A video that recently went viral showing singer Alka Yagnik being helped into a wheelchair after the Padma Bhushan ceremony sparked concern among fans about her health. The 60-year-old singer has since responded, clarifying that she is recovering well and that the wheelchair was used simply due to fatigue after a long day.
In a statement released on Thursday, Yagnik thanked fans for their concern and reassured them about her condition. She explained that she was doing well and progressing positively in her recovery, adding that she only requested a wheelchair while leaving the ceremony because she felt exhausted after the event.
The video circulated widely online soon after she received the Padma Bhushan from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on June 23. Many viewers expressed worry and sent messages of support after seeing the clip.
A day after the ceremony, Yagnik also shared an update on Instagram about her health journey. She said she had largely stayed away from public appearances over the past two years due to medical issues but attended the event as she was gradually returning to public life.
She had earlier revealed in 2024 that she was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, a rare condition that led to her extended break from public appearances.
Yagnik was among several notable personalities honoured at the Padma Awards ceremony, including Mammootty and R Madhavan. The awards this year included 131 recipients across Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri categories.
Over her long career, Alka Yagnik has become one of India’s most prominent playback singers, receiving multiple major awards including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards.
