alka Yagnik seated in a wheelchair after the Padma awards ceremony circulated widely on social media, prompting an outpouring of worry from fans and the public. Earlier footage from the same event also showed the singer being escorted by an assistant while walking up to receive her award, which added to the speculation about her health.
Notably, this comes after Yagnik had disclosed that she had been dealing with a significant health challenge for the past two years, during which she largely stayed away from public appearances and the spotlight.
The Singer’s Broader Health Journey
In a separate, more personal note shared after receiving the Padma Bhushan, Yagnik offered a rare window into her recent years. “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,” she wrote.
She described the moment of receiving the honour as deeply significant: “This moment feels especially meaningful because it marks not just a recognition of my work, but a reminder of the strength that comes from love, hope, and resilience. I am slowly finding my way back.”
Gratitude for the Padma Bhushan
Accepting the award, Yagnik expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Government of India for conferring the honour. She described it as belonging equally to every listener who had carried her songs through generations. “Today, I didn’t just accept an award — I felt the love of millions who have been a part of my journey,” she said.
One of India’s most celebrated playback voices, Yagnik has lent her voice to some of Bollywood’s most iconic songs over four decades. As she continues her recovery, the outpouring of public support signals just how deeply her work has resonated across generations of listeners.
Point of View
Self-authored response — clarifying facts, expressing gratitude, and refusing to dramatise — is a model for how public figures can reclaim the narrative. The broader question the episode raises is whether India’s entertainment media is equipped to cover a beloved artist’s health journey with the care and restraint it deserves, rather than treating it as content.
NationPress
25 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Alka Yagnik seen in a wheelchair at the Padma Bhushan ceremony?
Alka Yagnik clarified that she requested a wheelchair while leaving the Padma Bhushan ceremony because she was fatigued after a long day at the event, not due to a medical emergency. She stated she is 'progressing positively' in her ongoing recovery.
What health condition has Alka Yagnik been dealing with?
Alka Yagnik has not publicly specified her diagnosis but has disclosed that she has been navigating a significant health challenge for the past two years, during which she largely stayed away from public appearances and the spotlight.
What is the Padma Bhushan and why was Alka Yagnik honoured?
The Padma Bhushan is one of India’s highest civilian honours, awarded by the Government of India for distinguished service of a high order. Alka Yagnik, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated playback singers over four decades, received the award in recognition of her contributions to Indian music.
What did Alka Yagnik say about receiving the Padma Bhushan?
Alka Yagnik said the honour was 'deeply humbling' and described it as belonging as much to every listener who had welcomed her voice into their lives as to herself. She expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Government of India.
Is Alka Yagnik returning to performing?
Alka Yagnik has said she is 'slowly finding her way back' but has not announced a specific return to performing. Her appearance at the Padma Bhushan ceremony on 25 June marked one of her first public outings after two years away from the spotlight.
