Alka Yagnik Opens Up About Her Health Struggles After Padma Bhushan Honour, Receives Support From Kumar Sanu and Shaan

June 24, 2026 Kiran

Veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik has once again touched the hearts of millions after sharing an emotional message about her ongoing health battle following her Padma Bhushan honour. The legendary singer, whose voice defined Bollywood music for decades, revealed that the last two years have been particularly challenging as she continues to recover from a rare hearing disorder that significantly impacted her personal and professional life.

The heartfelt post came shortly after Alka Yagnik received the prestigious Padma Bhushan from President Droupadi Murmu during the Padma Awards 2026 ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The honour recognized her immense contribution to Indian music and her remarkable career spanning more than four decades.

Alka Yagnik Reflects on a Difficult Journey

In her emotional note, Alka Yagnik spoke about staying away from the spotlight and public appearances due to her health challenges. She expressed gratitude for the love, prayers, and support she has received from fans throughout her recovery journey.

The singer described receiving the Padma Bhushan as a deeply humbling experience and said the recognition belonged not only to her but also to the millions of listeners who embraced her music over the years. She also revealed that she is slowly finding her way back after a prolonged period of struggle.

Her message resonated strongly with fans, many of whom have been concerned about her health since she disclosed her hearing condition in 2024.

Kumar Sanu, Shaan and Others Send Their Best Wishes

Following her post, several members of the music industry came forward with messages of encouragement and support.

Playback singer Kumar Sanu congratulated Alka Yagnik on receiving the Padma Bhushan and expressed hope that she would return to doing what she loves most—singing. Singer Shaan and veteran artist Ila Arun also praised her strength and resilience, wishing her a speedy recovery and a successful return to music.

The outpouring of support highlighted the immense respect Alka Yagnik commands within the Indian music fraternity. Fans across social media echoed similar sentiments, celebrating both her achievements and her courage in facing a difficult health battle. Community discussions online were filled with wishes for her recovery and appreciation for her contributions to Indian music.

Understanding Alka Yagnik’s Hearing Disorder

Alka Yagnik first revealed her condition in 2024 when she disclosed that she had suffered sudden hearing loss after stepping off a flight. Doctors later diagnosed her with a rare form of sensorineural hearing loss, a condition that affects the inner ear or the nerve pathways responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain.

The disorder dramatically changed her life and career. In subsequent interviews, she admitted that despite receiving offers from music composers, she has been unable to take on new singing assignments because of her ongoing health struggles.

Medical experts note that sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by viral infections, prolonged exposure to loud sounds, aging, or damage to the auditory nerve. Symptoms often include difficulty hearing conversations, muffled sounds, and challenges understanding speech in noisy environments.

A Career That Defined Bollywood Music

Few singers have left as profound an impact on Bollywood music as Alka Yagnik. Over the years, she has delivered countless memorable songs and established herself as one of India’s most celebrated playback singers.

Her extraordinary career includes thousands of recordings across multiple languages, numerous Filmfare Awards, National Film Awards, and now the Padma Bhushan. Her voice has been associated with some of Bollywood’s biggest hits and remains beloved by generations of music lovers.

The Padma Bhushan recognition serves as a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy and influence on Indian music.

Fans Hope for Her Return

While Alka Yagnik continues to focus on her recovery, her recent public appearance and heartfelt message have offered hope to her admirers.

Many fans viewed her Padma Bhushan ceremony appearance as a sign of strength and determination. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages celebrating her achievements and expressing hope that she will eventually return to recording and performing.

For now, Alka Yagnik remains an inspiration—not only for her musical accomplishments but also for her resilience in the face of adversity. As she continues her recovery journey, millions of fans across India and around the world are cheering her on and wishing for her complete recovery.

FAQs

What health condition is Alka Yagnik suffering from?

Alka Yagnik has been diagnosed with a rare form of sensorineural hearing loss, a disorder affecting the inner ear and auditory nerves.

When did Alka Yagnik reveal her hearing disorder?

She publicly disclosed her condition in June 2024 after experiencing sudden hearing loss following a flight.

Did Alka Yagnik receive the Padma Bhushan?

Yes, Alka Yagnik was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2026 for her outstanding contribution to Indian music.

What did Kumar Sanu and Shaan say about Alka Yagnik?

Both singers extended their best wishes and encouraged her recovery, expressing hope that she would return to delight audiences with her voice.

Is Alka Yagnik still singing?

According to recent interviews, she has been unable to take up regular singing assignments due to her ongoing hearing condition.

Why is Alka Yagnik important to Bollywood music?

Alka Yagnik is regarded as one of India’s most successful playback singers, having recorded thousands of songs and won numerous prestigious awards throughout her career.