# Legends Honoured: Mammootty Receives Padma Bhushan, Dharmendra Gets Posthumous Padma Vibhushan

URL: https://technosports.co.in/mammootty-receives-padma-bhushan-dharmendra/  
Published: 2026-01-26  
Updated: 2026-01-26  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

India’s prestigious Padma Awards 2026 celebrate cinematic excellence as [Malayalam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammootty)superstar Mammootty earns the Padma Bhushan while late Bollywood legend Dharmendra receives the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, recognizing their monumental contributions to Indian cinema.

## Padma Awards 2026 Cinema Honours

| Award | Recipient | Industry | Career Span |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Padma Vibhushan | Dharmendra (Posthumous) | Hindi Cinema | 60+ years |
| Padma Bhushan | Mammootty | Malayalam Cinema | 50+ years |

## Mammootty’s Historic Achievement

The [Malayalam film industry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayalam_cinema) icon received the news in Thiruvananthapuram, expressing profound gratitude with characteristic humility. Mammootty’s five-decade journey encompasses over 400 films across Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and other regional languages, earning him three National Film Awards.

This recognition places him alongside contemporary Mohanlal, who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award earlier in 2025, highlighting Kerala cinema’s golden generation.

![Dharmendra](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-1471-1024x576.png)

**Industry Reaction:** Film personalities across India celebrated Mammootty’s achievement, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and admirers. The timing is particularly special as his spy thriller **Patriot** (co-starring Mohanlal and Nayanthara) releases April 23, 2026. For more Malayalam cinema updates, visit [TechnoSports’ regional coverage](https://technosports.co.in).

## Dharmendra’s Enduring Legacy

The [Indian cinema](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_of_India) patriarch, who passed November 24, 2025, at 89, revolutionized Hindi film acting with his authentic portrayals and versatility. The Padma Vibhushan honors six decades of groundbreaking work that defined Bollywood’s golden era.

## Upcoming Projects

Mammootty continues his prolific career with **Padayaatra** alongside veteran director Adoor Gopalakrishnan and an action film with Nithish Sahadev. Stay updated on Mammootty’s journey at [TechnoSports](https://technosports.co.in).

## FAQs

### **Q: What’s the difference between Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan?**

Padma Vibhushan ranks second (after Bharat Ratna) while Padma Bhushan is third in India’s civilian honours hierarchy.

### **Q: How many National Film Awards has Mammootty won?**

  
Mammootty has won three National Film Awards throughout his illustrious career spanning 400+ films.