Actress and politician Hema Malini expressed her emotional moment receiving the Padma Vibhushan award, which was presented to her late husband, Dharmendra. The actress appeared at the awards ceremony on May 25 and received the Padma Vibhushan honor on behalf of Dharmendra, and called the moment deeply special and emotional for her.
In her big note, Hema called her experience ‘euphoric,’ sharing that she felt the presence of Dharmendra with her while receiving the big honor. Her statement begins with, “An euphoric moment! A moment when I actually felt my husband Dharam ji’s warm presence, holding my hand and guiding me to the dais where his Padma Vibhushan award awaited him.”
Hema further added, “Yesterday at the serene Padma award function, as Her Excellency the President personally handed out the prestigious awards to the deserving achievers, I sat representing Dharam ji and felt an 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. Tears welled up as these thoughts were stirred within me. He had been a loving and caring husband, an affectionate father and a grand father, well meaning friend, true philosopher, trusted guide. Dharam ji exemplified all these noble qualities and much more. He was a generous, giving, good human being recognised and loved by all who knew him.”
“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 having given me a wonderful soul mate, memories of whom I will cherish till the end of my life. These are my genuine outpourings, overwhelmed by the moment of receiving the nation’s second most prestigious award, the Padma Vibhushan, on behalf of Dharam ji,” Hema concluded the statement, sharing her heart out.
Hema Malini is Dharmendra’s second wife. However, the actor passed away last year on November 24, 2025. He was 89 years old at the time of his demise.
