In an emotional and heartfelt moment, Hema Malini accepted the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of late Dharmendra. The prestigious award, which is the nation’s second-highest civilian honour, was presented posthumously by President Droupadi Murmu during the Civil Investiture Ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The ceremony turned into a poignant memory for the family. As Dharmendra’s name was announced, their younger daughter, Ahana Deol, who was seated beside her husband Vaibhav Vohra, became visibly emotional and broke down in tears.
Reflecting on the event later, Hema Malini described the experience as an euphoric moment. She shared that she could feel the presence of her late husband right beside her during the walk to the stage.
She wrote, “An euphoric moment! A moment when I actually felt my husband Dharam ji’s warm presence, holding my hand and guiding me to the dais where his Padma Vibhushan award awaited him.”
She expressed a sense of deep gratitude and pride regarding the ceremony conducted by the President. She shared, “Yesterday at the serene Padma award function, as Her Excellency the President personally handed out the prestigious awards to the deserving achievers, I sat representing Dharam ji and felt an immense pride rise within me.”
Walking down memory lane, Hema Malini also spoke about her journey with Dharmendra, capturing their life as iconic co-stars and later as life partners.
She wrote, “Memories of the years spent with him, first as a co-star in so many hit movies and later as his life partner. Tears welled up as these thoughts were stirred within me.”
Paying tribute to his gentle nature behind the camera, she remembered him as an extraordinary family man who was widely loved. She added, “He had been a loving and caring husband, an affectionate father and a grandfather, a well-meaning friend, a true philosopher, a trusted guide. Dharam ji exemplified all these noble qualities and much more. He was a generous, giving, good human being recognised and loved by all who knew him.”
Concluding her thoughts on the solemn yet proud day, Hema Malini mentioned, “These are my genuine outpourings, overwhelmed by the moment of receiving the nation’s second most prestigious award, the Padma Vibhushan, on behalf of Dharam ji.”
Also Read: Hema Malini to Receive Dharmendra’s Posthumous Padma Vibhushan In Delhi
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