Mumbai, Jan 25 (NationPress) Acclaimed actress Hema Malini has conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to the Government of India for awarding the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor in the Republic of India, to her late husband, Dharmendra.

On Sunday, the seasoned actress took to her X, formerly known as Twitter, to share her sentiments, stating, “I am incredibly proud that the government has acknowledged Dharam ji’s significant contributions to the film industry by awarding him the esteemed Padma Vibhushan.”

On the same day, it was announced that Dharmendra would receive the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, alongside Satish Shah, who was also honored posthumously with the Padma Shri. Other notable figures recognized with the Padma Awards include Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty, who will receive the Padma Bhushan, veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik, and the late advertising visionary Piyush Pandey, who have also been selected for the Padma Bhushan.

Both Dharmendra and Satish Shah passed away last year. Dharmendra departed in November, while Satish Shah left us a month earlier.

Dharmendra was one of the most cherished and enduring stars in Bollywood. He was born in 1935 in Punjab and launched his career in the early 1960s after being discovered through a talent hunt.

In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine, in partnership with Bimal Roy Productions, held a nationwide talent contest to scout fresh faces for Hindi cinema. Dharmendra entered and emerged victorious in 1958, celebrated for his striking appearance and natural charisma. This win paved the way for his entry into the film industry.

Dharmendra sadly passed away in November last year at the age of 89. The actor was initially treated at Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai but was later discharged after showing signs of improvement. Unfortunately, he was later placed on a ventilator due to respiratory issues. As the news circulated through Bollywood, many of his colleagues paid their respects, including Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan, who attended the cremation in the Vile Parle area of Mumbai. Bollywood multi-hyphenate Karan Johar also paid tribute to the late actor on social media.