Ananya Lohia , Delhi - Veteran actor Dharmendra was posthumously honoured with the prestigious Padma Awards, Padma Vibhushan on Monday evening for his immense contribution to Indian cinema over a career spanning more than six decades. His wife, actor-politician Hema Malini, received the honour on his behalf from President Droupadi Murmu at a grand ceremony held in New Delhi.

A day after the ceremony, Hema Malini shared emotional moments from the event on social media, saying she could feel Dharmendra’s presence while accepting the award. Calling it a “euphoric moment”, she wrote that she felt Dharam ji holding her hand and guiding her towards the dais where his Padma Vibhushan awaited him. She also reflected on their journey together, first as co-stars in several hit films and later as life partners, admitting that the memories brought tears to her eyes during the ceremony. Remembering the late superstar fondly, Hema described Dharmendra as a loving husband, caring father and grandfather, trusted guide and generous human being loved by everyone around him. She said she accepted the honour with humility on behalf of their family and millions of his fans and well-wishers. Their daughter Ahana Deol was also present at the ceremony and was seen getting emotional while applauding for her father’s honour.

Fondly known as the “He-Man of Bollywood”, Dharmendra enjoyed a legendary career spanning over 65 years. He passed away on November 24 last year, just days before turning 90. At the same ceremony, singer Alka Yagnik and Malayalam superstar Mammootty received the Padma Bhushan, while actors R. Madhavan, Rajendra Prasad, Murali Mohan, Bengali star Prosenjit Chatterjee and singer Tripti Mukherjee were honoured with the Padma Shri.