CM Samrat Choudhary Hails Dharmendra's Posthumous Padma Vibhushan
Synopsis
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has welcomed the Government of India's posthumous conferment of the Padma Vibhushan on veteran actor and former Bikaner MP Dharmendra, calling it a proud moment for Indian cinema and the nation. Dharmendra had earlier received the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
Key Takeaways
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary praised the posthumous Padma Vibhushan conferred on veteran actor Dharmendra by the Government of India .
Dharmendra was previously awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for contributions to Indian cinema.
He served as a BJP MP from Bikaner in the 14th Lok Sabha (2004–2009) .
The Padma Vibhushan is India's second-highest civilian honour, awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.
CM Choudhary called the honour a proud moment for the film world and described Dharmendra 's legacy as an inspiration for future generations.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday, 25 May 2026, welcomed the Government of India's decision to confer the Padma Vibhushan posthumously on veteran Bollywood actor and former Bikaner MP Dharmendra, calling it a moment of immense pride for Indian cinema and the country.
Context
Taking to X, CM Choudhary described the honour as 'अत्यंत गौरवपूर्ण क्षण' ('an extremely proud moment') for the film world and for Indians everywhere. He noted that Dharmendra had earned a special place in the hearts of crores of people through his powerful acting, natural personality, and dedication to his craft.
The Padma Vibhushan is India's second-highest civilian honour, awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. The posthumous conferment places Dharmendra among the most decorated figures in Indian cultural life.
Policy Backdrop
Dharmendra had earlier been awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for his contributions to Indian cinema. The latest recognition elevates that acknowledgement to the country's second-highest civilian award, reflecting the central government's assessment of his lifetime impact on national culture.
Padma awards are announced annually by the Government of India and have periodically included posthumous conferments for figures whose contributions to arts, culture, and public life are considered exceptional. Prominent film personalities have featured regularly among recipients across successive administrations.
Dharmendra's Legacy
Dharmendra built one of the most celebrated careers in Hindi cinema, leaving what CM Choudhary described as an 'अमिट छाप' ('indelible mark') on Indian films through numerous memorable roles over a long career. Beyond cinema, he served as a BJP-affiliated Member of Parliament from the Bikaner Lok Sabha constituency during the 14th Lok Sabha (2004–2009), combining artistic and public service roles.
The Chief Minister noted that Dharmendra's contribution both as an artist and as a people's representative would remain an enduring source of inspiration.
What's Next
The official gazette notification listing all 2026 Padma recipients is expected to formalise the conferment, with the awards ceremony typically held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the months following the announcement. Statements from the Ministry of Home Affairs and film industry bodies are anticipated as the formal recognition process moves forward.
CM Choudhary concluded that Dharmendra's glorious legacy would continue to inspire future generations toward dedication in art, culture, and service to society — a sentiment that underscores the broader cultural weight the central government attaches to the #PadmaAwards2026 cycle.
Point of View
Reinforcing party solidarity around cultural honours. The posthumous upgrade from Padma Bhushan to Padma Vibhushan for Dharmendra — who was himself a BJP MP — carries political as well as cultural resonance. Such gestures help the ruling dispensation consolidate its image as a guardian of popular Indian cultural identity. The statement also signals the continued importance of cinema as a soft-power instrument in the government's public-recognition framework.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Dharmendra awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously?
The Government of India conferred the Padma Vibhushan posthumously on Dharmendra in recognition of his exceptional and distinguished contributions to Indian cinema over a long career, as announced under the #PadmaAwards2026 cycle.
What is the difference between Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan?
The Padma Vibhushan is India's second-highest civilian honour, while the Padma Bhushan is the third-highest. Dharmendra had received the Padma Bhushan in 2012 and has now been posthumously elevated to the Padma Vibhushan .
Was Dharmendra a politician as well as an actor?
Yes. Dharmendra served as a BJP -affiliated Member of Parliament from the Bikaner Lok Sabha constituency during the 14th Lok Sabha (2004–2009) , combining a celebrated film career with public service.
What did Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary say about Dharmendra?
CM Samrat Choudhary called the posthumous Padma Vibhushan an extremely proud moment for Indian cinema and the country, praising Dharmendra 's powerful acting, natural personality, and indelible contribution to Indian films.
When are Padma awards officially presented?
Padma awards are announced by the Government of India and are formally presented at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan , typically held in the months following the official announcement.
