The five Padma Vibhushan 2026 recipients represent diverse contributions to India. Dharmendra Singh Deol (posthumous), one of Bollywood's most iconic actors with a career spanning six decades, was honoured for Art. Justice K.T. Thomas, former Supreme Court judge known for his landmark judgments including the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case verdict, received it for Public Affairs. N. Rajam, legendary Hindustani classical violinist who pioneered the gayaki ang (vocal style) on the violin, was honoured for Art. P. Narayanan, eminent Tamil scholar and educator, received it for Literature & Education. V.S. Achuthanandan (posthumous), veteran CPI(M) leader and former Kerala Chief Minister known for his anti-corruption crusade, was honoured for Public Affairs.