Veteran actor and parliamentarian Hema Malini has spoken with quiet pride and emotion after the Government of India posthumously honoured her late husband, legendary actor Dharmendra, with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award.
For many admirers, the recognition feels like a long-overdue salute to a man whose presence shaped generations of Indian cinema.
Sharing her feelings on X (formerly Twitter), Hema Malini expressed gratitude and joy over the honour, acknowledging the impact Dharmendra had on the film industry and beyond.
“So so proud that the govt has recognised Dharam ji’s immense contribution to the film industry by bestowing on him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award,” she wrote.
So so proud that the govt has recognised Dharam ji’s immense contribution to the film industry by bestowing on him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award🙏 pic.twitter.com/5zJnA53MT0— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) January 25, 2026
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Hema Malini revealed that the news reached her early in the day and left her deeply moved.
“I got the news in the morning. This makes me feel so proud of him. He has done a lot of contribution to the film industry. As an actor, and as a human being too, he has been such a wonderful person. He would always help people, and that was extraordinary. He deserves this,” she said, her words reflecting not just admiration for his professional achievements, but affection for the person he was at home.
At the same time, Hema Malini acknowledged a lingering thought shared by many of Dharmendra’s fans—that the honour could have come sooner.
“He deserved it much earlier as well. Anyway, that they have given now is itself a matter of great honour,” she added, accepting the recognition with grace.
The announcement was made on Sunday, with Dharmendra being named a Padma Vibhushan awardee posthumously. Veteran actor Satish Shah was also honoured posthumously with the Padma Shri, marking a year of remembrance for the film fraternity.
Several other prominent names from the entertainment world were recognised this year. Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty was selected for the Padma Bhushan, alongside veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik and late advertising legend Piyush Pandey. Actor Ranganathan Madhavan received the Padma Shri for his contribution to cinema.
Born in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra entered Hindi cinema after winning a talent hunt competition in 1958. Over the next six decades, he became one of Bollywood’s most loved and enduring stars, admired for his natural charm, emotional sincerity, and generosity off screen.
Dharmendra passed away in November 2025 at the age of 89 following health complications.
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