Veteran actress and politician Hema Malini shared an emotional moment at the 2026 Padma Awards ceremony after accepting the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband Dharmendra. The legendary actor, who passed away last year just before turning 90, was honoured posthumously for his enormous contribution to Indian cinema and a career that lasted more than six decades.
The ceremony took place in Delhi on Monday evening, where President Droupadi Murmu personally handed over the prestigious civilian honours to recipients and their families. But for many Bollywood fans watching the event, one of the most emotional moments came when Hema walked to the stage to receive the Padma Vibhushan on Dharmendra’s behalf.
Soon after the event, Hema shared pictures from the ceremony on social media and opened up about the overwhelming emotions she experienced during the moment. Her heartfelt note quickly spread online, with fans remembering Dharmendra’s legacy and the long journey the iconic couple shared together both on-screen and in real life.
Hema Says She Felt Dharmendra’s Presence Beside Her
In her emotional message, Hema described the ceremony as a “euphoric moment” and said she genuinely felt Dharmendra’s warm presence while walking toward the stage. She wrote that it almost felt as if he was holding her hand and guiding her during the award presentation.
The actress also reflected on the many years they spent together, first as co-stars in several blockbuster films and later as husband and wife. According to Hema, memories from their decades-long relationship came rushing back during the ceremony, leaving her emotional while sitting among the audience waiting to accept the honour.
She remembered Dharmendra not only as a legendary actor but also as a caring husband, affectionate father, loving grandfather, and trusted guide. In her words, he was someone deeply respected and loved by everyone who knew him personally. Fans online reacted strongly to the note because it felt deeply personal rather than a formal celebrity tribute.
Their love story remains one of Bollywood’s most talked-about relationships even today. From starring together in classics during the 70s and 80s to building a life together away from cameras, Dharmendra and Hema became one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic couples across generations.
Padma Awards Ceremony Honoured Several Film Personalities
This year’s Padma Awards ceremony featured several major names from Indian cinema and music industries. Alongside Dharmendra, veteran actor Satish Shah was also honoured posthumously. During the ceremony, Hema and Dharmendra’s daughter Ahana Deol was seen getting emotional while applauding her mother on stage.
Popular singer Alka Yagnik and Malayalam superstar Mammootty received the Padma Bhushan from the President of India. Meanwhile, R Madhavan, Rajendra Prasad, Murali Mohan, Bengali star Prosenjit Chatterjee, and singer Tripti Mukherjee were among those honoured with the Padma Shri.
Dharmendra, often called the “He-Man of Bollywood,” remains one of the most influential stars in Hindi cinema history. From action dramas and romantic classics to emotional family films, his screen presence shaped several eras of Bollywood. Even after his passing, the actor continues to receive immense love from fans across generations, something that was clearly visible once again during the Padma Vibhushan tribute.
