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New Delhi: Veteran actress Hema Malini shared an emotional note after receiving the posthumous Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband, legendary actor Dharmendra, describing the moment as deeply moving and spiritually overwhelming.

The honour was presented at a ceremony in the national capital by President Droupadi Murmu, where Dharmendra was conferred the Padma Vibhushan posthumously on May 25. Hema Malini attended the event and accepted the award on behalf of the late actor.

‘Felt his warm presence,’ says Hema Malini

Sharing her reflections on social media, Hema Malini described the ceremony as a “euphoric moment” and said she felt Dharmendra’s presence beside her while she walked up to receive the honour.

She wrote that she felt as if her late husband was guiding her to the dais where the prestigious award awaited him, adding that the experience left her deeply emotional.

Dressed in a baby pink saree at the ceremony, the actress appeared visibly moved as she represented her family at the national-level honour ceremony.

Emotional tribute to Dharmendra

In her detailed post, Hema Malini recalled her long journey with Dharmendra, both as a co-star in several successful films and later as his life partner.

She described him as a loving husband, affectionate father and caring grandfather, while also calling him a guiding figure and philosopher in her life.

She further expressed gratitude for having shared her life with him, stating that memories of their time together would remain with her forever.

“I accepted the award with all humility on behalf of our entire family, millions of his fans and well-wishers,” she wrote, adding that she remains grateful for the “wonderful soulmate” she had in him.

A moment of pride for the family

The emotional ceremony was also reflected upon by the actor’s daughter, Esha Deol, who shared a tribute on social media highlighting the family’s pride and grief.

She wrote that the family deeply wished Dharmendra had been present to receive the honour himself, describing him as someone who would have approached the occasion with childlike excitement and pride.

Esha also mentioned that her sister Ahana represented the younger generation of the family at the ceremony, while expressing collective emotions of love, loss and pride.

National honour for a cinematic legend

Dharmendra was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, recognising his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema.

Known for his iconic roles across multiple generations of Bollywood films, Dharmendra remains one of the most celebrated and beloved actors in the country’s film history.

The recognition comes as a tribute to his enduring legacy, which continues to be remembered by fans, colleagues and the film industry at large.

A legacy that continues to inspire

The emotional moment at the Rashtrapati Bhavan ceremony highlighted not just the honour bestowed upon Dharmendra, but also the personal impact of his legacy on his family.

For Hema Malini and her children, the award served as both a national recognition and a deeply personal remembrance of a life shared with one of Indian cinema’s most enduring stars.

As tributes continue to pour in, Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema remains firmly etched in the country’s cultural history.