Dharmendra received Padma Vibhushan award posthumously, daughters cried while receiving it

Evergreen superstar and Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ Dharmendra (Dharam Singh Deol), who left an indelible mark in the history of Indian cinema, has been awarded ‘Padma Vibhushan’ (posthumously), one of the country’s highest civilian honours. When Dharmendra’s name was called in this grand Padma Award ceremony of the year 2026, the eyes of every person present there became moist. This moment was very emotional as well as proud for the Deol family. His wife and veteran actress Hema Malini had reached the stage to receive this prestigious honor on behalf of the late actor.

Received award from President Draupadi Murmu, dream girl lost in emotional memories

After the completion of the ceremony, Hema Malini shared a very special and heart-touching picture on social media while receiving the honor from the country’s President Draupadi Murmu. Remembering this glorious moment, Hema Malini wrote an emotional note. Expressing her feelings in her post, she said, “It was a moment of immense joy and pride for me. At that moment I truly felt the warm presence of my husband Dharam ji. I felt as if he was holding my hand and leading me to the stage where his Padma Vibhushan Award was waiting for him.”

Tears in eyes remembering the journey from co-actor to life partner

Hema Malini further wrote that when she was sitting in the dignified hall to receive Dharam Ji’s award, a caravan of old memories was running in her heart and mind. She said, “Those beautiful moments spent with Dharam ji came alive before my eyes. We first worked with each other in many blockbuster films as co-actors, and later he became my life partner. These old memories filled my eyes with tears. He was a very loving husband, a loving father, a true friend and mentor. He was a very kind and noble person.” Hema also thanked God for giving her this wonderful companion.

Younger daughter Ahana cried bitterly after seeing her mother getting honoured.

During this historic and emotional moment, Dharmendra’s younger daughter Ahana Deol was also present at the ceremony with her mother. As soon as Hema Malini accepted Dharmendra’s medal and citation from the President on the stage, Ahana, sitting in the audience gallery, could not control her emotions and started crying uncontrollably. In the video captured on camera, Ahana can be seen crying and wiping tears while proudly clapping in honor of her late father. At the same time, elder daughter Esha Deol also shared this emotional video on social media and remembered her father and expressed her gratitude for this honour.

Dharmendra said goodbye to the world in November 2025

Let us tell you that last year on 24 November 2025, Dharmendra had said goodbye to this world forever. According to reports, in his last days he was suffering from old age diseases and breathing problems. When he was discharged after several days of treatment in the hospital, he breathed his last in the presence of family members at his Mumbai residence. This honor given by the Government of India for his unprecedented contribution to the world of cinema is a priceless heritage for crores of his fans and the Deol family.