The National Award ceremony became a heartfelt remembrance of Dharmendra’s extraordinary life in cinema when Hema Malini walked forward to accept the Padma Vibhushan on his behalf. The honor presented after his passing, celebrated a career that spanned more than 60 years and left an indelible mark on Indian film history. Clad in a delicate pink saree, she carried herself with quiet grace, her emotions surfacing as the moment unfolded before the audience as she called it “a euphoric moment”. The atmosphere was filled with reverence as she received the recognition that symbolized both pride and loss. Watching from her seat, Ahana Deol was overcome with tears, moved by the sight of her mother paying tribute to her father’s legacy. The occasion reflected not only a family’s grief but also the nation’s admiration for a beloved icon.
