Hema Malini arrives in Delhi to receive Dharmendra’s Padma Vibhushan honour

Veteran actor Hema Malini reached Delhi to receive the posthumous Padma Awards honour awarded to late screen legend Dharmendra. The government selected the iconic actor for the Padma Vibhushan earlier this year in recognition of his long contribution to Indian cinema.

President Droupadi Murmu will present the award during the official ceremony in the national capital. Dharmendra passed away in November 2025 at the age of 89, just weeks before his 90th birthday. His death triggered an emotional response across the film industry and among millions of fans who admired his decades-long career.

Speaking from Delhi, Hema Malini described the occasion as deeply emotional for the family. She said daughter Ahana accompanied her for the ceremony, while Esha could not travel due to prior commitments. According to her, the entire family, including Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, feels proud about the recognition.

The honour marks another major chapter in Dharmendra’s remarkable journey in Indian cinema. Over several decades, he built a strong connection with audiences through action films, emotional dramas and family entertainers. Fans across generations often referred to him as the “He-Man” of Hindi cinema because of his screen presence and charismatic personality.

Outside the award venue in Delhi, several admirers gathered to remember the actor’s legacy. Many fans carried photographs and recalled famous performances that shaped Bollywood during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Film enthusiasts described the Padma Vibhushan as a fitting tribute to one of the industry’s most celebrated stars.

Soon after Dharmendra’s death last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the actor and praised his contribution to Indian cinema. Modi highlighted Dharmendra’s versatility, humility and warmth, qualities that helped him remain admired both on and off the screen.

The Padma Vibhushan now adds another milestone to Dharmendra’s legacy, while his family and fans continue to celebrate the life of an actor who remained one of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable faces for decades.