Dharmendra Posthumously Honored with Padma Vibhushan: A Tribute to His Legacy

Emotional Tribute at Rashtrapati Bhavan

On May 25, the esteemed Indian actor Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the nation's second-highest civilian honor, during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. His wife, the iconic actress Hema Malini, accepted the award on his behalf. The honor was presented by President Droupadi Murmu, marking a poignant moment as Dharmendra's name was announced, bringing tears to the eyes of their daughter, Ahana Deol, who was comforted by her husband, Vaibhav Vohra. The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Hema Malini Reflects on the Honor

In a statement to the media, Hema Malini expressed that the recognition filled their family and the nation with joy. She noted that had Dharmendra received this honor while alive, it would have brought him immense happiness, as well as to his fans. She emphasized that this acknowledgment was long overdue, expressing pride in the government's recognition of his significant contributions to Indian cinema.

Dharmendra was celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the arts, with a career spanning over sixty years and featuring more than 300 films. Known affectionately as the He-Man of Hindi cinema, he captivated audiences with his diverse performances. His iconic films, including Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Anupama, and Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, continue to resonate with audiences across generations. The Padma Vibhushan is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, including arts, literature, and public service.

Dharmendra had been facing health challenges prior to his passing. He was hospitalized at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on November 10, 2025, due to a decline in his health. After two weeks, he was discharged for home care but sadly passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89.

Padma Awards 2026 Highlights

In addition to Dharmendra, the Padma Shri Award was presented to Prosenjit Chatterjee, who was recognized alongside other distinguished individuals from various fields, including art and education. Prosenjit, who has an extensive career with over 200 films, donned a traditional golden kurta set for the occasion. He was recently featured in the film Vijaynagar'er Hirey, directed by Chandrasish Ray.

(With inputs from media sources)