Veteran Bollywood playback singer Alka Yagnik has opened up about her ongoing health struggles after her appearance at the 2026 Padma Awards ceremony sparked concern among fans. The celebrated singer, who was conferred the prestigious Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 23, shared an emotional message revealing that she had remained away from public life for the past two years due to serious health issues.
Addressing speculation surrounding her condition, Yagnik expressed heartfelt gratitude to her fans and well-wishers who stood by her throughout her recovery journey. In a candid social media post, she revealed that she had deliberately stayed away from the spotlight, public appearances, and social engagements while dealing with difficult health challenges. The singer thanked her supporters for their love, prayers, and unwavering encouragement, which she said helped her navigate one of the most challenging phases of her life.
Receiving the Padma Bhushan marked a deeply emotional and meaningful moment for the legendary singer. Yagnik described the honour as a humbling recognition not only of her contribution to Indian music but also of the resilience, hope, and strength she found during her recovery. She emphasized that the award belonged as much to her listeners as it did to her, acknowledging generations of fans who embraced her songs and supported her career through both triumphs and hardships.
Ending her note on a hopeful message, Yagnik shared that she is “slowly finding her way back” and wanted to attend the ceremony as a symbol of gratitude toward everyone who has been part of her journey. She also extended thanks to President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Government of India for bestowing the prestigious honour upon her.
In 2024, Yagnik had revealed that she was diagnosed with the rare condition known as Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL), reportedly triggered by a viral attack. The condition forced her to step away from professional commitments and public appearances. Despite the challenges, the singer’s latest message reflects optimism and determination as she continues her recovery journey.
Yagnik’s voice was last heard in the 2024 film Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali, where she performed the song Naram Kaalja composed by A. R. Rahman.