Dharmendra's Padma Award: Esha Deol wishes father was there in 'crisp white shirt'
Synopsis
Dharmendra's Padma award ceremony became a moment of collective grief and pride for the Deol family — his daughter Esha Deol's wish that he had been there 'in a crisp white shirt and blue suit' captures the bittersweet nature of posthumous recognition for one of Bollywood's greatest stars.
Key Takeaways
Dharmendra was posthumously honoured with a Padma award , received on his behalf by wife Hema Malini from President Dr.
Draupadi Murmu on 25 May .
Daughter Esha Deol shared an emotional social media post wishing her father had been present, dressed in his 'crisp white shirt and blue suit'.
Ahana Deol , the youngest of Dharmendra's six children , also attended the ceremony and reportedly broke down in tears.
Dharmendra passed away in November 2024 after prolonged age-related health complications.
His career spanned over six decades , with iconic films including 'Sholay' , 'Satyakam' , and 'Phool Aur Patthar' .
Bollywood legend Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2024 after prolonged age-related health complications, was posthumously honoured with a Padma award — a moment that left his family visibly emotional and millions of fans deeply moved. His daughter, actress Esha Deol, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing how profoundly the family felt his absence during the ceremony.
Hema Malini Receives the Award on His Behalf
On 25 May, veteran actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Hema Malini received the prestigious honour on behalf of her late husband, from the hands of President Dr. Draupadi Murmu. Dressed in a soft pink saree paired with elegant diamond jewellery, Hema Malini appeared visibly emotional as she held the award close to her heart.
Dharmendra's youngest child, Ahana Deol, was also present at the ceremony, representing all six siblings of the Deol family.
Esha Deol's Emotional Tribute
Sharing glimpses from the ceremony on social media, Esha wrote: 'A moment of pride A moment of emotion, How we so deeply wished he was present today dressed in a crisp white shirt and blue suit looking as handsome as always with excitement of a young boy going to receive the prestigious award. Yesterday as my mother represented our family and received the award. And the youngest of us Ahana represented all the 6 of us his children & shed tears & clapped in honour of our father A man who we love, who we cherish, who we miss & who we proudly call our papa. Forever in our hearts.'
Esha also revealed that Ahana broke down during the moment while applauding their father's incredible legacy and contribution to Indian cinema.
A Career Spanning Six Decades
Dharmendra remains one of Bollywood's most beloved superstars, with a career spanning over six decades. He delivered enduring classics including 'Sholay', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Satyakam', and 'Phool Aur Patthar', cementing his place as an icon of Hindi cinema. His death left the film industry and millions of fans across generations heartbroken.
The Legacy He Leaves Behind
The posthumous Padma recognition is widely seen as a long-overdue tribute to an actor whose contribution to Indian popular culture is immeasurable. Notably, Dharmendra had not received the honour during his lifetime — making the family's grief at his absence all the more poignant. The ceremony underscored how deeply his memory continues to resonate, both within the Deol family and across the country.
Point of View
Despite a six-decade career that shaped the identity of Hindi cinema, is a quiet indictment of how belatedly institutions recognise popular art. Esha Deol's image of her father in a 'crisp white shirt and blue suit' is more than sentiment — it is a reminder that the people who matter most to a legacy are rarely the ones handing out the awards.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What Padma award did Dharmendra receive?
Dharmendra was posthumously honoured with a Padma award in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema over a career spanning more than six decades. The award was received on his behalf by his wife, Hema Malini, from President Dr. Draupadi Murmu.
Who accepted the Padma award on Dharmendra's behalf?
Veteran actress and BJP MP Hema Malini accepted the award on behalf of her late husband Dharmendra at a ceremony on 25 May. Dharmendra's youngest daughter Ahana Deol also attended, representing all six of his children.
When did Dharmendra pass away?
Dharmendra passed away in November 2024 following prolonged age-related health complications. His death was mourned widely across the Indian film industry and by fans around the world.
What did Esha Deol write about the Padma ceremony?
Esha Deol shared an emotional post on social media expressing how deeply the family wished Dharmendra had been present, imagining him 'dressed in a crisp white shirt and blue suit looking as handsome as always.' She also revealed that her youngest sister Ahana broke down in tears during the ceremony.
What are Dharmendra's most iconic films?
Dharmendra delivered numerous Bollywood classics over his six-decade career, including 'Sholay', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Satyakam', and 'Phool Aur Patthar'. He is widely regarded as one of Hindi cinema's most beloved superstars.
