The Padma Awards 2026 were held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Monday evening, with President Droupadi Murmu conferring awards to 131 recipients from various fields. Among them was the late actor Dharmendra, who was honoured for his contribution to cinema for over six decades. (Also Read: Padma Awards 2026: Dharmendra, Satish Shah honoured posthumously; Mammootty, R Madhavan, Alka Yagnik conferred)
Ahana Deol breaks down as Hema Malini accepts Dharmendra’s Padma Award
On Monday evening, Hema and Ahana were in Delhi to accept Dharmendra’s posthumous Padma Vibhushan award. As Hema approached the podium to accept the honour on the late actor’s behalf, Ahana could be seen breaking down as she clapped. Hema also looked emotional as she took the scroll presented by the President, kicking off the ceremony.
This is not Dharmendra’s first Padma honour. In 2012, he was conferred with the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Indian cinema. Among others who received the Padma Awards this year posthumously was Satish Shah, who received the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award. R Madhavan, Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, and others from the arts were also honoured this year.
Hema Malini on Dharmenda receiving Padma honour
When it was announced in January that Dharmendra would be conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, Hema wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “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.”
Ahead of the ceremony on Monday, she told HT City that Esha Deol also wanted to be present but could not attend. She said, “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.”
About Dharmendra
Dharmendra had a career spanning over 65 years before he died on November 24 last year, days ahead of his 90th birthday. He was hospitalised at Breach Candy Hospital for respiratory issues before he was sent home. After rumours spread that he was dead, numerous fans and celebrities mourned him before the family set the record straight.
Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital and sent home, where he died among his loved ones. His final film, Ikkis, was released posthumously on January 1. The actor was married to Prakash Kaur before he entered the film industry. They have two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, who are also actors. Hema and Dharmendra also had two children after they married, Esha and Ahana.
