President Droupadi Murmu honored veteran actor Dharmendra posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan during a ceremony in New Delhi on Monday [1].
The award recognizes the actor's outstanding contributions to Indian cinema. As one of the highest civilian honors in India, the recognition cements Dharmendra's legacy as a foundational figure in the country's film industry [1], [2].
Actress Hema Malini accepted the award on behalf of her husband [2]. The ceremony took place during the 2026 Padma Awards cycle [2]. The event was attended by family members, including Dharmendra's daughter Ahana, who became emotional during the proceedings [3].
Dharmendra died in November 2025 at the age of 89 [3]. His career spanned several decades, during which he became a household name across India through a variety of roles that blended action and drama.
The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. By granting this honor in 2026 [2], the Indian government highlighted the enduring impact of the actor's work on the cultural fabric of the nation.
The ceremony in New Delhi served as a formal tribute to the actor's professional achievements and his influence on subsequent generations of performers [1].
“Dharmendra was honoured posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema”
The posthumous conferral of the Padma Vibhushan underscores the Indian state's practice of using its highest civilian honors to codify the cultural importance of cinema icons. By honoring Dharmendra shortly after his death in 2025, the government acknowledges the role of mass media and film in shaping national identity.
