‘Emotional’ Hema Malini Fights Tears As She Receives Padma Vibhushan For Dharmendra; Daughter Ahana Deol Breaks Down Clapping- Watch

The Padma Awards were held in Delhi on Monday, and Hema Malini and Ahana Deol attended the ceremony as Dharmendra was conferred posthumously. 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.

Hema Malini, Ahana Deol Can’t Stop Crying As They Receive Padma Vibhushan For Dharmendra

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.

President Droupadi Murmu confers #PadmaVibhushan upon veteran actor #Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous), popularly known as the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood

One of the most versatile and successful actors in the history of Hindi cinema, he left an indelible mark on Indian cinema… pic.twitter.com/HQ2lwzMtXO

— PIB India (@PIB_India) May 25, 2026

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.

About Dharmendra’s Bollywood Career

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.

Celebs Receiving Padma Awards

Meanwhile, Bengali cinema legend Prosenjit Chatterjee received India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, from President Droupadi Murmu. The veteran actor was honoured in the field of art for his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema. In visuals from the ceremony, the actor was seen dressed in an elegant kurta as he walked up to receive the honour.

Apart from him, Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, late actor Satish Shah, and R. Madhavan will also be honoured at the ceremony for their contribution to the field of arts. The Padma Awards are underway at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: Padma Awards 2026: Dharmendra, Satish Shah Honoured Posthumously; Prosenjit Chatterjee, Mammooty And Others Conferred

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.