Hema Malini Reflects on “Euphoric” Moment Receiving Dharmendra’s Padma Vibhushan

Veteran actress Hema Malini recently shared an emotional reflection after accepting the prestigious Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband, cinema legend Dharmendra. The award, which recognizes his decades of monumental contributions to Indian arts, was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Describing the experience as “euphoric,” Malini admitted that she could feel the “warm presence” of her husband by her side as she walked to the dais. In a heartfelt note, she recounted the immense pride she felt representing the family and Dharmendra’s millions of fans. She characterized the late icon as a “generous, giving, good human being” who served as a trusted guide and beloved partner.

Malini, who had previously expressed that the honor was “long overdue,” noted that while tears welled up as memories of their life together flooded back, she accepted the award with deep humility. She expressed gratitude to the Almighty for the life they shared and thanked the government for acknowledging the enduring legacy of the man widely celebrated as the original “He-Man” of Hindi cinema.