Alka Yagnik Breaks Silence on Health Battle Following Padma Bhushan Recognition

‘It Has Been A Difficult Journey’: Alka Yagnik Opens Up After Receiving Padma Bhushan

Celebrated playback singer Alka Yagnik was honoured with the Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, marking a significant moment in a career that has spanned more than four decades.

Soon after receiving India’s third-highest civilian award, Alka shared an emotional message reflecting on the health challenges that have kept her away from the spotlight for nearly two years. The singer thanked her fans for standing by her during what she described as one of the most difficult phases of her life.

In a heartfelt note, Alka revealed that she had deliberately stayed away from public appearances and limited her interactions while dealing with health issues. She said the prayers, messages and support from fans had helped her navigate the challenging period.

Calling the Padma Bhushan a deeply humbling honour, the singer said the recognition belonged not only to her but also to the millions of listeners who embraced her music across generations.

Alka described the occasion as more than an award ceremony, saying it represented resilience, hope and the strength she drew from the affection of her admirers. She added that she is gradually finding her way back and wanted to be present at the ceremony to celebrate the moment with everyone who had been part of her journey.

The veteran singer also expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for bestowing the honour upon her.

The recognition comes after a challenging period in Alka’s personal life. In June 2024, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with a rare hearing disorder and had suddenly lost her hearing after stepping off a flight. The disclosure shocked fans and prompted an outpouring of support from across the music industry.

Widely regarded as one of Bollywood’s most successful playback singers, Alka Yagnik has lent her voice to thousands of songs and remains among the most influential female singers in Indian cinema. Alongside legendary artists Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, she holds the distinction of recording one of the highest numbers of female solo songs in Hindi film music.

For Alka, the Padma Bhushan was not just a celebration of her musical legacy but also a reminder of the support and resilience that helped her through a difficult chapter.