Sunny, Bobby Fine With Hema Malini Receiving Late Dharmendra’s Padma Award

Veteran actress Hema Malini received the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of the late Dharmendra. She described the occasion as an intensely emotional moment for the entire family.

“It was a very emotional moment for all of us. My younger daughter Ahana accompanied me to the ceremony, and she couldn’t hold back her tears when I walked up to the stage to receive the honour. I am filled with joy that the Government considered Dharamji worthy of the Padma Vibhushan. He should have received it while he was still with us, but that is all right. True recognition is welcome at any time,” she added.

Asked how Dharmendra would have reacted to the honour, Hemaji became emotional. “He would have been very happy. He often felt that he never received enough recognition for his performances. At the same time, he believed the love of millions of fans was recognition enough,” she said.

“Even some of his finest performances in films like Satyakam, Pratigya, Anupama, and Chupke Chupke never received awards. This Padma Vibhushan is sufficient compensation for all those missed opportunities,” she added.

Hema Malini also clarified that the entire Deol family was supportive of her representing the late actor at the ceremony. “Sunny and Bobby are aware. It is all good,” she said.