Hema Malini receives Padma Vibhushan on behalf of Late Dharmendra at Delhi Ceremony
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.
