When Mammootty took to social media on Republic Day, it was not with a promotional update or a film still, but with a message of gratitude that instantly travelled far beyond his followers. Fresh off being named a Padma Bhushan awardee, the legendary actor posted a short yet deeply emotional note, marking one of the most significant moments of his long and storied career.
“My gratitude to the Motherland. ‘Padma Bhushan’. My heartfelt thanks to the nation, the people, and the Government for honoring me with this civilian honour. Republic Day Wishes to everyone,” wrote the actor through his X handle, a message that quickly drew responses from fans, colleagues and film personalities across industries.
For Mammootty, the Padma Bhushan represents not just another accolade but the second time the Indian state has formally recognised his contribution to the arts. He was earlier awarded the Padma Shri in 1998, making this a rare distinction that places him in an elite group of Indian artistes who have been honoured twice with Padma awards.
A national honour that reflects a lifetime of work
The Padma Bhushan is given for distinguished service of the highest order, and in Mammootty’s case, that citation reads like a summation of an entire era of Indian cinema. Over more than five decades, he has been one of the defining faces of Malayalam cinema while also leaving a mark across Indian film culture through his choices, performances and the sheer scale of his work.
What makes his response to the honour especially striking is its humility. There is no self-congratulation in his message, only an acknowledgment of the country and the people who have sustained him through his journey. That quiet dignity mirrors the way Mammootty has carried his stardom, with confidence, yes, but also with a sense of responsibility towards the craft and the audience.
This year’s Padma Bhushan list also includes singer Alka Yagnik and advertising stalwart Piyush Pandey, placing Mammootty among creative voices that have shaped popular culture in profoundly different ways. For cinema lovers, his inclusion feels like a long overdue salute to a body of work that has bridged generations.
🇮🇳 My gratitude to the Motherland….
’Padma Bhushan’
My heartfelt thanks to the nation, the people, and the Government for honoring me with this civilian honour.Republic Day Wishes to everyone……
— Mammootty (@mammukka) January 26, 2026
Still moving forward, not looking back
Even as he receives one of the highest honours the country can bestow, Mammootty remains firmly rooted in the present. He was recently seen in Kalamkaval, sharing screen space with Vinayakan, and also made a cameo appearance in Chatha Pacha, a gesture that reflected his openness to new narratives and younger filmmakers.
His upcoming slate is just as ambitious. He will next appear in Mahesh Narayanan’s Patriot, reuniting with Mohanlal in a film that is already one of the most anticipated Malayalam projects of the coming year. The two icons coming together again has a resonance that goes beyond cinema, tapping into decades of shared history and audience affection.
Mammootty is also set to collaborate once more with Adoor Gopalakrishnan for Padayatra, a project that brings together two of the most respected names in Indian parallel cinema. Their previous collaborations are regarded as landmarks, and this reunion is being watched closely by cinephiles.
In that context, Mammootty’s Republic Day note feels less like a closing chapter and more like a moment of reflection in the middle of an ongoing journey. The Padma Bhushan honours his past, but his present and future remain just as active, just as compelling.
Also Read: Mammootty’s Health Update: Kerala’s Superstar Bounces Back, Industry Rejoices
