New Delhi, January 26, 2026: While the heavy artillery and marching contingents commanded the Kartavya Path at 77th Republic Day today, the heart of the Indian film industry was beating for two of its most beloved stars. On the occasion of the Republic Day 2026 , the government of India bestowed high civilian honors upon the legendary late Dharmendra and the versatile R Madhavan, sparking a wave of nostalgia and pride across the entertainment world.
The “He-Man” of Indian cinema, Dharmendra, who passed away in late 2025, was posthumously honored with the Padma Vibhushan, the nation’s second-highest civilian award. The recognition comes as a fitting tribute to a career spanning six decades and over 300 films. An emotional Hema Malini shared that while the family is “immensely proud,” they feel the legendary actor deserved this recognition much earlier in his illustrious journey. Tributes have poured in from across the industry, remembering Dharmendra not just as a powerhouse performer, but as a human being who inspired millions to chase their dreams.
R Madhavan and Dharmendra Lead the Star-Studded Padma List – 77th Republic Day
In the Padma Shri category, the spotlight turned to R Madhavan, whose recent turn in the blockbuster Dhurandhar has solidified his status as a pan-Indian icon. For “Maddy,” as he is affectionately known, the honor is a validation of three decades of work across multiple languages.
“I accept the Padma Shri with profound gratitude and humility,” Madhavan shared in a heartfelt statement. “This is beyond my wildest dreams. I consider this not just an award, but a responsibility to carry forward the values it represents with dignity and sincerity.”
The 2026 honors list also celebrated other pillars of the arts, including Malayalam superstar Mammootty and playback queen Alka Yagnik, both of whom were conferred with the Padma Bhushan. Posthumous Padma Shris were also announced for veteran actor Satish Shah, ensuring that the contributions of cinema’s finest were recognized on the nation’s grandest stage.
Actor-politician Hema Malini on Sunday said the posthumous Padma Vibhushan honour for husband Dharmendra is well deserved as the veteran star contributed a lot to Hindi cinema and inspired many to pursue their dreams.
Malini said that Dharmendra – who died on November 24 last year, just weeks shy of his 90th birthday – has left a lasting impact on audiences with his many memorable roles.
“I’m feeling extremely happy for him, he deserves this award for his contribution as an actor. He has been working in the industry for over six decades, and contributed immensely towards the Indian film industry.
Meanwhile, Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who collaborated with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for a special tableau themed “Bharat Katha: Shruti, Kriti, Drishti” for the Republic Day Parade, said he felt deeply honoured to represent Indian cinema and the creator community at the event.
The tableau made its way down Kartavya Path during the Republic Day parade on Monday and highlighted the continuity between India’s civilisational wisdom and contemporary creative innovation, reflecting how heritage and technology together shape national identity.
“I felt deeply honoured to represent Indian cinema and the creator community at the Republic Day Parade under the theme Bharat Gatha. Co-creating this tableau with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting was a tribute to India’s timeless stories and the power of cinema to retell them.
As the tricolor flies high, the film community stands tall, celebrating a 77th Republic Day that truly honored the stars who have taught us how to dream, love, and fight for the right causes on the silver screen.