Singer Alka Yagnik was honoured with the Padma Bhushan at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. Before receiving the honour, the singer took blessings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then proceeded towards President Droupadi Murmu to accept the award.
After receiving the award, the singer has now shared an emotional post, revealing that she has been going through a difficult phase for the past 2 years.
Sharing a picture with President Droupadi Murmu, Alka Yagnik wrote from her official Instagram account, ‘For the past 2 years, I have been away from the public eye. I neither participated in public events nor shared much about my life. Many of you know that I was going through a difficult health phase. During such a time, your love, prayers, messages, and unwavering support have been with me every step of the way.’
Further, she wrote, ‘Today, as I stepped out to receive one of the country’s most prestigious civilian honours, the Padma Bhushan, my heart was filled with gratitude. This honour is incredibly humbling and emotional for me. Even though my name is inscribed on it, this honour belongs just as much to all those who embraced my voice, kept my songs alive for generations, and supported me through all my ups and downs.’
‘This moment is special for me not only because it’s a recognition of my work, but also a reminder of the strength derived from love, hope, and courage. I am slowly returning to the path of my life, and being here today means a lot to me. This is not just for me, but for all of you who have been a part of this journey.’
Alka Yagnik has a rare neurodegenerative disease, difficulty hearing
Singer Alka Yagnik has been away from music for the past 2 years. She has a rare neurodegenerative disease, due to which she has almost lost her hearing. During treatment, she has been advised to stay away from loud music.
Alka Yagnik had announced a break from music 2 years ago, sharing this information. She wrote on her official social media account, ‘A few weeks ago, when I stepped out of a flight, I suddenly lost my hearing. After gathering courage for several weeks following that incident, I now want to break my silence, because many people were asking why I haven’t been seen these days. Doctors have informed me that I have a rare disease called sensory neural hearing loss. This was caused by a viral infection. This was a sudden major problem for which I was completely unprepared.’
Further, she had written, ‘I am currently trying to understand and accept this situation. My only request to all of you is to remember me in your prayers. I also want to tell my fans and young friends to be careful with very loud music and excessive use of headphones.’
‘One day, I would like to talk in detail about the health problems related to my profession and the dangers they pose. For now, with all your love and support, I am trying to normalise my life again and hope to return among all of you soon.’
These celebs received the Padma Bhushan award
Apart from Alka Yagnik, South star Mammootty has also been honoured with the Padma Bhushan. Mammootty has been active in films for 50 years. He has worked in over 400 films in several languages. He also does charity work.
Veteran actor Satish Kaushik was also posthumously honoured with the Padma Shri. Known for his versatile talent and comic timing in a career spanning four decades, Satish Kaushik worked in many films and memorable TV shows.
Satish Kaushik’s honour was received by his brother.
Actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter Madhavan Ranganathan has been honoured with the Padma Shri for his contributions to Indian cinema and art. Recently, the actor has been in the news for the film Dhurandhar.
