Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, at his residence in Mumbai. The actor was 89 years old. He has now been posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his outstanding contribution to the field of arts. This recognizes his decades-long legacy in Indian cinema.

Hema Malini posts on X
His wife, actress Hema Malini, reacted to the news of his receiving this honor. Hema Malini expressed her reaction to the award, saying that her late husband deserved it much earlier.

Dharmendra used to help people.
Hema said that she received the news of Dharmendra being posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan this morning and that she is extremely proud of him. She said that he made a significant contribution to the film industry. In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Hema said, "As an actor and as a human being, he was a wonderful person. He always helped people, which was an extraordinary thing. He deserves this."

Hema further added that the actor should have received this much earlier. "Well, now that they have given it, it is a great honor in itself."

Hema gets emotional
Immediately after the announcement of the Padma Awards 2026, the actress also wrote an emotional message for Dharmendra on her X handle on Sunday. She wrote, "I am very proud that the government has recognized Dharam ji's contribution to the film industry and honored him with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award."

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