The absence of veteran actor Dharmendra from the televised ‘In Memoriam’ segment at the 2026 Oscars has sparked disappointment among Indian audiences, with his daughter Esha Deol now sharing her perspective on the issue.
Oscars omission draws criticism
The annual ‘In Memoriam’ segment, which honours film personalities who passed away during the year, did not feature Dharmendra in its televised broadcast. The omission led to strong reactions from fans and members of the film fraternity.
However, it was later clarified that Dharmendra’s name was included in the official online list released by the Academy, alongside other global artists.
Esha Deol responds with grace
Speaking on the matter, Esha Deol said that such recognition would not have mattered to her father. She emphasised that Dharmendra valued love and respect from people more than awards or formal acknowledgements.
“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.
Hema Malini expresses disappointment
Actor Hema Malini also reacted to the omission, calling it unfortunate that a star of Dharmendra’s stature was not included in the televised tribute.
She remarked that while it was disappointing, Dharmendra himself would not have been affected, noting that he never focused on awards despite his immense contribution to cinema.
A legacy beyond awards
Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025, remains one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic actors, with a career spanning over six decades. Known for his powerful performances and enduring screen presence, he continues to be celebrated by fans across generations.
Debate on global recognition
The incident has reignited conversations about the representation of Indian cinema on global platforms such as the Oscars, with many calling for broader recognition of international film legends.