Hema Malini accepts Padma Vibhushan for Dharmendra

Veteran actor Dharmendra was posthumously honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, during a ceremony in Delhi. His wife, actress and politician Hema Malini, accepted the award on his behalf from President Droupadi Murmu.

The event was described by Hema Malini as an intensely emotional moment for the family. She was accompanied by her daughter, Ahana Deol, who became visibly emotional during the ceremony. Hema Malini stated that she felt the presence of her late husband with her as she received the honor, calling it a euphoric and deeply special occasion. She accepted the award with humility on behalf of the entire family, Dharmendra's millions of fans, and his well-wishers.

In her remarks, Hema Malini reflected that Dharmendra would have been very happy to receive the recognition, noting he had sometimes felt his performances did not receive enough formal awards despite his popularity. She mentioned specific films like "Satyakam," "Pratigya," "Anupama," and "Chupke Chupke" as examples of his fine work. The Padma Vibhushan, she said, served as sufficient compensation for those missed opportunities. Dharmendra had previously received the Padma...