Actor-politician Hema Malini, who received the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of late Dharmendra from President Droupadi Murmu, said the honour is a recognition of the actor’s “extraordinary lifetime of service to art and the nation”.Dharmendra was conferred the country’s second-highest civilian award posthumously at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. The actor died in November last year at the age of 89.Malini turned emotional as she spoke about her late husband and receiving the award on his behalf.”He was not just a legendary actor but an institution,” Malini told PTI.”He represented the soul of India, its emotions, traditions and humility. Honouring him with the Padma Vibhushan is a proud recognition of an extraordinary lifetime of service to art and the nation,” the actor said.Malini, who starred opposite her husband in ‘Sholay’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, Naseeb’, ‘Dream Girl’ and many more, said Dharmendra touched countless lives with his timeless performances, simplicity and dignity. She said she feels fortunate to have shared the screen with him in several memorable films.”He was a loving and caring husband, an affectionate father and grandfather, a true friend, philosopher and guide,” she said.In an Instagram post on Tuesday morning, Malini spoke about the moment she went to receive the Padma Vibhushan. She said it felt her husband’s “warm presence” holding her hand and guiding her to the dais.”Yesterday, at the serene Padma award function, as Her Excellency the President personally handed out the prestigious awards to the deserving achievers, I sat representing Dharam ji and felt an immense pride rise within me.”Memories of the years spent with him, first as a costar in so many hit movies and later as his life partner. Tears welled up as these thoughts were stirred within me. He had been a loving and caring husband, an affectionate father and a grandfather, well-meaning friend, true philosopher, trusted guide.” Malini wrote that she accepted the award on behalf of their family, fans and well-wishers.”I thank the Almighty for having given me a wonderful soul mate, memories of whom I will cherish till the end of my life.”Dharmendra, born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, remained one of Hindi cinema’s most enduring stars during a career spanning nearly 65 years and more than 300 films. His other notable works include ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Satyakam’ and ‘Anupama’.The actor died in Mumbai on November 24, 2025, a fortnight before his 90th birthday. He is survived by his wife Prakash Kaur, Hema Malini, sons Jattvibeny Deol and Bobby Deol and daughters Vijeta, Ajeeta, Esha Deol and Ahana.Dharmendra was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012. He also briefly served in politics after winning the Bikaner Lok Sabha seat in 2004, before retiring after one term.The actor remained active till the end of his life and will be seen one last time in director Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming film ‘Ikkis’.For 2026, the president has approved 131 Padma awards, including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri honours. At Monday’s ceremony, two Padma Vibhushan, six Padma Bhushan and 58 Padma Shri awards were presented.