Legendary Actor Dharmendra Missing From Oscars 2026 Tribute, Hema Malini Says 'A Shame'

New Delhi: Oscars 2026 may be over, but one issue still remains in discussion. Questions are being raised over veteran actor Dharmendra not getting a place in the live telecast of the 'In Memoriam' segment. Now after the reaction of his family has come to light, this matter has come into more headlines.

Why were more questions raised this time?

Every year, tribute is paid to deceased artists at the Oscars and it is considered an important part of the ceremony. This time the segment was longer than before, yet Dharmendra's name did not appear on the screen. This is what the audience missed the most. Although his name was present in the official list released later, his absence in the TV broadcast surprised people.

Which Indian names were mentioned?

Apart from Dharmendra, the Indian celebrities remembered on the Academy's website included Saroja Devi, Manoj Kumar, Jayasree Kabir, Kota Srinivasa Rao and S Krishnaswamy. Despite this, the discussion remained mostly about Dharmendra's name only, because his identity and popularity are considered much wider.

What did Hema Malini say?

Hema Malini expressed her views openly on this entire matter. She said that it is not right to ignore such a big artist and it is disappointing. In her words, Dharmendra was recognized not just in India but in many parts of the world. She also said that despite his long career he often did not get the respect he deserved.

Why was Esha Deol's perspective different?

While there was anger on one side, Esha Deol gave a relatively calm reaction. She said that her father never made awards his priority. People's love was more important for him. She clearly said that such things never affected Dharmendra.

What was Dharmendra's identity in the end?

He died in November 2025 at the age of 89. In a career spanning more than six decades, he worked in hundreds of films. Action, romance, drama—he proved himself in every kind of character. His screen presence was his biggest identity, which is still remembered by the audience.

Is there any end to this debate in sight?

At present this issue remains under discussion in social media and film circles. Some people are considering it a mistake, while some are calling it a part of the selection process. But almost everyone agrees on one thing—the legacy of an artist like Dharmendra is not dependent on any one platform or list.