Dharamji's honour was long due: Dream Girl Hema Malini

Hema Malini

Padma Bhushan Dharmendra and Hema Malini

Veteran actress Hema Malini is overjoyed to learn that her husband Dharmendra will be honored with a Padma Bhushan, the country's third highest civilian award, and tells that the honour was long due.

"I am obviously very happy that Dharamji is getting the Padma Bhushan. It was long due and I am glad that the government of India is conferring the title to him," Hema said.

"He has worked with the best of actors, directors and technicians in his career. I doubt any other actor can boast of such extensive and successful career in Bollywood. Dharamji is very shy so he doesn't speak much about himself," she included.

The actress wedded Bollywood's original 'He Man' in 1980 and the couple has two daughters -- Esha and Ahana.

"I keep telling him that he must act in more movies. I feel happy when his work gets appreciated. Such kind of national honor is always appreciated," she told.

Dharmendra, 76, is known for movies like "Bandini", "Satyakam", "Sholay", "Chupke Chupke" and "Seeta Aur Geeta". He was recently seen in movies like "Yamla Pagla Deewana" and "Tell Me O Kkhuda".

He has been chosen for the prestigious honor along with actress Shabana Azmi and filmmaker Mira Nair in the art-cinema category.