Veteran actress Hema Malini received the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband, Dharmendra, from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. The honour had been awarded posthumously following his demise last November.
The moment carried deep emotional weight as Hema Malini accepted the award in memory of her husband.
Despite the significance of the occasion, she remained composed and adhered to the formal decorum of the ceremony.
Dharmendra passed away at 89 after experiencing health complications, including respiratory issues that required medical support. He was regarded as one of the most enduring figures in Hindi cinema.
Dharmendra was born in Punjab in 1935 and later began his film career in the early 1960s. His entry into films began when he took part in a nationwide talent competition.
The contest was organised by Filmfare magazine in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions in the late 1950s.
Dharmendra went on to win the competition in 1958. This victory brought him recognition for his charisma and natural acting ability, opening doors to the film industry.
The same competition later identified Rajesh Khanna, who went on to achieve immense stardom in Hindi cinema.
At the same ceremony, Prosenjit Chatterjee, a prominent figure in Bengali cinema, was honoured with the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu for his extensive contribution to the arts. He was seen dressed in traditional attire as he stepped forward to receive the recognition, adding to the ceremony’s significance.
The Padma Awards continue to be presented at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, honouring individuals across diverse fields for their outstanding achievements and service to the nation.
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