An emotional Hema Malini accepted Dharmendra’s Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Video
Hema Malini accepted the Padma Vibhushan, given posthumously to Dharmendra, from President Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. She looked quite emotional while receiving the honor on behalf of her late husband.
Veteran actress Hema Malini reached Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday to accept the Padma Vibhushan, awarded posthumously to her late husband Dharmendra. The honor was conferred by President Draupadi Murmu during the first civil investiture ceremony of 2026, which was a significant moment for the veteran actor’s family.
Dharmendra, who died on November 24, 2025 in Mumbai at the age of 89, was recognized for his contribution to Indian cinema for more than six decades. Her award, announced earlier this year, was received by Hema Malini as she stood emotionally on stage accepting the legacy that has shaped generations of film audiences.
Watch the video here:
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The event held at the Republic Pavilion brought together many eminent personalities from the fields of cinema, music and literature. Dressed in a baby pink saree, Hema Malini stepped forward to receive the honor on behalf of her late husband. His daughter Ahana in the audience became emotional after seeing this moment.
Who else was honored at the ceremony?
Among those recognized in the same investiture round, late actor Satish Shah was nominated for the Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian entertainment. Singer Alka Yagnik was to receive the Padma Bhushan for her long-standing work in the music industry. The list also includes Prosenjit Chatterjee, Anil Kumar Rastogi and Arvind Vaidya, reflecting a wide range of contributions to Indian art and culture.
What did Hema Malini say earlier?
Speaking before the ceremony, Hema Malini had described the moment as very emotional. He said that the entire family was involved in the honour, including his daughters Isha and Ahana, Dharmendra’s sons Sunny and Bobby Deol were also aware of the importance of the honour.
Dharmendra, widely known as the “He-Man of Indian cinema”, is one of Bollywood’s most enduring icons, whose career has defined multiple eras of Hindi films.
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