📌 Key Points
- Hema Malini accepted Dharmendra’s posthumous Padma Vibhushan from President Droupadi Murmu.
- She shared an emotional moment, feeling his ‘warm presence’ and experiencing ‘tears welled up’.
- Hema Malini reflected on Dharmendra’s qualities as a loving husband, father, and cinema icon.
- Dharmendra, the ‘He-Man of Bollywood’, passed away last year after a remarkable 65-year career.
Hema Malini recently accepted the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband, Dharmendra, for his immense contributions to Indian cinema. She shared an emotional moment, feeling his presence and reflecting on their journey, highlighting his enduring legacy as a beloved icon.
Hema Malini Accepts Dharmendra’s Padma Vibhushan
On Monday evening, late actor Dharmendra was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan for his contribution to Indian cinema across a career spanning more than six decades. His wife, politician and actor Hema Malini , accepted the honour on his behalf from President Droupadi Murmu. She later took to social media to reflect on the emotional moment, revealing that she felt Dharmendra’s presence while receiving the prestigious award.
She further added, “Yesterday, at the serene Padma Awards function, as Her Excellency the President personally handed out the prestigious awards to the deserving achievers, I sat representing Dharam ji and felt immense pride rise within me. Memories of the years spent with him, first as a co-star in so many hit movies and later as his life partner, came flooding back. Tears welled up as these thoughts stirred within me.”
An Emotional Tribute to a Bollywood Legend
Talking about the late actor, Hema wrote, “He had been a loving and caring husband, an affectionate father and grandfather, a well-meaning friend, a true philosopher and a trusted guide. Dharam ji exemplified all these noble qualities and much more. He was a generous and kind human being, recognised and loved by everyone who knew him.”
She concluded the heartfelt note by writing, “I accepted the award with all humility on behalf of our entire family, millions of his fans and well-wishers. I thank the Almighty for giving me such a wonderful soulmate, whose memories I will cherish till the end of my life. These are my genuine outpourings, overwhelmed by the moment of receiving the nation’s second-highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan, on behalf of Dharam ji.”
Dharmendra’s Enduring Legacy and Soulmate Bond
Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man of Bollywood”, had a remarkable career spanning over 65 years. He passed away on November 24 last year, just days before his 90th birthday.
Singer Alka Yagnik and Malayalam superstar Mammootty received the Padma Bhushan from the President of India. Telugu actors Rajendra Prasad and Murali Mohan, actor R Madhavan, Bengali star Prosenjit Chatterjee and singer Tripti Mukherjee were honoured with the Padma Shri.
Hema Malini’s heartfelt acceptance underscored Dharmendra’s profound impact on Indian cinema and his personal life. Her emotional tribute resonated deeply, celebrating a legend whose memory and work continue to inspire millions across the nation.
