Legendary actor Dharmendra awarded Padma Vibhushan posthumously

MUMBAI (Dunya News) - Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra has been posthumously honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, by the Indian government.

The Indian government recently announced the recipients of the 2026 Padma Vibhushan awards, which included the late Dharmendra, fondly known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

The prestigious honour has brought a mix of pride and sorrow for Dharmendra’s family, as the iconic actor was awarded the distinction after his passing. While the recognition celebrates his decades-long legacy in the film industry, it also serves as a reminder that he is no longer alive to personally receive the award.

Renowned filmmaker Anil Sharma, who shared a close professional relationship with Dharmendra, expressed an emotional reaction on social media. In his post, Sharma congratulated Dharmendra’s fans on the Padma Vibhushan honour, calling it a well-deserved tribute to the legendary star.

He further wrote that his only regret was that the award was not conferred during Dharmendra’s lifetime, stating that the joy would have been greater had the actor been able to accept the honour himself.

Dharmendra remains one of the most celebrated figures in Indian cinema, with a career spanning several decades and countless memorable performances that continue to inspire generations.