• Source:JND

Hema Malini has reportedly travelled to Delhi to accept Dharmendra's posthumous Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, which was announced earlier in January this year. Today, the first batch of awards will be publicly presented by President Droupadi Murmu. The honour has become significantly poignant for Dharmendra's family due to his recent demise in November 2025, just weeks before his 90th birthday.

Hema Malini To Accept Dharmendra's Padma Vibhushan

Hema Malini, actor-turned-politician, discussed the significance of the honour for the family following Dharmendra's death in an interview with Hindustan Times. The actor-politician revealed that the entire Deol family is deeply moved by the honour.

Hema Malini said, "It's an emotional moment for me. Ahana is with me. Esha wanted to come but could not make it here. The entire family is happy. Sunny, Bobby, everyone is aware of this, and it’s a big moment for all of us (sic)."

Dharmendra's enormous contribution to Indian movies over several decades earned him the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. The actor, who was renowned for striking a balance between mainstream entertainment and emotionally nuanced performances, continued to be one of Hindi cinema's most beloved performers. He was adored by fans as the 'He-Man' of Bollywood.

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Dharmendra Passed Away At 89

Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89, a week before turning 90 in November 2025. The veteran actor was cremated at Mumbai's Pawan Hans Crematorium. The Deol brothers staged a prayer gathering in his honour in the Seaside Lawns of Taj Lands End in Bandra, Mumbai. Hema Malini later organised a second prayer gathering in Delhi.

Dharmendra's death shocked fans of all ages as well as the film industry. The actor continued to be involved in public life for many years after entertaining audiences for decades in a variety of genres. 


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What Is Padma Vibhushan?

After the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan is India's second-highest civilian award. It is given out for outstanding and noteworthy service in a variety of sectors, including public affairs, science, literature, art, and film. Each year, the Padma Awards—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—are revealed before Republic Day. Dharmendra's name was one of the entertainment industry's most talked-about recipients this year.

The honour acknowledged both Dharmendra's long-lasting cultural influence across generations and his contribution to Hindi cinema.

Over the course of his multi-decade career, Dharmendra emerged as one of the key figures in Hindi film. All age groups admired the legendary actor for his movies, on-screen persona, and friendliness off-screen.


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