Hema Malini penned an emotional note after accepting the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband Dharmendra during the Padma Awards 2026 ceremony held in New Delhi on Monday evening.
The veteran actor-politician received the honour from President Droupadi Murmu on behalf of Dharmendra, who was posthumously awarded India’s second-highest civilian honour for his immense contribution to Indian cinema spanning more than six decades.
Sharing pictures from the ceremony on social media, Hema reflected on the deeply emotional experience and revealed that she felt Dharmendra’s “warm presence” beside her while walking to the stage.
“A 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.
Hema further recalled memories from their decades-long journey together, both on-screen and in life. The actor described Dharmendra as a loving husband, caring father, affectionate grandfather and a generous human being admired by millions.
“Memories of the years spent with him, first as a co-star in so many hit movies and later as his life partner, came flooding back. Tears welled up as these thoughts stirred within me,” she shared.
The emotional moment also moved their daughter Ahana Deol, who was seen getting teary-eyed during the ceremony while applauding her mother on stage.
Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” enjoyed a legendary career of over 65 years and starred in several iconic films across generations. He passed away on November 24 last year, just days before his 90th birthday, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in Indian cinema.
The Padma Awards ceremony this year honoured several distinguished personalities from the arts and entertainment world. Singer Alka Yagnik and Malayalam superstar Mammootty received the Padma Bhushan, while actors R Madhavan, Rajendra Prasad, Murali Mohan and Prosenjit Chatterjee were among the recipients of the Padma Shri.
Hema concluded her heartfelt note by thanking the Almighty for blessing her with a soulmate like Dharmendra, whose memories she said she would cherish forever.
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