Renowned playback singer Alka Yagnik, widely celebrated as the Queen of Melody, has broken her silence regarding her health struggles following a prestigious recognition at the national level, while on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the legendary artist was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, by President Droupadi Murmu at a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. While the occasion was one of immense pride and celebration for her four-decade-long career, her appearance sparked renewed concern among her vast fanbase regarding her well-being. This prompted the singer to share a deeply personal and emotional update on her health journey and the challenges she has faced recently.
A Two-Year Battle Away from the Limelight
In a heartfelt social media post, Alka Yagnik revealed that she had been intentionally staying away from the public eye and the media spotlight for the past two years. This period of absence was necessitated by significant health challenges that she has been navigating. She expressed that her journey toward recovery has been difficult, and she chose to remain private while dealing with these complications. She acknowledged that many of her followers were aware of her health issues and thanked them for the overwhelming love, prayers, and messages that supported her through every step of this trying phase. She noted that today, as she stepped out to receive the prestigious Padma Bhushan, her heart was filled with immense gratitude.
The Struggle with Sensory Nerve Hearing Loss
The singer had previously shocked her fans in 2024 when she first disclosed that she was suffering from a rare condition known as sensory nerve hearing loss. This condition was reportedly triggered by a sudden viral infection, which Notably impacted her ability to hear and perform. This health crisis forced her to take a step back from her professional commitments and the limelight. Despite these hurdles, her voice was last heard in the film Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali, which served as a reminder of her enduring talent even during her period of physical struggle. She mentioned in her recent post that she's gradually finding her way back and felt it was important to be present at the ceremony not just for herself, but for everyone who has been part of her journey.
Gratitude Towards the Nation and Fans
Alka Yagnik described the experience of receiving the Padma Bhushan as a deeply humbling moment. She emphasized that while her name is inscribed on the award, the honor truly belongs to every listener who has embraced her voice throughout their lives. She credited her fans for carrying her songs through generations and standing by her during both her professional highs and personal lows. She stated that this moment is particularly significant as it represents not only the recognition of her work but also a reminder of the strength derived from love, hope, and courage. In her emotional note, she extended her heartfelt thanks to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Government of India for this recognition. She concluded by stating that she's slowly recovering and remains grateful for the unwavering support of her well-wishers.