Hema Malini Recalls Feeling Dharmendra’s Presence at Padma Vibhushan Ceremony

Actor and BJP MP Hema Malini shared an emotional note after receiving the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband, veteran actor Dharmendra, at the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu on May 25.

Describing the moment as deeply personal, Hema Malini said she felt Dharmendra’s “warm presence” beside her as she walked to the dais to accept India’s second-highest civilian honour.

“An euphoric moment! A moment when I actually felt my husband Dharam ji’s warm presence, holding my hand and guiding me to the dais where his Padma Vibhushan award awaited him,” she wrote in her note shared on social media.

Hema Malini said the ceremony brought back memories of their years together, first as co-stars in several successful Hindi films and later as life partners.

“Memories of the years spent with him, first as a co-star in so many hit movies and later as his life partner. Tears welled up as these thoughts were stirred within me,” she wrote.

The veteran actor reflected on Dharmendra’s role within the family and beyond cinema, describing him as “a loving and caring husband, an affectionate father and a grandfather, a well-meaning friend, a true philosopher, a trusted guide.”

“He was a generous, giving, good human being recognised and loved by all who knew him,” she added.

Hema Malini said she accepted the honour with humility on behalf of their family and Dharmendra’s admirers across generations.

“I accepted the award with all humility on behalf of our entire family, millions of his fans and well-wishers,” she wrote, before thanking the Almighty for giving her “a wonderful soul mate.”

At the ceremony, Hema Malini was accompanied by daughter Ahana Deol, who was seen getting emotional when Dharmendra’s name was announced. Ahana attended the event with her husband, Vaibhav Vohra. Hema later said the recognition was a proud moment for the entire family, including Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Esha Deol.

Speaking after the ceremony, Hema Malini said the honour carried emotional significance not only for the family but also for Dharmendra’s fans.

“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,” she said.

Dharmendra was conferred the Padma Vibhushan for his exceptional and distinguished contribution to the arts and Indian cinema. Hema Malini had earlier described the recognition as long overdue and thanked the government for acknowledging his legacy.

Known as Hindi cinema’s original “He-Man,” Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. His career spanned more than six decades and included films such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Ayee Milan Ki Bela and Anupama.

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the 2026 Padma awardees on the eve of Republic Day, with the awards presented during the Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 25.