The 93-year-old veteran, who shot to fame with "Naya Daur", "Jugnu", "Andaz" and "Devdas" and went on to give sterling performances in over 60 Hindi films, was given the second-highest civilian award comprising a medal, certificate and shawl in the presence of the actor's 71-year-old wife Saira Bano.
Kumar, in a black suit, could barely open his eyes and was helped by Saira when the national honour was conferred on him. He felt happy and got emotional at the recognition, Saira said.
"Dilip Kumar ji has contributed a lot to film industry. Considering that, we've presented him with Padma Vibhushan," the Home Minister said.
State Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar were also present at the occasion.
When asked about Kumar's reaction at receiving the award, Saira later told reporters that, "He has always been quiet about himself. He is happy, he smiled and there were tears in his eyes. He is an emotional and sensitive person. For him material things do not matter. He is a simple man, down to earth."
"I am very proud with the honour that the government has given him. I was emotional. I am the proudest wife. Apart from the award people always love and respect him, that matters the most. This is the biggest award," she said.
She also appreciated the gesture of Home Minister, Maharashtra Governor and Chief Minister to come to their residence to present the award.
The announcement to honour Bollywood veterans Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and a few others with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award was made by the government on the eve of Republic Day on January 25, 2015.
"It was kind of Rajnath ji to come here personally and honour him. He could have sent anyone, but he came. When this function happened Kumar was not well. We couldn't go there. It's a great honour," Saira said.