Hema Malini Emotional as She Accepts Dharamendra's Award

A solemn yet proud atmosphere filled Rashtrapati Bhavan as Hema Malini accepted the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband, legendary actor Dharamendra. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award during a special ceremony honoring distinguished personalities from the fields of arts and cinema. The veteran actress struggled to contain her emotions while receiving the honor, accompanied by her daughter Ahana Deol. The award recognized Dharamendra's unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema and his enduring legacy as one of Bollywood's most iconic stars. Alongside this tribute, Bengali film star Prosenjit Chatterjee was presented with the Padma Shri for his decades of dedication to cinema. He shared his joy at being recognized after a career spanning more than 40 years and over 400 films. Advertising maestro Piyush Pandey was also posthumously honored with the Padma Bhushan for transforming India's advertising landscape. This gathering at the presidential residence underscored the enduring impact of creative professionals who have shaped India's cultural identity.