New Delhi

South Indian cinema's superstar Mammootty has been named to receive the Padma Bhushan, the second-highest civilian honour in India, and four more Muslims have made it to this year's list of Padma Shri nominees for their contributions to art and literature. The government released a list of 133 persons who have been named for the civilian awards, bulk of which are in the Padma Shri category.

While the Kerala-born Mammootty, whose real name is Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail, is a globally well-known personality, the fame of others is limited to their respective regions, and their contributions are immense.

Dharmendra Deol, who passed away recently, will be awarded Padma Vibhushan, the highest civilian award, in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema. Cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla are among those named to receive Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India.

Here is a brief introduction of the Muslims who have named in the list of Padma Shri:

Mammootty,74, has primarily worked in Malayalam-language films. With a career spanning over five decades, he has appeared in over 400 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and English language films. He is the recipient of three National Film Awards, 11 Kerala State Film awards, and 15 Filmfare Awards (South. The government conferred the Padma Shri on him in 2021. The CNN called him one of "the men who changed the face of Indian Cinema"

Ghaffaruddin Mewati Jogi is a renowned folk artist from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, who, as a master of the Bhapang instrument and a unique storyteller of 'Pandun ka Kada' (Mahabharata), has preserved this for over 60 years, with more than 2,500 couplets. Gafaruddin, an internationally renowned folk artist and bhapang player from Deeg district in Rajasthan, will be awarded the Padma Shri. He is the only living singer of Pandun ka Kada, with over 2,500 couplets memorised, and has given global recognition to Indian folk heritage.

Mewati was born in Kaithwara village of Pahari tehsil in Deeg district. Coming from the Mewati Jogi community, Ghaffaruddin inherited his musical talent. His father, Budh Singh Jogi, was a master of the sarangi. Mewati was proficient in nearly 20 folk instruments.

Ghaffaruddin's music may seem simple, but it reflects profound depth and a rich tradition. Notably, the Mewati Jogi community is a beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim traditions.

Their folk songs bring to life the stories of Hindu deities such as those from the Mahabharata, the folk Ramayana, Shiva, Shri Ram, and Shri Krishna. Through Pandun ka Kada, the Mew community traces its lineage to the characters of the Mahabharata, particularly Arjuna. Ghaffaruddin is a master of this art form.

Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai is a famed Gujarat artist. Hailing from Junagadh, Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai is being honoured with the Padma Shri for his significant contribution to the field of art. Popularly known among the masses as ‘Haji Ramakdu’, he is renowned for his unique style of playing the Dholak.

His musical expertise spans across Bhajans, Santvani, Ghazals, and Qawwali. A dedicated artist, he has performed the Dholak in over 3,000 programs dedicated to cows and has completed more than 1,000 stage performances during his career.

Nuruddin Ahmed of Assam is considered Assam’s most experienced sculptor and visual artist whose work spans Vaishnavite Bhaona traditions, temple sculptures, Durga Puja idols, large-scale pandals, and contemporary cultural installations across the state. He has also crafted pieces outside the state. He studies scriptures and translates philosophy into form. Ahmed has long been sought after for projects demanding theological accuracy and cultural sensitivity through his in-depth knowledge. He has already received the Sahitya Akademi award.

The turning point in his life came in 1975 when Nuruddin decided to shift base to Lakhimpur, a district town in northern Assam, on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra. There, he sculpted his first Durga idol.

Nuruddin uses various materials like timber, bamboo, sawdust, fibre glass, bronze, iron, jute and other items he can lay his hands on to make an idol. He has also sculpted statues of legendary personalities of Assam, such as music maestro Dr Bhupen Hazarika, the first premier of Assam Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi, and Assamese writer-politician Nabin Chandra Bordoloi, among others.

Shafi Shauq is an eminent Kashmiri scholar, poet, linguist and translator Prof Shafi Padma Shri has been named for the Padma Shri Award 2026, for his outstanding contribution to education, language and literature.

Expressing happiness over the recognition, Prof Shauq said that it was a moment of great joy to see his name among those who have truly made a difference in society. “I have received many awards and honours in the past, but the Padma Shri is given to very few individuals who have excelled in different fields of life. Being counted among them is a matter of immense pride,” he said.

#WATCH | I’ve always admired the many distinguished individuals who have received the Padma Shri. When I got a call this morning saying my name was on the list, I could hardly believe it. Receiving congratulations from the Central Government filled me with immense joy, it’s an… pic.twitter.com/g1mlyGrHKS

— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 25, 2026

Prof Shauq has authored dozens of books in English and Kashmiri, including works on poetry, history, dictionaries and grammars. He has also received several international awards for his poetic contributions.

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With an academic background in science and English, Prof Shauq devoted over five decades to the Kashmiri language and literature. He served as a professor at the University of Kashmir for more than three decades, teaching Kashmiri literature and guiding students and research scholars. 

Follow the link to see the full List: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2218547&reg=3&lang=2