Two years after she was diagnosed with a 'rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss', acclaimed singer Alka Yagnik has opened up on her health issues and shared an emotional post after she was conferred with the Padma Bhushan award at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Audiences, along with millions of fans who saw the ceremony, expressed their concern upon witnessing the singer requiring the support of on-site security and event staff to walk to the stage.

Taking to her Instagram handle, she opened up on her decision to stay away from the public eye and social media. Alka Yagnik further expressed gratitude to the support and prayers she received from everyone during this difficult period.

"Today, as I stepped out to receive one of highest civilian honours in the country - the distinguished Padma Bhushan, I did so with a heart full of gratitude. This honour is deeply humbling, and while my name may be on it, it belongs just as much to every listener who welcomed my voice into their lives, carried my songs through generations, and stood by me through both the highs and the challenges," she wrote, sharing that the special moment is a reminder of the "strength that comes from love, hope, and resilience."

For the unversed, the popular singer opened up on her diagnosis back in 2024. "It has been diagnosed by my docs as a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss, due to a viral attack…this sudden, major setback has caught me completely unaware," she said, advising everyone to stay away from the "exposure to very loud music and headphones."

Known for her melodious voice and versatility, Alka Yagnik has sung songs in multiple Indian languages and remains one of the most successful playback singers in the history of Indian cinema.

Born in Kolkata into a family with a musical background, she began singing at a young age. She rose to prominence with songs in films such as Tezaab, where her chartbuster 'Ek Do Teen' became a nationwide sensation. Over the years, she delivered several iconic songs across genres, lending her voice to memorable tracks like 'Choli Ke Peeche' from Khalnayak, 'Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se' from Dhadkan, the Hum Tum title track, 'Ghoongat Ki Aad Se' from Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, and the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai title song, among others.