She came to receive one of India’s highest civilian honours. She left in a wheelchair. Alka Yagnik has now addressed the concern that followed and says she is recovering well.
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She came to receive one of the highest civilian honours in the country. She left in a wheelchair. And when the video spread online, the worry was immediate. Alka Yagnik addressed it herself on Thursday. She wanted people to know she is fine.
A video from the Padma awards ceremony showed Alka Yagnik seated in a wheelchair while leaving the event. Another clip showed her being escorted by an assistant as she walked up to receive her Padma Bhushan. Both visuals circulated widely on social media and prompted an outpouring of concern from fans and well-wishers.
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The worry was not without context. Alka had previously acknowledged that she has been dealing with a health condition for the past two years. Her absence from public life during that period had already left many people wondering how she was doing.
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Alka posted a note on her social media account on Thursday to address the concern directly.
“Thank you for your love, concern and countless good wishes. I have seen the concern surrounding a video from the ceremony and would like to assure everyone that I am well and progressing positively in my recovery. After a long and memorable day at the Padma facilitation, I was simply fatigued and requested a wheelchair while leaving,” she wrote.
She continued: “Please do not worry. I am feeling much better and remain deeply grateful for the prayers and support that continue to strengthen me.”
She also thanked the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Government of India for the honour. She ended the note with: “Let us celebrate this joyous occasion together.”
The Padma Bhushan ceremony was Alka Yagnik’s first significant public appearance in a long time. In an earlier post shared after receiving the award, she had been candid about what the past two years have looked like.
“For the last two years, I have stayed away from the spotlight, from public appearances, and from sharing much of my journey. Many of you knew I am going through difficult health and through it all, your love, prayers, messages, and unwavering support have stayed with me every step of the way,” she wrote.
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In her earlier post about the Padma Bhushan, Alka was specific about what the moment meant to her personally.
“Today, as I stepped out to receive one of the highest civilian honours in the country, I did so with a heart full of gratitude. This honour is deeply humbling, and while my name may be on it, it belongs just as much to every listener who welcomed my voice into their lives, carried my songs through generations, and stood by me through both the highs and the challenges,” she wrote.
She also framed her decision to attend as something beyond personal recognition. “I am slowly finding my way back, and I wanted to be here today, not only for myself, but for each and every one of you who have been a part of this journey,” she said.
She thanked President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Government of India for conferring the award.
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