Fans in India expressed their dismay at the 98th Academy Awards, which notably did not include legendary actor Dharmendra in the In Memoriam segment. Each year, this tribute honors those from the film industry who have passed away in the previous year. This year’s tribute extended 15 minutes longer than usual, featuring heartfelt remembrances for Hollywood icons like Rob Reiner, Diane Keaton, and Robert Redford. Yet, despite the additional time, Dharmendra’s name was glaringly absent from the broadcast.
However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) did acknowledge the ‘Sholay’ star in their official online list, where he was commemorated alongside five other notable Indian figures: Saroja Devi, Manoj Kumar, Jayasree Kabir, Kota Srinivasa Rao, and documentary filmmaker S Krishnaswamy.
Earlier in the awards season, Dharmendra was honored at the 79th BAFTA Awards in February 2026, where he stood out as the sole Indian actor featured in the In Memoriam montage.
Historically, the In Memoriam segment has recognized Indian film legends at past ceremonies. For instance, during the 90th Academy Awards in 2018, Shashi Kapoor and Sridevi were celebrated in the montage, which also included a musical tribute by Eddie Vedder. At the 93rd Academy Awards in 2021, the segment remembered actors Irrfan Khan and Oscar-winning costume designer Bhanu Athaiya. Other notable figures absent from the recent broadcast included Brigitte Bardot, James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, and Bud Cort from ‘Harold and Maude.’
Oscars producer Katy Mullan spoke about the need to expand the In Memoriam segment, stating, “It’s been an unimaginably hard year where we’ve lost many icons and titans in the film industry. We must pay tribute to those we’ve lost this year in a way that honors their legacy.”
About Dharmendra
Known affectionately as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” Dharmendra has had a remarkable career spanning over sixty years, with over 250 films to his name. His work encompasses a diverse range of genres, including intense dramas, delightful comedies, and timeless romances. Born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, he made his acting debut with ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’ in 1960. He achieved stardom with classics like ‘Phool Aur Patthar’ (1966), ‘Anupama’ (1966), and ‘Bandini’ (1963), showcasing his versatility as an actor. His iconic on-screen and off-screen partnership with Hema Malini is celebrated in Indian cinema history.