For an actor who has quietly built one of Indian cinema’s most respected careers across languages, this moment feels deeply personal. R Madhavan, who has spent nearly three decades winning hearts on screen,
is now celebrating a national honour he says he never imagined coming his way.
The actor was named among the 75 recipients of the Padma Awards announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the eve of Republic Day 2026. Madhavan has been conferred with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.
Reacting to the announcement, Madhavan shared an emotional note on Instagram, dedicating the honour to his family and acknowledging the people who shaped his journey. Expressing gratitude, he wrote, **”I accept the Padma Shri with profound gratitude and humility. This honour, bestowed upon me, is beyond my wildest dreams, and I receive it on behalf of my entire family, whose constant support and faith have been my greatest strength. This recognition is possible only because of the blessings of my mentors, the goodwill of my well-wishers, the love and encouragement of the public, and above all, the grace of the Almighty. Each of them has played an invaluable role in shaping my journey and guiding me toward this moment.”**
The actor went on to underline that the recognition comes with accountability. Reflecting on what the honour means to him, he added, **”I consider this not just an award, but a responsibility. I promise to carry this honour with dignity, sincerity, and a deep sense of commitment to the values it represents. My heart is filled with gratitude for this extraordinary endorsement and validation, and I hope to continue serving with integrity, humility, and dedication in the years to come.”**
Madhavan will receive the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu at a formal ceremony later this year. A familiar face across Tamil and Hindi cinema, he rose to prominence with Mani Ratnam’s Alai Payuthey before making his Bollywood debut with Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein. He was most recently seen in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, currently the fourth-highest-grossing Indian film of all time. The actor is set to return as an Indian spymaster in its sequel, scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026.
