Legendary Hindi film actor Dharmendra has been posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his immense contribution to Indian cinema. The veteran actor passed away on November 24, 2025, bringing to a close a career that spanned more than six decades and shaped generations of popular Hindi films.
The honour was announced on the eve of Republic Day, as the Ministry of Home Affairs released the Padma Awards list for 2026. The awards recognise distinguished service and sustained excellence across fields including arts, literature, education, medicine, social work and public affairs.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali village of Punjab’s Ludhiana district, he was the son of school headmaster Kewal Kishan Singh Deol. Drawn to cinema at an early age, he moved to Mumbai to pursue acting and made his debut with Arjun Hingorani’s Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960). While the film did not fare well commercially, it marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
His breakthrough came with Shola Aur Shabnam (1961), followed by critically acclaimed performances in films such as Anpadh (1962) and Bimal Roy’s Bandini (1963), which went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. By the mid-1960s, Dharmendra had firmly established himself as one of the industry’s leading stars, with Kaajal (1965) emerging as a major success.
Renowned for his versatility, Dharmendra seamlessly moved across genres. His romantic roles in films like Aayee Milan Ki Bela, Ankhen, Neela Aakash, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke and Mamta shaped his early screen persona. In later years, blockbusters such as Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Charas and Dillagi showcased his strength as an action hero. His ability to balance romance, action, comedy and social drama made him one of the most bankable actors of his time.
After a brief break, he returned to the screen in 2007 with Life in a… Metro, Apne and Johnny Gaddaar, with the first two receiving strong critical and commercial responses. He continued to command attention in later years, particularly with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), where his performance was widely praised for defying age-related stereotypes. His role in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya further underlined his lasting appeal among younger audiences.
Dharmendra’s final release, Ikkis, hit theatres on December 25, shortly after his passing.
The Padma Awards are conferred in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri—and are presented by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, typically in March or April.