Dharmendra honored with Padma Vibhushan, Hema Malini and Ahana Deol became emotional at the ceremony

New Delhi: Veteran actor Dharmendra, the ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema and the heartbeat of millions, has been posthumously awarded the country’s second highest civilian award ‘Padma Vibhushan’. President Draupadi Murmu presented this honor at the grand Padma Award ceremony held in the historic Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Hema Malini’s eyes moist

On behalf of Dharmendra, his life partner and senior actress Hema Malini received this highest honor with tearful eyes. During this historic but extremely emotional moment, Hema Malini’s younger daughter Ahana Deol, who had accompanied her to Delhi, could not control her tears. This historic approval given by the nation to the journey of six decades of the cinema world made the entire atmosphere extremely sensitive.

Hema Malini shared her emotions

Just before this glorious ceremony, Hema Malini shared her heartfelt feelings in a very personal and emotional conversation with the media. Recalling Dharmendra’s extraordinary contribution towards the country, he said that Dharamji has been given the second highest civilian award of the country.

opportunity of glory

He truly deserves this honour. Perhaps he should have got this recognition long ago. But no matter, whenever we get it, it is a matter of great pride for us. I consider myself fortunate that in his absence I got the opportunity to receive this honor from his side. Hema Malini became emotional and further said that Dharamji was not only a great actor but he was also a living institution of Indian cinema.

Symbol of the cultural soul of India

In a film career spanning more than six decades, Dharmendra had created an indelible mark for himself in the cultural fabric of the country on the basis of his simplicity, dignity and unique acting. According to Hema Malini, Dharmendra’s popularity was not just because of his blockbuster films or screen presence but because of the human values ​​that he lived by in real life.

many memorable moments

She says that beyond his art and acting, he truly represented the soul of India, its traditions and true humanity. I am proud that I was his co-star in many memorable and historical films and later became his better half in his life’s journey.

sour-sweet moment

Hema Malini choked up while describing the loneliness and emptiness of the last six months without Dharmendra. He recalled Dharmendra’s familial nature as a devoted husband, loving father and loving grandfather. He said, every corner of the house was fragrant with her magical and lovely presence.

six months of loneliness

His sudden departure and imagining life without him still seems impossible. Before going to Rashtrapati Bhavan, I knew that this moment was going to be very ‘sour-sweet’ for me. On one hand, his six decades of hard work makes him thrilled to have achieved this milestone. On the other hand, their physical absence hurts the heart deeply.