Bollywood

Hema Malini to Receive Dharmendra’s Posthumous Padma Vibhushan at Rashtrapati Bhavan — India Honours Legendary Actor

Hema Malini is set to receive the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband Dharmendra at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday, honouring the legendary actor's six-decade contribution to Indian cinema.

Aditi Singh 58 minutes ago · 5 min read

India’s Highest Civilian Honours Ceremony to Feature Dharmendra’s Posthumous Recognition

Veteran actress and former Member of Parliament Hema Malini is expected to receive the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, on behalf of her late husband Dharmendra at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday, 25 May 2026. The award, announced on the eve of Republic Day in January 2026 as part of the annual Padma Awards list, recognises the legendary actor’s exceptional and distinguished contribution to the field of Indian cinema over a career spanning more than six decades.

Dharmendra, born Dharam Singh Deol on 8 December 1935 in Sahnewal, Punjab, passed away on 24 November 2025 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that encompasses over 300 films, countless iconic performances and an enduring place in the hearts of Indian movie audiences. His death was mourned across the country, with tributes pouring in from politicians, fellow actors, cricketers and fans who grew up watching the man affectionately known as “He-Man” and “Garam Dharam” dominate the Hindi film screen.

A Career That Defined an Era of Hindi Cinema

Dharmendra’s journey from a small Punjab village to the pinnacle of Bollywood stardom is one of Indian cinema’s most remarkable stories. He made his film debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and quickly established himself as one of the most versatile actors of his generation, equally convincing in romantic roles, action sequences, comedies and dramatic performances. His filmography reads like a history of Hindi cinema itself, spanning the golden age of the 1960s, the angry-young-man era of the 1970s, the masala blockbusters of the 1980s and character roles in the 2000s and beyond.

Among his most celebrated films are Sholay (1975), where his portrayal of Veeru alongside Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai created one of the most iconic buddy partnerships in world cinema. The film’s dialogue, action sequences and Dharmendra’s magnetic screen presence helped make Sholay the highest-grossing Indian film of its time, a record it held for years. Other landmark performances include Satyakam (1969), Chupke Chupke (1975), Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973), and the Deol family franchise Apne (2007).

What set Dharmendra apart from his contemporaries was his ability to combine physical charisma with genuine emotional depth. While he was undeniably a screen heartthrob — winning the Filmfare Award for Best Actor multiple times and being consistently ranked among Hindi cinema’s most handsome leading men — his performances in films like Satyakam and Bandini demonstrated a sensitivity and range that belied his action-hero image.

Hema Malini’s Emotional Response to the Honour

Hema Malini, who was married to Dharmendra for over four decades and co-starred with him in numerous hit films including Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta and Dream Girl, expressed deep pride and bittersweet emotion when the Padma Vibhushan was announced in January. Speaking to media, she said, “It makes us very happy, the entire country is happy. Had it come earlier, Dharmendra ji would have been extremely happy, and seeing him, his fans would have been even happier.”

In a subsequent statement, Hema Malini added, “So so proud that the government has recognised Dharam ji’s immense contribution to the film industry by bestowing on him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award.” She also thanked the central government for acknowledging his legacy, noting that the honour had been a long time coming and reflected the magnitude of Dharmendra’s impact on Indian popular culture.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan ceremony will be attended by other Padma awardees for 2026 and is expected to draw significant media attention given the emotional significance of the posthumous recognition. Members of the Deol family, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both established actors in their own right, are expected to be present at the ceremony alongside Hema Malini.

The Padma Vibhushan and Its Significance

The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian honour in India, ranking below only the Bharat Ratna. It is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine, social service and public affairs. The award carries no monetary grant but includes a certificate signed by the President and a medallion that is typically presented at a formal investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Dharmendra joins a distinguished list of Indian cinema personalities who have been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, including Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Lata Mangeshkar, Dilip Kumar and Rajinikanth. The posthumous nature of the award has drawn some commentary about whether India does enough to honour its cultural icons during their lifetimes, a debate that has recurred with similar posthumous recognitions in the past.

Legacy Beyond the Screen

Dharmendra’s influence extended well beyond his film career. He served as a Member of Parliament from the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan, winning the 2004 Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket. While his political career was relatively brief, his entry into politics reflected the enormous public goodwill and name recognition that his decades of screen work had generated.

His personal life, particularly his marriages to Prakash Kaur and later to Hema Malini, was a subject of intense public fascination throughout his career. Despite the controversies that inevitably accompanied his high-profile personal choices, Dharmendra maintained a dignified public persona and was widely respected by industry colleagues for his professionalism, generosity and genuine passion for cinema.

The Deol family dynasty that he established continues to be a significant force in Bollywood. Sunny Deol’s career included blockbusters like Gadar and Border, while Bobby Deol has experienced a remarkable career renaissance in recent years through critically acclaimed performances in both Hindi and South Indian cinema. The next generation of Deols, including Karan Deol and Rajveer Deol, are also making their mark in the industry, ensuring that Dharmendra’s cinematic legacy will endure through his descendants.

As Hema Malini prepares to accept the Padma Vibhushan at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the ceremony will serve as a moment of national remembrance for an actor who entertained, inspired and moved millions of Indians across multiple generations. The honour, though arriving after Dharmendra’s passing, is a fitting recognition of a life lived in service of the art that he loved.

Explore more: Bollywood | Entertainment

Author
Recent Posts

Aditi Singh

Aditi Singh is an Editor at Daily Tips covering lifestyle, education, and social trends. With a keen eye for stories that resonate with young India, Aditi brings thoughtful analysis and clear writing to topics ranging from career guidance and exam preparation to social media culture and everyday life hacks. Her reporting is grounded in thorough research and a genuine curiosity about the forces shaping modern Indian society.