The 2026 edition of the prestigious Academy Awards sparked discussion among Indian cinema fans after veteran actor Dharmendra was believed to have been omitted from the ceremony’s “In Memoriam” segment during the live broadcast. The segment traditionally honors film personalities who passed away over the past year. Many viewers in India expressed disappointment on social media after noticing that the legendary actor, known for his decades-long contribution to Hindi cinema, was not shown during the televised tribute. However, later clarification revealed that Dharmendra’s name was indeed included in the tribute section on the official Oscars website, even though it did not appear in the televised broadcast.
Reacting to the controversy, veteran actor and politician Hema Malini shared her views and expressed disappointment over the situation. She said it was unfortunate if an artist of Dharmendra’s stature was overlooked during the live telecast, noting that he had been admired by audiences across the world and had made a lasting impact on Indian cinema. At the same time, she added that both she and Dharmendra always valued the love and admiration of their fans more than awards and formal recognition. Hema Malini also reflected on how the actor, despite delivering numerous memorable performances throughout his career, did not receive many awards during his lifetime.
The incident triggered a wave of reactions from fans online, with many questioning why a celebrated figure of Indian cinema was not included in the televised tribute segment. Some users argued that global award shows should ensure broader recognition of international film icons, especially those who have contributed significantly to cinema outside Hollywood. Others, however, later acknowledged that Dharmendra’s name was present on the official Oscars website, indicating that the omission may have been limited to the broadcast version rather than the overall tribute list.
The Oscars ceremony, held in Los Angeles, remains one of the most prominent global events celebrating achievements in filmmaking. While the event mainly focuses on Hollywood productions, it continues to attract attention from film enthusiasts around the world. The debate surrounding Dharmendra’s mention in the tribute segment once again highlighted the emotional connection that fans have with legendary artists and the importance of recognizing cinematic contributions from across the globe. For many admirers of the actor, the discussion served as a reminder of Dharmendra’s enduring legacy and the influence he has had on generations of movie lovers.
