The late actor Dharmendra was posthumously honored with the Padma Vibhushan during a ceremony in New Delhi on Monday [1, 2].
This recognition marks one of India's highest civilian honors, acknowledging Dharmendra's lifelong contributions to the nation's cinema and arts [1, 3].
Hema Malini accepted the award on behalf of her late husband at Rashtrapati Bhavan [1, 2]. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu [1]. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were also present at the event [1].
Malini became emotional during the proceedings as she received the honor. She said she was "so proud" [1, 3]. The actor's daughter, Ahana Deol, was also present and became emotional during the ceremony [2].
The Padma Vibhushan is part of the Padma Awards 2026 [1]. These specific honors were first announced on Jan. 25, 2026 [3]. The ceremony serves as the formal presentation of the awards that were declared earlier this year [1, 3].
Dharmendra's career spanned several decades, establishing him as a pillar of the Indian film industry. The posthumous nature of the award ensures his legacy remains integrated into the national honors system, a process that often recognizes cultural icons who shaped the identity of Indian cinema [1, 3].
“"So proud"”
The posthumous awarding of the Padma Vibhushan to Dharmendra underscores the Indian government's effort to institutionalize the legacy of cinema icons. By presenting this honor at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of the President and Prime Minister, the state elevates the actor's cultural impact to a level of national historic significance.
