25 May,2026 01:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Hema Malini, Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby Deol (Pics via Instagram)
Veteran actor and politician Hema Malini is set to receive late husband Dharmendra's posthumous Padma Vibhushan award at the Padma Awards ceremony in Delhi. The honour, India's second-highest civilian award, was announced earlier this year in recognition of Dharmendra's monumental contribution to Indian cinema spanning several decades.
According to reports, Hema Malini travelled to Delhi for the ceremony accompanied by daughter Ahana Deol. While Esha Deol could not attend the event, Hema revealed that the entire family was aware of the occasion and emotionally united during the significant moment. Speaking about the honour, she said, "It's an emotional moment for me. The entire family is happy. Sunny, Bobby, everyone is aware of this and it's a big moment for all of us."
Dharmendra, one of the most celebrated stars in Hindi cinema, passed away in November 2025 at the age of 89, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy. Fondly known as the "He-Man" of Bollywood, the actor delivered iconic performances in films such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Satyakam, Dharam Veer, and Phool Aur Patthar. His death had deeply affected the film industry, with fans and celebrities mourning the loss of one of Indian cinema's most beloved legends.
Following the announcement of the Padma Vibhushan earlier this year, Hema Malini had expressed both pride and sadness over the recognition. She stated that Dharmendra truly deserved the honour and admitted she wished he had received it during his lifetime. "He should have got it while he was still with us," she had said in an earlier interaction, while also adding that the recognition brought immense pride to the family.
The Padma Awards announcement also highlighted the continued bond within the Deol family despite years of speculation surrounding family dynamics. Hema's mention of Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol being fully aware and supportive of the occasion drew attention online, especially after recent rumours regarding tensions between different members of the family. Earlier too, Hema had dismissed such reports, insisting that "there is no negativity at all" among Sunny, Bobby, Esha, and Ahana.
Several celebrities and fans have since congratulated the family on the prestigious honour. Social media has also been flooded with tributes celebrating Dharmendra's immense impact on Indian cinema and his enduring popularity across generations. Many users described the Padma Vibhushan as a "long overdue recognition" for one of Bollywood's most influential stars.
