The entire Deol family was filled with pride and emotion as legendary actor Dharmendra was posthumously honoured with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. The honour recognised his unmatched contribution to Indian cinema and his remarkable journey spanning more than six decades.
At the ceremony held in Delhi, Hema Malini received the award on his behalf from President Droupadi Murmu. The emotional moment became even more special when daughter Esha Deol shared a heartfelt note remembering how the family wished Dharmendra could have been there personally to receive the honour.
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Esha emotionally wrote that she could perfectly imagine her father arriving in his classic white shirt and blue suit, smiling with the excitement of a young boy while accepting the prestigious award. Her touching words left fans emotional and reminded everyone how deeply loved Dharmendra continues to be.
Dharmendra’s career is considered one of the most iconic journeys in Indian cinema history. From action and romance to emotional dramas and comedy, he ruled every genre with effortless charm. Popularly known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” Dharmendra won millions of hearts with classics like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Satyakam and Phool Aur Patthar.
Over the years, Dharmendra received several prestigious honours for his contribution to cinema. In 1997, he was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his incredible body of work. He was also awarded the Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement and received recognition from multiple film organisations for inspiring generations of actors.
In 2012, Dharmendra was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his contribution to Indian cinema. The Padma Vibhushan now adds another historic achievement to his legendary legacy, making him one of the few Bollywood stars to receive both honours.
Apart from films, Dharmendra also served as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner between 2004 and 2009. Fans always admired him not only for his acting talent but also for his humble personality, simplicity, and strong family values.
At the award ceremony, Hema Malini looked graceful in a pink saree while accepting the honour with dignity. Their younger daughter Ahana Deol became emotional during the ceremony and was seen tearing up while applauding for her father.
Hema Malini later said Dharmendra truly deserved the honour long ago because he is not just a superstar but a “living institution of Indian cinema.” She praised his timeless performances and the way he connected with audiences across generations.
Even today, Dharmendra’s legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers. His films, dialogues, simplicity, and larger-than-life screen presence remain unforgettable, proving why he will always be one of the greatest stars Indian cinema has ever seen.
