Alka Yagnik’s Rare Appearance at Padma Bhushan Ceremony Sparks Health Concerns Amid Hearing Loss; Singer Touches PM Modi’s Feet at Ceremony (Watch Video)
Bollywood legend Alka Yagnik, 60, was conferred the Padma Bhushan on June 23, 2026, making a public appearance that highlighted her ongoing battle with rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss. The singer, who revealed her condition in June 2024, has been unable to take new assignments since her diagnosis, with her last song being in 'Amar Singh Chamkila'.
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Legendary playback singer Alka Yagnik, a voice synonymous with a generation of Bollywood melodies, graced the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to accept the prestigious Padma Bhushan. Her presence, while a moment of immense pride for the nation and her fans, also reignited concerns over her ongoing health challenges. The 60-year-old artiste, who disclosed her diagnosis of a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss in June 2024, appeared to need assistance, sparking an outpouring of wishes from across the globe. Alka Yagnik was conferred the Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony held in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu Confers Padma Awards 2026; Alka Yagnik, Rohit Sharma, Mammootty Among 65 Eminent Personalities Honoured.
Videos circulating online from the event showed the celebrated singer being escorted to the stage by a female volunteer, prompting fans to note her 'frail appearance' and express their heartfelt wishes for her speedy recovery. Before accepting the honour, Alka Yagnik also greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, touching his feet as a gesture of respect.
Alka Yagnik Touches PM Modi’s Feet Before She Receives Padma Bhushan Award from President Droupadi Murmu - Watch Video:
#WATCH | Delhi | Eminent playback singer Alka Yagnik conferred with Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu
(Video source: Rashtrapati Bhavan) pic.twitter.com/ui2U9koEMy
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2026
Alka Yagnik's Battle With Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Alka Yagnik first shared the news of her health setback with her followers in June 2024 through an emotional Instagram post. She revealed that she had suddenly experienced an inability to hear after disembarking from a flight, which was later diagnosed as a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss due to a viral attack. The condition impacts the inner ear or the nerve pathways that transmit sound to the brain, and it has significantly affected her professional life. Bollywood Playback Singer Alka Yagnik Diagnosed With Rare Sensory Neural Nerve Hearing Loss, Shares Heartfelt Post Seeking Fans' Love and Support.
Alka Yagnik Reveals Hearing Loss Diagnosis - See Post:
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Despite the diagnosis, Yagnik has maintained a courageous front. However, in recent interviews given in March 2026, she admitted that she is "still suffering" from the disorder. The illness has forced her to step back from recording new music, explaining, "Composers approach me now and then. But I am not able to do it."
Netizens React to Alka Yagnik's Gait at Padma Awards 2026
Several fans of Alka Yagnik took to social media to celebrate her highly deserved recognition from the Government of India. Fans also observed that she needed support to walk and although smiling, her health seemed not too good. Expressing heartbreak for the hearing challenges of the acclaimed playback singer of India, fans wished Alka Yagnik strength and speedy recovery.
On Instagram, a fan remarked, "Imagine giving all your life to music just to end up with hearing loss 🥺💔 She deserves this❤️". Another fan asked, "Why Allka walking with help?" (sic). Yet another Instagram comment read, "She has lost her ability to hear she deserves everything ❤️". According to India Today, a fan on X wrote, “Eminent playback singer 'Alka Yagnik" conferred with Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu. Just came to know that she is suffering from hearing loss. Very unfortunate.” Another said, “As a kid, I didn't know much about singers. I only knew that whenever an Alka Yagnik song played, life somehow felt a little better. Years later, those songs are still part of my memories, road trips, celebrations, and quiet evenings. Seeing her receive the Padma Bhushan feels special. Wishing her strength and good health as she battles hearing loss. Some voices become part of our lives forever.”
Alka Yagnik's Musical Legacy
The Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, was announced for Alka Yagnik on the eve of Republic Day 2026, recognising her monumental contributions to Indian music. Her career, spanning several decades, has seen her lend her voice to over 22,000 songs in more than 25 different languages, earning her two National Film Awards and seven Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer.
Alka Yagnik's Last Recorded Song
Alka Yagnik's last recorded song was "Naram Kaalja" from the 2024 film Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali and composed by AR Rahman.
Even as she navigates her health struggles, Alka Yagnik's countless timeless melodies continue to resonate with millions worldwide, affirming her status as one of Bollywood's most beloved and iconic voices.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2026 03:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
