Playback singer Alka Yagnik on Thursday clarified that she had requested a wheelchair during the Padma awards ceremony only because she was exhausted after a long day, urging fans not to be concerned about her health.
The clarification came after a video from the ceremony, where the veteran singer received the Padma Bhushan from President Droupadi Murmu, went viral on social media. The footage showed Yagnik seated in a wheelchair and being assisted while making her way to the dais, prompting concern among her admirers.
Yagnik, who has largely stayed away from public appearances over the past two years while recovering from hearing loss, thanked her supporters for their affection and reassured them that she is steadily recovering.
"I have seen the concern surrounding a video from the ceremony and would like to assure everyone that I am doing well and making positive progress in my recovery. After a long and memorable day at the Padma felicitation, I was simply fatigued and requested a wheelchair while leaving.
"Please do not worry. I am feeling much better and remain deeply grateful for the prayers, support and encouragement that continue to strengthen me," the 60-year-old singer wrote in a post on Instagram.
A day earlier, Yagnik had shared an emotional statement reflecting on the health challenges she has faced in recent years. The celebrated singer was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss following a viral attack in 2024. The condition occurs when the tiny hair cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve responsible for carrying sound signals to the brain become damaged.
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"For the last two years, I have stayed away from the spotlight, public appearances and sharing much about my journey. Many of you knew that I was going through a difficult phase health-wise, and throughout it all, your love, prayers, messages and unwavering support stayed with me every step of the way. "Today, as I stepped forward to receive one of the country's highest civilian honours, the distinguished Padma Bhushan, I did so with a heart full of gratitude," she wrote.
One of the most accomplished and beloved voices in Bollywood music, Yagnik said the honour was not hers alone but belonged equally to her listeners. "While my name may be on this award, it belongs just as much to every listener who embraced my voice, carried my songs across generations and stood by me through both the triumphs and the challenges.
"This moment is especially meaningful because it represents not only recognition of my work, but also a reminder of the strength that comes from love, hope and resilience. I am slowly finding my way back," she added.
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