"A man who we love, who we cherish, who we miss...": Emotional Esha Deol expresses pride on father Dharmendra's Padma Vibhushan honour
Mumbai, May 26
Actor Esha Deol on Tuesday shared an emotional note following her father, veteran actor Dharmendra, being conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan.
Reflecting on the moment, Esha wrote that the family had wished he could have been present to receive the honour himself, dressed in a crisp white shirt and blue suit, as they fondly remember him.
"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," Esha wrote.
She added that her mother represented the family at the ceremony to receive the prestigious award, while her sister Ahana Deol stood in for all six siblings, stating, "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."
Esha described her father as a beloved figure who is deeply cherished, missed, and forever remembered by the family.
"A man who we love, who we cherish, who we miss & who we proudly call our papa. Forever in our hearts," she concluded.
On Monday, President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious award to Hema Malini at the Civil Investiture Ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
During the ceremony, Ahana Deol got emotional when her father Dharmendra's name was announced. She was seated with her husband, Vaibhav Vohra, by her side.
In an emotional note, Hema Malini opened up about the overwhelming moment - something which she described as "euphoric."
"An 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," a part of the post read.
The Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, was conferred on Dharmendra for his exceptional and distinguished service to the arts.
Dharmendra, fondly remembered as Hindi cinema's original 'He-Man', passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind a towering legacy spanning over six decades.
Known for his charismatic screen presence, gentle smile and versatility, he was widely regarded as one of the most iconic actors of Indian cinema.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a Bollywood fan from the 70s, this brings a tear to my eye. Dharmendra sahab's films were a huge part of my childhood. But shouldn't the government have arranged for the award to be given earlier while he was alive? Better late than never, I suppose.
Hema Malini ji receiving the award on his behalf is so poignant. Theirs is one of the most iconic love stories of Indian cinema. Esha and Ahana's emotions are completely understandable - a daughter's love for her father is something special. 🇮🇳
Respect to the Deol family. I've always admired how the family sticks together through thick and thin. Dharmendra ji was a legend who transcended generations - my parents watched his films, and so did I when they played on TV. A true icon.
I have mixed feelings. While I'm happy for the recognition, it feels hollow that he passed away before receiving it. The family's emotions are genuine though - you can feel the love in Esha's words. At least his legacy lives on in every reel and real moment. 🎬
My father used to tell me stories about watching Dharmendra's films in the theatre during the 60s. The man was a phenomenon - action hero, romantic lead, comedy king... He did it all. This honor is a fitting tribute to a genuine legend of Indian cinema. 🎥
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