After Padma Bhushan Honour, Alka Yagnik Opens Up About Her Two-Year Health Struggle

Alka Yagnik Reflects on Health Battle After Receiving Padma Bhushan

Veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik was conferred the Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu at the second investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday. The prestigious honour marked an emotional milestone for the singer, who has spent the last two years battling serious health challenges away from the public eye.

Shortly after receiving the award, Alka shared a heartfelt note on social media, opening up about her prolonged absence and thanking fans for their unwavering support throughout her recovery journey.

“For the last two years, I have stayed away from the spotlight, from public appearances, and from sharing much of my journey. Many of you knew I am going through difficult health, and through it all, your love, prayers, messages, and unwavering support have stayed with me every step of the way,” she wrote.

Describing the Padma Bhushan as a deeply humbling honour, the singer said the recognition belonged as much to her listeners as it did to her.

“Today, as I stepped out to receive one of the highest civilian honours in the country, I did so with a heart full of gratitude. While my name may be on it, it belongs just as much to every listener who welcomed my voice into their lives and stood by me through both the highs and the challenges,” she said.

Alka added that the moment symbolised hope, resilience and the strength she drew from the love of her fans. She revealed that she is gradually returning to normal life and wanted to attend the ceremony to celebrate the occasion with everyone who had supported her through the difficult period.

The singer also thanked President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for conferring the honour upon her.

Concluding her message, Alka expressed gratitude to her admirers, saying their prayers, kindness and faith had carried her through some of the toughest moments of her life.

The award comes nearly two years after the singer revealed that she had been diagnosed with a rare hearing disorder. In June 2024, Alka shocked fans when she disclosed that she had suddenly lost her hearing after stepping off a flight, prompting her to step away from public life and focus on recovery.

One of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema, Alka Yagnik has delivered countless chart-topping songs over a career spanning decades. She remains one of Bollywood’s most successful playback singers and shares the distinction of recording the highest number of female solo songs with legendary singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.