Hema Malini Reflects on Receiving Padma Vibhushan for Late Husband Dharmendra

In a touching and emotional message, actress and BJP MP Hema Malini shared her profound feelings about receiving the Padma Vibhushan award on behalf of her late husband, the legendary actor Dharmendra. After the prestigious ceremony, she expressed, “It was a euphoric moment! I truly felt my husband Dharam ji’s comforting presence, guiding me to the stage where his Padma Vibhushan awaited him,” she recounted. Reflecting on the event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, she noted, “At the tranquil Padma award ceremony, as the President personally honored the deserving recipients, I felt immense pride representing Dharam ji.”

The seasoned actress reminisced about the cherished moments spent with Dharam ji, both as his co-star in numerous successful films and later as his life partner. “Memories of our years together, first as co-stars in many hit films and then as his life partner, brought tears to my eyes,” she shared.

Describing him as a devoted husband, loving father, and grandfather, she highlighted how he was respected by all who knew him. “He was a caring husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather, a true friend, and a wise guide. Dharam ji embodied these noble traits and so much more. He was a generous and kind-hearted individual, cherished by everyone,” she added.

Expressing her gratitude, Hema Malini accepted the award with humility on behalf of their family and the millions of fans who admired him. “I humbly accepted this award for our entire family, as well as for the millions of his supporters and well-wishers,” she stated.

In her concluding remarks, she thanked the Almighty for blessing her with a “wonderful soul mate,” whose memories she will hold dear forever. “I am grateful to the Almighty for giving me such a wonderful partner, whose memories I will treasure for the rest of my life. These are my heartfelt sentiments, as I was overwhelmed receiving the nation’s second-highest honor, the Padma Vibhushan, on behalf of Dharam ji,” she wrote.

During the ceremony, her daughter Ahana Deol became emotional upon hearing her father Dharmendra’s name announced. She was seated next to her husband, Vaibhav Vohra.

Dharmendra, affectionately known as the original He-Man of Hindi cinema, passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spans over sixty years.