New Delhi, May 25 -- Veteran actor Hema Malini received the Padma Vibhushan on behalf of her late husband Dharmendra during a poignant ceremony presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, marking a significant moment for one of Indian cinema's most celebrated families.

Dharmendra, whose contribution to Hindi cinema spanned more than six decades, was conferred the country's second-highest civilian honour posthumously after his death in November last year. The award had been announced earlier this year as part of the Padma honours list released by the Government of India.

The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan carried a strong emotional undertone as Hema Malini walked to the stage to accept the honour on behalf of the late actor. Dressed in a ...