Dharmendra Missing From Oscars 2026 In Memoriam Broadcast Sparks Debate; Family Reacts

The 98th Academy Awards sparked debate among Indian cinema fans after legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra was absent from the televised In Memoriam segment, despite passing away in November 2025 at the age of 89.

While the tribute honoured several film industry figures who died in the past year, Dharmendra’s omission from the on-air montage prompted criticism from fans and reactions from his family, including Hema Malini and Esha Deol.

Oscars 2026 In Memoriam Segment Took a Different Format

The 98th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, introduced a modified approach to its annual tribute to artists who died over the previous year.

Instead of a traditional single video montage, the segment was expanded and included personalised tributes to select Hollywood figures. The ceremony featured tributes to prominent names such as:

• Robert Redford
• Rob Reiner
• Diane Keaton
• Catherine O’Hara
• Robert Duvall

Director Rob Reiner was honoured by Billy Crystal, his collaborator on the classic film When Harry Met Sally….

Meanwhile, Barbra Streisand paid tribute to Robert Redford, her co-star in The Way We Were, calling him a “brilliant, subtle actor” and an “intellectual cowboy.”

The segment was reportedly around 15 minutes longer than previous years, but even with the extended runtime, many names did not appear in the televised montage.

Dharmendra Honoured Online but Not in Televised Tribute

Although Dharmendra was not included in the live broadcast tribute, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences later published a more comprehensive In Memoriam list on its official website.

The online tribute acknowledged more than 300 members of the global film community, including Dharmendra and several other Indian cinema figures such as:

• Manoj Kumar
• B. Saroja Devi
• Kota Srinivasa Rao
• Jayasree Kabir
• S. Krishnaswamy

Their photographs and contributions were included on the Academy’s extended digital memorial page.

Fans React to the Omission

Despite the online recognition, Dharmendra’s absence from the live segment drew criticism on social media. Some viewers argued that the omission undermined the Oscars’ claim of being an international celebration of cinema.

Several users expressed disappointment, noting that Indian icons such as Dharmendra—who starred in more than 300 films over six decades—deserved acknowledgment on a global platform.

One fan wrote that the awards show appeared to remain “mainly a Hollywood show, not truly international,” while others called the omission “disgraceful” given the actor’s lasting impact on Indian cinema.

Hema Malini Calls It ‘A Shame’

Reacting to the controversy, Dharmendra’s wife, veteran actress and politician Hema Malini, described the omission as disappointing.

“It is a shame, of course. A shame for them to have overlooked an actor who means so many things to so many people in many parts of the world,” she said in an interview.

However, she also noted that Dharmendra was never driven by awards or international recognition. Reflecting on his career, she said both of them often felt major awards had eluded their most celebrated performances.

Esha Deol: ‘Life Was Never About Recognition’

Dharmendra’s daughter Esha Deol offered a more philosophical response to the situation.

In an interview with Variety India, she said the legendary actor would likely not have been concerned about the omission.

“I don’t think it would ever make a difference to Papa. His heart has always been far too big to worry about such things. For him, life was never about recognition or status—it was about love, kindness, and the place he held in people’s hearts,” she said.

A Legacy Beyond Awards

Dharmendra’s death in November 2025 marked the end of one of the most celebrated careers in Hindi cinema. Over six decades, he became one of the industry’s most enduring stars, remembered for classics such as:

• Sholay
• Chupke Chupke
• Phool Aur Patthar
• Seeta Aur Geeta

For many fans and colleagues, the actor’s cultural influence and enduring popularity remain far more significant than recognition from any awards ceremony.