Late actor Dharmendra was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, for his contributions to the arts [1].

The award recognizes a six-decade career in Indian cinema, cementing Dharmendra's legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of the nation's film industry [3].

Hema Malini accepted the honor on behalf of her late husband during the civil investiture ceremony on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 [2]. The event took place at the Ganatantra Mandap within Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi [2].

The government announced the Padma Awards list on Jan. 25, 2026 [2]. During the investiture ceremony, a total of 66 awards were conferred, including two Padma Vibhushan, six Padma Bhushan, and 58 Padma Shri honors [2].

Malini said she was proud of the recognition of her husband's work. "So proud," she said [3]. She also noted the timing of the honor, adding, "Had it come earlier, he would have been extremely happy" [1].

Dharmendra's career spanned more than 60 years, during which he became a staple of Hindi cinema. The Padma Vibhushan is reserved for exceptional and distinguished service in a specific field, reflecting the high regard for his artistic impact [3].

“"Had it come earlier, he would have been extremely happy"”

The posthumous granting of the Padma Vibhushan to Dharmendra underscores the Indian government's effort to formally recognize the cultural impact of cinema's golden era. By awarding one of the nation's highest honors to a cinematic icon, the state validates the arts as a primary pillar of national identity and public service.