Legendary actor Dharmendra’s loss continues to be felt by the film industry. Now, his towering contribution to Indian cinema has been recognised by the Government of India with a posthumous Padma Vibhushan honour.

“This makes me feel so proud of him. He has contributed so much to the film industry, as an actor and as a human being. He would always help people; that was extraordinary. He truly deserves this,” says his wife, actor-politician Hema Malini, with both pride and poignancy ringing in her voice.

However, in the same breath comes a wistful wish, “He deserved it much earlier. I wish they had given it when he was here to receive it in person. I don’t know how we are going to send this message to him. Still, it is a great honour,” she adds.

Recalling Dharmendra’s range and generosity, she shares, “Whether it was comedy or action, he fit into everything. Nowadays, actors hesitate before working with someone who isn’t good enough, but Dharam ji wouldn’t have bothered about whether his friends were financially sound. He would just help them. He deserves this.”