Hema Malini accepted a posthumous Padma Vibhushan award for her late husband, Dharmendra, during a ceremony in New Delhi on May 25, 2026 [1].
The award recognizes Dharmendra’s six-decade contribution to Indian cinema, marking one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by the Indian government [5].
President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Malini at Rashtrapati Bhavan [2, 4]. The honor follows the death of the actor on Nov. 24, 2025 [7].
Malini said the ceremony was a significant moment [6]. She appeared emotional while receiving the award on behalf of her husband.
"He would have been extremely happy," Malini said [8].
She further reflected on the timing of the recognition. "Had it come earlier, he would have been extremely happy," Malini said [9].
The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in various fields. Dharmendra's career spanned 60 years of influence in the film industry [5].
“"It is a significant moment."”
The posthumous conferral of the Padma Vibhushan underscores the Indian government's recognition of Dharmendra's enduring legacy in cinema. By granting this specific tier of the Padma award, the state acknowledges a level of contribution that transcends standard artistic achievement, cementing the actor's status as a cultural icon despite the award arriving after his death.
