# Mammootty's Heartfelt Gratitude: "My Gratitude to the Motherland" After Padma Bhushan Triumph **Imagine a screen legend, humbled by a nation's highest honor, whispering thanks to his roots.** That's Mammootty, the Malayalam cinema icon, whose Padma Bhushan win in 2026 has ignited celebrations across India, capping a career of over 400 films and three National Film Awards for Best Actor.[1][2][4] In a poignant reflection shared amid the euphoria, Mammootty expressed, "My gratitude to the motherland," underscoring the profound joy of national recognition. Speaking to Mathrubhumi News from Thiruvananthapuram—where he was also receiving his ninth Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor in *Bramayugam* (2024)—he simply said, "Santhosham, athi santhosham (Happy, really happy)… There is nothing bigger than receiving this honour from the country."[1][3][5][7] This moment, 28 years after his Padma Shri in 1998, feels like long-overdue validation for a versatile performer who's shaped Indian cinema through intense dramas, socially conscious tales, and roles in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and beyond.[2][4][6] Fans and industry voices echo the sentiment: it's a "befitting recognition" for trailblazing Malayalam cinema, especially after Mohanlal's 2025 Dadasaheb Phalke Award elevated the region's spotlight.[1][5][6] The Padma Awards 2026, announced ahead of Republic Day, also honored Dharmendra posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan, Alka Yagnik with Padma Bhushan, and others like R Madhavan with Padma Shri—celebrating decades of "distinguished service of high order."[1][2][7]
Citations
1.https://www.pinkvilla.com/cinema/padma-awards-2026-mammootty-conferred-padma-bhushan-dharmendra-awarded-padma-vibhushan-1400199
2.https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2026/01/25/padma-awards-mammootty-winner-malayalam-cinema.html
3.https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/meet-mammootty-wife-sulfath-and-kids-actor-wins-padma-bhushan-and-kerala-state-film-award-74185
4.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_nominations_received_by_Mammootty
5.https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2026/Jan/26/mammoottys-long-overdue-honour-a-relief-to-movie-industry
6.https://www.gulte.com/movienews/393397/padma-bhushan-mammootty-a-befitting-recognition/amp
7.https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/features/insight/mammootty-awarded-the-padma-bhushan-patriot-gets-a-release-date
8.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-wins-padma-bhushan-nothing-is-bigger-than-the-nations-honour-says-actor-celebs-react/articleshow/127513405.cms
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