Mumbai: On the eve of Republic Day 2026, Bollywood actress Esha Deol took to Instagram to share her joy and pride as her legendary father, Dharmendra, was posthumously awarded the prestigious Padma Vibhushan.
“Happy Republic Day. Really happy that our papa is being conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan Award,” Esha wrote, accompanied by heartfelt family photos.
Family Celebrates Cinema and Legacy
Esha’s post also highlighted her elder brother Sunny Deol’s successful ‘Border 2’ release. She urged fans to catch the war drama, writing:
“Definitely watch ‘Border 2’ with your family and friends. We watched the film last night. @iamsunnydeol you are the best. Shout out to @ahan.shetty @varundvn @diljitdosanjh @nidhiduttaofficial fantastic. Salute.”
The post included warm pictures of Esha posing alongside Sunny and their sister Ahana Deol, marking their first public display of family togetherness following Dharmendra’s passing in November 2025. Sunny is seen standing between his sisters, hands gently resting on their shoulders—a symbol of familial closeness and respect for their father’s legacy.
Dharmendra: A Cinematic Icon Remembered
Dharmendra, widely regarded as one of Hindi cinema’s most versatile actors, is celebrated for his iconic roles in films such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, and Anupama. Beyond his on-screen brilliance, he inspired generations of fans and contributed significantly to Indian cinema’s growth.
His posthumous Padma Vibhushan recognition underscores his lifelong dedication to the arts, cementing his place among India’s most respected cultural figures.
Veteran actress and politician Hema Malini, who shared a close bond with Dharmendra, expressed her pride:
“So so proud that the govt has recognised Dharam ji’s immense contribution to the film industry by bestowing on him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award.”
Republic Day 2026 Padma Awards: Celebrating Excellence
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the official list of Padma awardees ahead of Republic Day. The prestigious civilian honours recognise individuals excelling in fields such as arts, literature, social service, medicine, education, and public service.
Dharmendra’s inclusion highlights the enduring legacy of artists who not only entertain but also inspire society through decades of exemplary work.
