'His absence is felt every moment'—Esha Deol gets emotional as father Dharmendra receives posthumous Padma award.
May 26,2026
Veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra was posthumously honored with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan during the 2026 Padma Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. The emotional occasion left the entire Deol family deeply moved, especially daughter Esha Deol, who shared a heartfelt tribute remembering her late father.
Representing the family at the ceremony, legendary actress Hema Malini accepted the Padma Vibhushan on Dharmendra’s behalf. Following the event, Esha Deol took to social media to express her emotions and share how much the family wished the iconic actor could have personally attended the historic moment.
Esha Deol Shares Emotional Tribute for Dharmendra
On Tuesday, Esha Deol posted a series of emotional photographs from the Padma Awards ceremony on her official Instagram account. The pictures featured Hema Malini receiving the award on behalf of the late superstar.
In a deeply emotional caption, Esha reflected on how proud and heartbroken the family felt simultaneously.
She wrote that the family wished Dharmendra could have been physically present at the ceremony, dressed elegantly in his signature white shirt and blue suit, happily receiving the honor himself.
According to Esha, the actor would have been “as excited as a little child” while accepting such a prestigious recognition.
‘Ahana Cried While Applauding Papa’
Esha’s emotional note also revealed how the ceremony deeply affected the entire family emotionally.
She mentioned that her younger sister, Ahana Deol, became emotional and applauded through tears while honoring their father during the ceremony.
In her post, Esha described Dharmendra as the man the family continues to love, miss, and cherish every single day.
She wrote that although the legendary actor is no longer physically present, he continues to live forever in the hearts of all six of his children.
Hema Malini Receives the Award on Dharmendra’s Behalf
The Padma Awards ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan began with the posthumous recognition of Dharmendra, widely regarded as one of the greatest stars in Hindi cinema history.
As the actor could not personally receive the award, Hema Malini stepped forward on behalf of the family. She was visibly emotional during the ceremony and later described the occasion as one of immense pride and sadness.
The Government of India had earlier announced Dharmendra’s name among the recipients of the 2026 Padma Awards in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema over a career spanning more than six decades.
Dharmendra’s Legacy in Indian Cinema
Known as Bollywood’s original “He-Man,” Dharmendra remains one of the most celebrated actors in the history of Indian cinema.
From classics like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, and Yaadon Ki Baaraat to countless action and drama films, Dharmendra built a legacy that continues to inspire generations of actors and movie lovers alike.
His immense popularity transcended generations, making him one of the most beloved figures in Hindi cinema.
Esha Deol Shared a Deep Bond With Her Father
Like his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, Esha Deol also shared an extremely close relationship with Dharmendra.
Over the years, Esha has frequently posted emotional tributes and cherished memories of her father on social media. Her latest message once again highlighted the deep emotional void left behind by the legendary actor’s absence.
Fans across social media have also been reacting emotionally to Esha’s heartfelt tribute, with many praising the Deol family for honoring Dharmendra’s memory with dignity and love.
A Proud Yet Emotional Moment for the Deol Family
The posthumous Padma Vibhushan honor for Dharmendra marked a historic and emotional moment for Indian cinema as well as for the Deol family.
While the award celebrated Dharmendra’s unparalleled contribution to Bollywood, Esha Deol’s heartfelt tribute served as a touching reminder that behind the legendary superstar was a deeply loved father whose memory continues to live on through his family and fans alike.
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