Nayanthara also joined the celebration and congratulated Mammootty for winning the prestigious Padma Award. The Jawan actress wrote a heartfelt message, describing him as “rare, real and remarkable.” Earlier,
Jr NTR and Allu Arjun also congratulated the actor.
Taking to her Instagram stories, Nayanthara shared the poster featuring iconic roles played by Mammootty and wrote, “Rare, real and remarkable.” Taking to his Instagram stories, Allu Arjun shared the note, “Heartiest congratulations to all the Padma Award winners for this prestigious national honour. A special salute to #Dharmendra ji on receiving the Padma Vibhushan. Congratulations to #Mammootty garu on the Padma Bhushan, for his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. A Congratulations to #Madhavan garu, #Rohitsharma garu and #HarmanpreetKaur garu on being conferred the Padma Shri, recognising excellence, leadership and lasting impact in their respective fields. A proud moment for Telugu cinema as #Rajendra Prasad garu & #Murali Mohan garu receive the Padma Shri, honouring decades of remarkable contribution to Tollywood. Respect.”
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Earlier, Jr NTR also took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a note that read, “Heartiest congratulations to all the #PadmaAwards 2026 winners. What an incredible honour… A moment of pride as legend Dharmendra ji is conferred with the Padma Vibhushan.” He further added, “Very proud to see our Telugu cinema stalwarts Murali Mohan garu and Rajendra Prasad garu being conferred with the Padma Shri. Your contributions stand tall and timeless. Congratulations to @mammukka sir on receiving the Padma Bhushan for inspiring generations through decades of remarkable work. @ActorMadhavan sir, a well-deserved recognition for your versatility and contribution to Indian cinema.”
About the award announcement
The Padma Awards 2026 were announced today, on the eve of Republic Day, by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). While veteran actor Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, Malayalam superstar Mammootty received the Padma Bhushan award for his contribution to the film industry. Meanwhile, R Madhavan, Murali Mohan and Rajendra Prasad were conferred with Padma Shri Awards.
Mammootty, Mohanlal-starrer ‘Patriot’ to release in April
The makers of “Patriot”, featuring Mammootty, Mohanlal and Nayanthara, have announced the release date of the film, which will hit the big screen on April 23. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, known for acclaimed Malayalam titles “Malik”, “Take Off” and “Ariyippu”, the film also reunites Nayanthara with Mammootty after their 2016 release “Puthiya Niyamam”. The makers shared the latest poster of the film on their Instagram handle, which was re-shared by the lead actors. It featured the release date written over it. “Unleashing the spirit of fearless voices, this Republic Day”. #PATRIOT arrives worldwide on April 23 , 2026. The countdown begins NOW,” read the caption. The film also marks the collaboration between Mammootty and Mohanlal after over a decade. The duo last worked together in “Kadal Kadannoru Maathukutty” (2013). The film features Fahadh Faasil and Kunchacko Boban in pivotal roles.
