Hema Malini reacts as Dharmendra receives Padma Vibhushan posthumously, 'He deserved it much earlier'

Veteran actress Hema Malini has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for conferring the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award, on her late husband, legendary actor Dharmendra.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Hema Malini shared her pride and joy over the honour. “So so proud that the govt has recognised Dharam ji’s immense contribution to the film industry by bestowing on him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award,” she wrote.




Speaking to Hindustan Times, the actor-politician said she was overwhelmed when she received the news. “I got the news in the morning. This makes me feel so proud of him. He has done a lot of contribution to the film industry. As an actor, and as a human being too, he has been such a wonderful person. He would always help people, and that was extraordinary. He deserves this,” she said.

However, Hema Malini also added that the honour could have come earlier. “He deserved it much earlier as well. Anyway, that they have given now is itself a matter of great honour,” she added.

Film fraternity honoured at Padma Awards

Dharmendra was posthumously announced as a Padma Vibhushan awardee on Sunday. Veteran actor Satish Shah was also honoured posthumously with the Padma Shri.

Other prominent members of the entertainment fraternity to receive Padma honours this year include Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty, who has been selected for the Padma Bhushan, veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik, and late advertising legend Piyush Pandey, who has also been named a Padma Bhushan recipient. R Madhavan was also honoured with Padma Shri.

Both Dharmendra and Satish Shah passed away last year. Dharmendra died in November, while Satish Shah passed away a month earlier.

A legendary career and lasting legacy

Dharmendra was one of Bollywood’s most enduring and beloved stars. Born in 1935 in Punjab, he entered the film industry in the early 1960s after being discovered through a talent hunt competition. He won the contest in 1958, with his striking looks and natural charm paving the way for a celebrated career in Hindi cinema.



The legendary actor passed away in November last year at the age of 89. He was earlier admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai and discharged after showing signs of recovery. However, a few days later, he was reportedly placed on ventilator support after experiencing breathing difficulties.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”