Hema Malini says she is ‘so proud’ as Dharmendra gets Padma Vibhushan honour posthumously

Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan. He died on November 24, 2025.

Updated on: Jan 25, 2026, 20:54:31 IST

By Santanu Das

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Dharmendra has been posthumously awarded the prestigious Padma Vibhushan.

Hema Malini said that she is grateful that the government of India has honored the immense contribution of Dharmendra.

Hema Malini took to her X account and reacted to 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.

About Dharmendra's career

Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol began his film career with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960 at the age of 24. Over the next few years, he appeared in supporting roles in hits like Bandini, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, and Kaajal. But it was the 1965 war film Haqeeqat that turned him into a box office draw.

He went to establish himself as a leading star with films like Anupama, Aadmi Aur Insaan, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Loafer, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, and Dharam Veer. He ruled the roost from the 1960s to the 80s in films like Ankhen, Shikar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, and more. His final screen appearance was in Ikkis, which was released in theatres earlier this year.

About Dharmendra’s death

Dharmendra passed away on November 24 last year at his residence in Mumbai. He was 89 years old. The actor was discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital earlier in the month after a health scare, and was recuperating at home. He was cremated in Mumbai on November 25.

His sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol organised a prayer meet in Mumbai on November 27, which was attended by several prominent names from the industry, including Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. However, Hema Malini and Esha Deol did not attend the event. Later, it was revealed that Hema Malini and her daughters had organised a separate prayer meet at her Mumbai residence on the same day.

Dharmendra is survived by his two wives. He married Prakash Kaur in 1954 and had four children with her, including Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. In 1980, he married Hema Malini, with whom he has two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Santanu Das
Santanu Das is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 5 years of experience, writing on films, pop culture and film festivals. He has a keen interest in writing about South Asian independent films and has covered several film festivals, including Sundance and CPH: Docx. He also brings a sharp perspective to the monthly column called The Fault in Our Stars, where he writes about a recent film/series and what stops the ‘good’ from becoming ‘great’. A gold medalist from Banaras Hindu University, Santanu completed his postgraduate studies in English from Jadavpur University. He is also a Rotten Tomatoes-certified film critic. When not watching films or speaking to celebrities, Santanu can be found reading a book. Some of his favourite films are Aparajito, Ponyo and The Double Life of Veronique. His favourite books include The Corrections, The God of Small Things and A Room of One's Own. Santanu continues to write passionately about films and celebrity culture. He brings a relatable, as well as critically informed, lens to entertainment and culture for a wide audience. Find him on LinkedIn: santanudasfilm Instagram: @santupechaRead More

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