Hema Malini Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude for Dharmendra's Padma Vibhushan Honour
Veteran actress and politician Hema Malini has extended her sincere thanks to the Government of India for conferring the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, the nation's second-highest civilian award, upon her late husband, the legendary actor Dharmendra. The emotional announcement came as part of the recent Padma Awards, where several luminaries from the entertainment industry were recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Social Media Post Reflects Pride and Joy
Taking to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday, Hema Malini shared her immense pride regarding this distinguished honour. In her post, she wrote, "So so proud that the govt has recognised Dharam ji's immense contribution to the film industry by bestowing on him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award." Her words resonated with fans and followers, highlighting the deep respect and admiration she holds for her husband's legacy.
Overwhelmed by the Recognition
In an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times, Hema Malini revealed that she was overwhelmed upon receiving the news of the award. "I got the news in the morning. This makes me feel so proud of him. He has done a lot of contribution to the film industry. As an actor, and as a human being too, he has been such a wonderful person. He would always help people, and that was extraordinary. He deserves this," she stated. Her heartfelt remarks underscore Dharmendra's dual impact as both a cinematic icon and a compassionate individual.
A Belated but Cherished Honour
While expressing her gratitude, Hema Malini also noted that the recognition could have been bestowed earlier. "He deserved it much earlier as well. Anyway, that they have given now is itself a matter of great honour," she added. This sentiment reflects a common perspective within the film fraternity, where many believe that Dharmendra's contributions warranted such accolades long before.
Film Fraternity Honoured at Padma Awards
The Padma Awards this year have celebrated numerous stalwarts from the entertainment industry. Dharmendra was posthumously announced as a Padma Vibhushan awardee, while veteran actor Satish Shah was also honoured posthumously with the Padma Shri. Other notable recipients include Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty, selected for the Padma Bhushan, veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik, and the late advertising legend Piyush Pandey, who has also been named a Padma Bhushan recipient. Additionally, actor R Madhavan was honoured with the Padma Shri, showcasing the diverse talent recognized by these awards.
Remembering Dharmendra's Legacy
Dharmendra, who passed away in November last year at the age of 89, remains one of Bollywood's most enduring and beloved stars. Born in 1935 in Punjab, he entered the film industry in the early 1960s after winning a talent hunt competition in 1958. His striking looks and natural charm paved the way for a celebrated career spanning decades, leaving an indelible mark on Hindi cinema. His legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and film enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
The Padma Vibhushan award to Dharmendra serves as a fitting tribute to his monumental contributions to Indian cinema. Hema Malini's gratitude and reflections add a personal touch to this national honour, reminding us of the human stories behind such prestigious recognitions. As the film fraternity celebrates these achievements, Dharmendra's memory lives on through his iconic roles and the lasting impact he made both on and off the screen.
