Esha Deol expressed heartfelt emotions following the posthumous awarding of the Padma Vibhushan to her late father, Dharmendra, during the Padma Awards 2026 ceremony. She conveyed her family’s longing for his presence at the event, highlighting the significance of the honour in their lives. Sharing images from the ceremony on Instagram, Esha articulated her sentiments regarding the occasion.

In her post, she reminisced about her father’s anticipated appearance, envisioning him in a crisp white shirt and blue suit, radiating joy as he received the prestigious award. The reflections were laced with a deep sense of pride, coupled with a poignant reminder of his absence. Esha referred to this moment as one of profound emotional intensity for her family.

Esha noted that her mother, Hema Malini, represented the family at the ceremony, receiving the award on behalf of Dharmendra. She shared that her youngest sister, Ahana Deol, also took part in the event, embodying the family’s collective tribute to their father. The emotional weight of the moment was evident as Hema and Ahana marked the occasion with tears and applause, honouring Dharmendra’s legacy.

The Padma Awards Ceremony

The Padma Awards 2026 ceremony took place under the patronage of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, who presented awards to 131 individuals across various fields. Dharmendra received the Padma Vibhushan in recognition of his substantial contributions to Indian cinema over a career spanning more than sixty years. This honour underscores his iconic status in the film industry, celebrated as a leading figure for generations.

Prior to the ceremony, Hema Malini elaborated on the family’s sentiments, expressing that Esha wished to attend but could not be present. She described the moment as heavily emotional, reflecting the pride of the entire family, who have all been impacted by Dharmendra’s legacy. The gathering showcased a united front with siblings Sunny and Bobby Deol as they honoured their father’s contributions together.

Social media showcased stirring moments from the ceremony, including images of Ahana Deol visibly emotional while applauding during Hema Malini’s acceptance speech. The family’s shared grief and pride resonated with audiences online, amplifying the significance of the event and Dharmendra’s enduring legacy in the film industry.

Dharmendra’s Life and Legacy

Known as the “He-Man of Bollywood”, Dharmendra remains one of Hindi cinema’s most esteemed stars, boasting an illustrious career of over sixty years with more than 300 films to his credit. His contributions to Indian cinema have cemented his place as a cultural icon among fans and peers alike.

Just days before his 90th birthday, Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital due to respiratory complications. Following a period of uncertainty regarding his health, he was subsequently discharged but returned home, where he passed away surrounded by family members. The end of his journey has left a profound impact on those who admired him.

In his personal life, Dharmendra initially married Prakash Kaur, with whom he had two sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol. He later wed Hema Malini, resulting in the birth of two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol. The Padma Vibhushan ceremony served as a significant moment for the Deol family, reflecting on his legacy while accepting one of India’s highest civilian honours on his behalf.

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