President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of Padma Awards for 2026, with legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra Singh Deol set to receive the Padma Vibhushan posthumously for his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema and the arts.
Dharmendra, one of the most celebrated and enduring stars of Hindi cinema, passed away on November 24 last year. He has been honoured with the country’s second-highest civilian award in recognition of his extraordinary and distinguished service in the field of art. The Padma Vibhushan is reserved for individuals whose work has left a lasting national impact across disciplines.
The Padma Awards for 2026 include a total of 131 honours across three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri—covering a wide spectrum of fields such as art, public affairs, social work, medicine, science, literature, sports, and civil services. Among these, several awards, including Dharmendra’s, will be conferred posthumously.
Congratulating the awardees, Union Home Minister Amit Shah described them as agents of social change whose achievements and dedication have contributed significantly to national progress. In a social media post, Shah said the Padma Awards reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming the honours into a “People’s Padma,” aimed at inspiring citizens to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
Dharmendra’s recognition has been widely welcomed across the film industry and beyond. Over a career spanning several decades, he became known not only for his versatility as an actor but also for his strong connection with audiences across generations. Often referred to as the “He-Man” of Hindi cinema, Dharmendra’s work continues to influence Indian popular culture.
The Padma Awards are announced annually on the occasion of Republic Day and are formally presented by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually during March or April.
