Padma Vibhushan to Dharmendra - Tribute Announced on the Eve of Republic Day

By Shantiswaroop Tripathi

The evening of January 25 marked a golden yet deeply emotional moment in the history of Indian cinema. On the eve of Republic Day, the Government of India announced that Bollywood’s legendary “He-Man,” late Dharmendra Singh Deol, would be honoured posthumously with the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan.

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The news touched the hearts of millions who had watched Dharmendra smile, fight, and love on the silver screen. In truth, Dharmendra has always been—and will remain—the real vibhushan (ornament) of Indian hearts.

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Dharmendra’s acting journey began in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, and came to a close with his final film Ikkees, released on January 1, 2026, shortly after his passing. In his debut film, he starred alongside Balraj Sahni and Kumkum. With over 300 films to his credit, Dharmendra holds an unparalleled record for delivering the highest number of successful films—an achievement unmatched by any other actor.

His 65-year-long career was far from ordinary; it was the story of an artist who consistently conveyed social messages through his roles, inspiring generations of viewers.

While it is true that post the 1990s, especially through collaborations with J.P. Dutta and others, Dharmendra’s image became that of a rugged action star—remembered by some for fiery dialogues like “Kutte… kamine…”—the larger truth is that he was never just an action hero. He was among the rare actors who, without aligning himself with any ideological institution, raised socially relevant issues purely through his cinema.

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His very first film addressed themes like poverty, prostitution, and the struggles of society’s marginalized. As Panchu in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, Dharmendra portrayed the tragic realities of characters trapped between love, hardship, and social evils, while reinforcing the belief that goodness survives even in the harshest circumstances.

Mohan Kumar’s Anpadh (1962) explored critical social issues, while Satyakam (1969) portrayed the battle of an honest man against corruption—a theme that remains relevant even today. Aankhen (1968) delivered a message of patriotism and national security through espionage. In Dost (1974), Dharmendra played a reformed man advocating social change after being released from prison.

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In his final film Ikkees, he portrayed Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, father of 1971 war hero Arun Khetarpal, embodying patriotism and sacrifice. Remarkably, this message echoed his role as Bahadur Singh in Chetan Anand’s Haqeeqat (1964), made 61 years earlier—clearly showing that Dharmendra chose his roles with deep thought and social consciousness.

Dharmendra’s dialogues too carried powerful social meaning.
From Satyakam: “The world calls those who walk the path of truth mad, but true peace lies in that madness.”
From Anupama: “Words fall short when emotions run deep.”
From Phool Aur Patthar: “The world can be won not by hatred, but by love and compassion.”
And from Sholay: “This is not a hand, it is the noose of the gallows!”—a roaring voice against injustice.

In films like Anupama, Bandini, Khamoshi, Chupke Chupke, Guddi, and Satyakam, particularly under directors Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Bimal Roy, Dharmendra portrayed sensitive, layered male characters with remarkable depth—raising profound questions with quiet simplicity.

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In his personal life, Dharmendra was known as the “Son of the Soil.” The simple boy from Phagwara, Punjab, remained rooted to his origins throughout his life. His love for poetry, farming, and simplicity reflected the dignity and social connect befitting a Padma awardee. Many believe this honour should have come much earlier. Though he received the Padma Bhushan in 2012, the Padma Vibhushan was long overdue, considering his stature and contribution.

Dharmendra was not just a cinematic hero; he also served the nation through politics. As the MP from Bikaner between 2004 and 2009, critics questioned his attendance in Parliament but often ignored his grassroots work. Through MPLADS funds, he helped build school classrooms, improve education, construct roads, resolve water issues, and promote local artists and traditional art forms.

During his election campaign, he famously said, “I am not here to do politics, I am here to serve the people.” Campaigning on dusty roads, he appeared not as a superstar but truly as a son of the soil. Today, as the Padma Vibhushan is announced, the people of Bikaner proudly say that their “MP sahib” has finally received his due.

Dharmendra may no longer be among us, but this honour salutes the legacy he left behind for over 89 years. The Government of India’s decision brings comfort and pride to millions of admirers.

The posthumous Padma Vibhushan awarded to Dharmendra is not merely a tribute to an actor—it is a salute to the truth, simplicity, and integrity he lived by, both through films like Satyakam and as a public servant.