Deol Family Celebrates Dharmendra's Posthumous Padma Vibhushan Honor
In a poignant moment for Indian cinema, veteran actor Dharmendra has been posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor. The announcement came just ahead of Republic Day 2026, adding a bittersweet note to the celebrations as the legendary actor passed away in November 2025.
Emotional Family Gathering at Border 2 Screening
Shortly after the Padma award announcement, Sunny Deol was photographed with his step-sisters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol at a special screening of his upcoming film Border 2. The rare public appearance of the siblings together created an emotional family moment that captured public attention.
While Sunny Deol is Dharmendra's son from his first marriage to Prakash Kaur, Esha and Ahana are daughters from Dharmendra's marriage to actress and politician Hema Malini. The gathering marked one of the first times the siblings have been seen together publicly since Dharmendra's passing.
Family Dynamics and Speculation
The Deol family's public appearances have been closely watched since Dharmendra's demise, particularly after separate prayer meetings were held by different family members. Sunny and Bobby Deol organized a prayer meet in Mumbai, while Hema Malini and her daughters held separate gatherings in Delhi and Mumbai.
This led to speculation about potential rifts within the family, which Hema Malini has strongly dismissed in recent interviews. "It has always been very nice and cordial. Even today it is very nice," she stated emphatically in an interview with SCREEN magazine.
The veteran actress expressed frustration with media speculation, saying, "I don't know why people think something is wrong with us. It is because people want gossip." She emphasized that the families remain close and that Sunny Deol regularly consults with her, particularly regarding plans to establish a museum dedicated to Dharmendra.
Dharmendra's Legacy and Honors
Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema's most beloved and enduring stars, receives the Padma Vibhushan posthumously after previously being honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012. His career spanned over six decades, during which he delivered numerous iconic performances that cemented his status as a cinematic legend.
The Padma Vibhushan recognition comes as Sunny Deol's Border 2 continues to receive acclaim and perform strongly at the box office, creating a meaningful connection between the father's legacy and the son's contemporary success.
Family Unity in Celebration
The joint appearance of Sunny, Esha, and Ahana Deol serves as a powerful visual statement of family unity during this period of both celebration and remembrance. While the siblings come from different branches of the Deol family tree, their shared appearance honors their father's memory and celebrates his national recognition.
This moment also highlights how the Deol family, despite media speculation about their dynamics, continues to navigate both public and private life while preserving Dharmendra's enduring legacy in Indian cinema and culture.
