Actor and politician Hema Malini recently spoke about the emotional moment when she accepted the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, on behalf of her late husband Dharmendra.
On Monday, Dharmendra was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema spanning over six decades.
Hema accepted the honour from President Droupadi Murmu and called the moment 'deeply emotional' for her.
'It was a big pride moment for me,' she said. 'To go and receive Padma Vibhushan Award posthumously for Dharam ji. What a great honour he has given me to go and receive it. I am very happy but at the same time very emotional. He deserves it.'
The video from the Padma Awards ceremony showed Hema getting emotional as she received the honour on Dharmendra's behalf. Their daughter Ahana Deol was also present at the ceremony and was seen breaking down while applauding.
Hema had earlier shared her feelings about her late husband receiving the honour on Instagram, writing, 'A euphoric moment! A moment when I actually felt my husband Dharam ji's warm presence, holding my hand and guiding me to the dais where his Padma Vibhushan award awaited him.'
