In a moment heavy with both pride and personal loss, veteran actor Hema Malini has arrived in the national capital Delhi to receive the Padma Vibhushan being conferred posthumously on her late husband, screen legend Dharmendra, as per a report in Hindustan Times. India's second-highest civilian honour will be formally presented by President Droupadi Murmu today at an investiture ceremony, recognizing the actor's sweeping, decades-long imprint on Indian cinema.
A family united in pride and grief
Speaking from Delhi ahead of the ceremony, Hema Malini described the occasion as deeply emotional. “It's an emotional moment for me. Ahana is with me, Esha wanted to come but could not make it here. The entire family is happy. Sunny, Bobby, everyone is aware of this and its a big moment for all of us,” she told the publication.
A tribute announced months before his passing
The Padma Vibhushan was first announced in January this year. The He-Man of Hindi cinema passed away at the age of 89, just weeks shy of what would have been his 90th birthday, leaving behind an emotional vacuum across the industry and among generations of fans.
“The end of an era,” said PM Modi
Among the many tributes that poured in at the time of his death was a heartfelt message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called Dharmendra's passing the end of an era in Indian cinema. The Prime Minister described him as an iconic and phenomenal performer who brought charm and depth to every role, noting how his versatility resonated with audiences while his simplicity, humility and warmth made him equally loved off screen. Modi extended his condolences to the family, friends and countless admirers of the late star, signing off with “Om Shanti.”
As Hema Malini steps forward today to accept the honour on his behalf, the moment will stand as a poignant national salute to a life that shaped Hindi cinema for over six decades.
Also Read: Hema Malini REACTS on Nandamuri Balakrishna touching her feet: “I don’t know about how…”
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