The 2026 Oscars, held on March 15, featured the ‘In Memoriam’ segment honouring industry figures lost over the past year. However, legendary Indian actor Dharmendra, who passed away last year, was notably
missing from the tribute. Although Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar were recognized in the more detailed list on the Oscars’ official website, fans were disheartened by his omission during the live TV broadcast. Now, Dharmendra’s wife and actress Hema Malini has reacted to the Oscars’ snub, stating that it’s a shame. However, she believes Dharam ji wouldn’t have cared about it.
Hema Malini Slams Oscars
Speaking with Bollywood Hungama, Hema Malini expressed her disappointment, noting that it was a shame to overlook an actor of such global significance. However, she added that Dharmendra would not have been affected by the Oscars’ snub, as he had never been overly concerned about awards. She mentioned that despite not receiving many awards during his career, they were both content with the love they received in India.
“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. Dharamji was known and recognized everywhere,” she said. However, she added that he wouldn’t have cared about the snub. “He never got too many awards during his lifetime. Why should he care about the Oscars? Both of us, we were happy to be loved in our country. But awards always eluded him. Even I didn’t get any award for my best performances in Lal Patthar and Meera,” she said.
Following the Oscars’ live telecast, many Indian fans voiced their displeasure on social media over Dharmendra’s omission. One fan criticized the Academy Awards for disrespecting a Bollywood legend, while another user echoed these sentiments, questioning why Indian icons were not recognised despite the hype surrounding the event.
One angry fan commented, “#Oscars or just a Hollywood PR show? Disgraceful to snub Bollywood legend Dharmendra in the ‘In Memoriam’ tribute after 60 years of cinema. Stop using Priyanka for clout if you can’t respect our icons. Not truly international!” while another one wrote, “The Oscars showed a list of people who passed away last year, yet didn’t mention Dharmendra—a legendary Indian actor who gave his entire life to cinema. Why so much hype when our icons get no recognition?”
During the 98th Academy Awards, the live telecast honoured late Hollywood personalities including Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, Robert Redford, Udo Kier, Rob Reiner, Robert Duvall, Gene Hackman, and Val Kilmer.
