Veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik was conferred the Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday. The singer, who has largely stayed away from public appearances since being diagnosed with...
Veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik was conferred the Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday. The singer, who has largely stayed away from public appearances since being diagnosed with a rare hearing disorder two years ago, attended the ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi to personally receive India’s third-highest civilian honour.
The singer added that her heart is full of gratitude as she receives the “deeply humbling” honour. “While my name may be on it, it belongs just as much to every listener who welcomed my voice into their lives, carried my songs through generations, and stood by me through both the highs and the challenges,” she added. Alka hailed the award not only as as a mark of recognition for her work, but also a “reminder for the strength that comes from love, hope, and resilience”.
“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,” wrote Alka. “Thank you for your warmth, your kindness, your prayers, and your faith in me over the years. I carry all of it with me. Today, I didn’t just accept an award – I felt the love of millions who have been a part of my journey,” she added.
During the livestream of the Padma Awards ceremony on Tuesday, viewers noticed that Alka was escorted to the stage by an usher as she slowly walked up to receive her Padma Bhushan. She greeted PM Modi, seated in the front row of the audience, and touched his feet before gingerly stepping onto the stage to collect her award from the President.
The last song Alka lent her voice to was “Naram Kaalja” from Imtiaz Ali’s 2024 Netflix India musical Amar Singh Chamkila. However, after her diagnosis, she hasn’t been able to sing professionally. “Composers approach me now and then. But I am not able to do it,” Alka told NDTV earlier this year, adding that she “still suffers” from the hearing loss.