Overview
- Hema Malini accepted the Padma Vibhushan on Dharmendra’s behalf at the Padma Awards ceremony, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the honour on Wednesday.
- Hema described the moment as a 'big pride' and wrote on Instagram that she felt Dharmendra’s 'warm presence' guiding her to the dais.
- Video from the ceremony showed Hema visibly emotional while Ahana Deol, seated in the audience, broke down and applauded as her mother received the award.
- Esha Deol posted that the award was 'a moment of pride' for the family and said Ahana represented all six siblings in honouring their father.
- Dharmendra, often called the 'He‑Man of Indian Cinema,' died in Mumbai on November 24, 2025, and the Padma Vibhushan is a recognized way for the government to posthumously honour lifetime contributions to arts and culture.