Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty was officially honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu on June 23, 2026. The prestigious ceremony took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, drawing together stalwarts from across the country’s cultural spectrum.
To celebrate the massive milestone, his son, actor Dulquer Salmaan, took to Instagram to share a collection of memorable family photographs capturing their meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the venue.
Key Highlights from the Milestone Event
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A Family Celebration: Mammootty was supported at the investiture ceremony by his close family network, including his wife Sulfath Kutty, daughter Kutty Surumi, son Dulquer Salmaan, and daughter-in-law Amal Sufiya.
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Dulquer’s Heartfelt Note: Accompanying the photographs, Dulquer expressed immense familial pride, stating: “An absolute privilege to meet and spend time with our Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi Ji as we witnessed my father, Shri Mammootty being honoured for a lifetime of extraordinary work. A truly unforgettable day for our family.”
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The Actor’s Gratitude: Reflecting on the national honor, Mammootty had earlier noted his deep emotional connection to the civilian title, remarking, “Santosham, athi santhosham (Happiness, extreme happiness)… there is nothing bigger than the honour from the country.”
A Look Back at a Legendary 5-Decade Career
Mammootty’s journey from a law graduate to one of Indian cinema’s most versatile powerhouses is decorated with an immense volume of accolades. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, he has appeared in over 400 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and English.
The timeline below highlights his foundational milestones leading up to this latest national honor.

