 described his Padma Shri win as "beyond my wildest dreams."){kind=link}
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In a deeply emotional reaction to being named on the Padma Awards 2026 list, actor R. Madhavan (affectionately known as Maddy) described his Padma Shri win as “beyond my wildest dreams.”
The honor, announced on the eve of Republic Day, celebrates Madhavan’s three-decade-long career and his ability to bridge the gap between regional and national cinema.
“It’s a Responsibility”
Taking to Instagram to share his gratitude, Madhavan emphasized that the fourth-highest civilian award in India is more than just a trophy:
- The Dedication: He dedicated the honor to his family and mentors, stating, “This recognition is possible only because of the blessings of my mentors… and the love and encouragement of the public.”
- The Promise: He viewed the award as a mandate for his future work, promising to carry it with “dignity, sincerity, and a deep sense of commitment.”
Career High: The “Dhurandhar” Phenomenon
The award comes at a time when Madhavan is riding a career-high wave following the monumental success of Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller, Dhurandhar (released December 2025).
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- The Role: Madhavan played Ajay Sanyal, the National Security Advisor (NSA), a role heavily inspired by the real-life “James Bond of India,” Ajit Doval.
- Box Office Beast: The film has shattered records, currently standing as the fourth-highest-grossing Indian film of all time with a worldwide collection of over ₹1,328 crore.
- The Sequel: Fans won’t have to wait long to see him again; Madhavan will reprise his role with an expanded screen presence in Dhurandhar 2, which is locked for a March 19, 2026 release. In the sequel, his character is set to train Ranveer Singh’s character in advanced espionage warfare.
The 2026 Padma Honorees in Arts
Madhavan joins a prestigious list of entertainment legends recognized this year:
- Padma Vibhushan: Dharmendra (Posthumous)
- Padma Bhushan: Mammootty (Malayalam Cinema Icon) and Alka Yagnik (Legendary Playback Singer)
- Padma Shri: R. Madhavan, Prosenjit Chatterjee (Bengali Superstar), and Satish Shah (Posthumous)