Veteran actress and politician Hema Malini shared an emotional note after accepting the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband, legendary actor Dharmendra, at a function in Delhi. She said it was a moment when she could feel his warm presence around her as she received the honour.

Reflecting on a very personal moment, Hema said walk up to the stage It seemed as if Dharmendra himself was holding his hand and leading him towards President Draupadi Murmu who was giving him the award. His note reflects on his years both on screen and in life, and the many roles he played within and outside his family.

An emotional moment at the ceremony

In her note on X, Hema described the ceremony as full of emotions and memories. She wrote, “An ecstatic moment! A moment when I truly felt the warm presence of my husband Dharam ji, as he held my hand and led me to the stage, where his Padma Vibhushan award was waiting for him.”

They said the moment brought back decades of memories from their time together as co-stars in several iconic films to their journey as life partners. Hema wrote that she became emotional when she thought about Dharmendra’s place in her life and the lives of people around her.

Memories of a husband, father and mentor

Hema said the event evoked thoughts of Dharmendra not only as a film star but also as a family man and a much-loved individual. Remembering him as a loving husband, caring father and grandfather, trusted mentor, and an extremely generous man loved by millions, she wrote, “As these thoughts rose within me, tears welled up.”

He said he accepted the Padma Vibhushan with humility on behalf of his family as well as Dharmendra’s fans and well-wishers for generations. She wrote, “I thank God for giving me a wonderful life partner, whose memories I will cherish till the end of my life.”

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A bond to be remembered for generations

For generations of Hindi cinema lovers, Hema Malini and Dharmendra have represented one of Bollywood’s most enduring love stories, shaped through their iconic films and strengthened by decades of companionship away from the screen. Their note after the ceremony reflected both a shared public legacy and a private sadness at remembering their long life together.

Dharmendra, known as the He-Man of Bollywood, passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. She was recognized for her contribution to Indian cinema for more than six decades, and Hema’s note after receiving the Padma Vibhushan in Delhi brought together that public honor and her personal memory of the man she called her soulmate.