Legendary Bollywood star Dharmendra, fondly remembered as Hindi cinema’s original “He-Man”, passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind a towering legacy that continues to inspire generations. His distinguished six-decade career included unforgettable performances in classics like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Apne, Yamla Pagla Deewana and Ayee Milan Ki Bela, films that helped define mainstream Hindi cinema and cemented his status as one of the industry’s most beloved actors.
Hema Malini Comments On Dharmendra Receiving Padma Vibhushan Posthumously
The Vetaran’s last project while he was alive was Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, Earlier this year, audiences also saw his final performance on the big screen with the release of Ikkis on January 1, 2026, a project that bore special significance as one of his last works and reminded fans of his dedication to the craft.
In a heartfelt conversation with ANI, his wife and actor-politician Hema Malini reacted to the announcement that Dharmendra will be awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously in the 2026 Padma Awards. The Padma Vibhushan is India’s second-highest civilian honour, conferred for exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including the arts, placing him among a select group of cultural icons recognised for lifetime achievement and influence.
Hema Malini: The Entire Country Is Happy
Hema Malini expressed both pride and a bittersweet feeling about the honour. She said the recognition brought happiness not only to their family but to fans across the country. “It makes us very happy, the entire country is happy,” she said, adding wistfully that “Had it come earlier, Dharmendra ji would have been extremely happy, and seeing him, his fans would have been even happier.”
Earlier, when she shared the news on X, the dream girl described the award as long overdue and expressed gratitude to the government for acknowledging her late husband’s immense contribution to Indian cinema. “So so proud that the government has recognised Dharam ji’s immense contribution to the film industry by bestowing on him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award,” she added.
A Heartfelt Emotional Moment For Hema Malini
The announcement has prompted tributes from across the film community and beyond, with fellow filmmakers and contemporaries echoing Hema Malini’s sentiment that Dharmendra’s influence and legacy far surpass any accolade.
While the posthumous Padma Vibhushan stands as a fitting tribute to Dharmendra’s extraordinary body of work, Hema Malini’s reflections underscore that such recognition, cherished by fans and peers alike, would have meant even more if he had lived to receive it himself. His legacy, however, remains immortal in the hearts of audiences and in the history of Indian cinema.
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Also Read: Padma Awards 2026: Late Actors Dharmendra, Satish Shah To Be Conferred With Prestigious Honour; Mammootty, R Madhavan Among Recipients
The post Hema Malini REACTS To Dharmendra Receiving The Padma Vibhushan Posthumously; Says, “Had It Come Earlier…” appeared first on Bollywood Bubble.
