Actress Hema Malini received the posthumous Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband and iconic actor Dharmendra at a ceremony held in New Delhi on Monday.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the honour, recognising Dharmendra’s decades-long contribution to Indian cinema and his lasting cultural influence across generations.
The veteran actor was awarded India’s second-highest civilian honour posthumously, celebrating a career that spanned more than six decades in the film industry. His work left a significant impact on Indian cinema, with performances that continue to be widely remembered.
Hema Malini attended the ceremony in a pink saree, while family members, including Ahana Deol, were visibly emotional during the presentation of the award.
Speaking earlier, Hema Malini described the honour as a long-overdue recognition of Dharmendra’s contribution to the nation. She said he was not just a celebrated actor but a cultural icon who represented simplicity, dignity and emotional depth in Indian cinema.
She also reflected on their personal journey together, recalling their long association as co-stars and later as life partners. The couple got married on May 2, 1980.
The Padma Vibhushan award was presented as a tribute to Dharmendra’s enduring legacy in Indian cinema and his contribution to India’s cultural heritage.