Hema Malini accepts Padma Vibhushan awarded posthumously to Dharmendra, family attends ceremony

Hema Malini received the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband Dharmendra from President Droupadi Murmu during the civil investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday. The award was conferred posthumously in recognition of Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema spanning over six decades.

Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025 at the age of 89, was announced as a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan in January 2026. Hema Malini, dressed in a baby pink saree, accepted the honour on stage and was seen visibly emotional during the ceremony.

In the audience, daughter Ahana Deol was seen getting teary eyed as the award was presented to Hema Malini. The family had earlier stated that Esha Deol was unable to attend the ceremony, while other family members were aware of the honour being conferred.

President Droupadi Murmu presented a total of 66 Padma awards at the investiture ceremony held at the Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The list of honourees included personalities from cinema, music and other fields, including several posthumous recognitions.

Among other recognitions announced, late actor Satish Shah was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri, while singer Alka Yagnik was conferred the Padma Bhushan for her contribution to Indian music. The ceremony was attended by multiple awardees and their families.