Actress and BJP MP Hema Malini accepted the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband, veteran actor Dharmendra, in New Delhi.
The award recognizes Dharmendra's contributions to Indian cinema and the arts. As one of the highest civilian honors in India, the award cements the actor's legacy within the national cultural canon.
The ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where Malini received the posthumous honor during the 2026 Padma Awards [1], [2]. The government of India granted the award in 2026 [1] to honor the actor's influence on the arts [3].
During the proceedings, Malini expressed the emotional weight of the occasion. "It is a significant moment," Malini said [4].
The event was attended by family members, including Dharmendra's daughter Ahana, who became emotional during the ceremony [5]. The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, marking a peak achievement for any Indian citizen or artist.
Malini's role as both a political figure and a spouse in this ceremony highlighted the intersection of India's cinematic history and its current political landscape. The ceremony serves as the official state recognition of Dharmendra's career, which spanned several decades of the Hindi film industry.
“"It is a significant moment."”
The posthumous conferral of the Padma Vibhushan on Dharmendra reflects the Indian government's effort to institutionalize the legacy of golden-era cinema stars. By awarding one of the nation's highest honors, the state acknowledges the soft power and cultural identity shaped by the film industry, while the presence of a sitting MP like Hema Malini underscores the enduring link between Bollywood and the Indian political establishment.
