Anil Sharma opens up on Dharmendra's posthumous Padma Vibhushan award win: ‘One only wishes this honour had come earlier'

Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, as announced in the 2026 Padma Awards list on the eve of Republic Day. The iconic actor passed away on November 24, 2025. Filmmaker Anil Sharma, who worked with him on acclaimed films such as ‘Hukumat’ and ‘Apne’, expressed that the recognition, though well-deserved, should have come during the actor’s lifetime.

Anil Sharma’s heartfelt tribute

Taking to his X (fornerly Twitter) handle, Anil posted a photo of Dharmendra and wrote, “Heartfelt congratulations to every admirer of @aapkadharam ji on his #PadmaVibhushan. One only wishes this honour had come earlier, when he could have accepted it himself… the joy would have been immeasurable. Yet the truth remains… some legacies rise above awards. The love, respect, and admiration Dharam ji received from generations is far greater than any title , medal or any award”.

Dharmendra’s journey from newcomer to superstar

Dharmendra started his acting journey with ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’ in 1960, when he was 24. In the following years, he featured in supporting roles in successful films such as ‘Bandini’, ‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela’, and ‘Kaajal’. His real breakthrough came with the 1965 war drama ‘Haqeeqat’, which made him a popular name at the box office. He later cemented his position as a leading star through memorable films like ‘Anupama’, ‘Aadmi Aur Insaan’, ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Loafer’, ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat’, and ‘Dharam Veer’.

Remembering the legend

On November 24 last year, Dharmendra took his last breath at his home in Mumbai, aged 89. Just a month earlier, the actor had been discharged from Breach Candy Hospital after a brief illness and was resting at home. His funeral was held the next day, November 25, in Mumbai. Tributes poured in from across the film industry as colleagues and fans fondly remembered his remarkable legacy on screen. His last film, ‘Ikkis’, was released in theatres on January 1.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”