Mumbai: After Bollywood legend Dharmendra was excluded from Oscars In Memoriam segment, the late actor’s wife Hema Malini said those who chose to overlook such a legendary figure should be ashamed of themselves.
Dharmendra was honoured in the more detailed list on the Oscars’ official website, but there was no mention of him during the live TV broadcast.
Reacting to the Oscars snub, Hema told Bollywood Hungama, “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.”
The veteran went on to add that Dharmendra would not have cared about it at all.
“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,” Hema said.
Dharmendra’s fans across India were also shocked. They took to social media after the Oscars telecast to express their disappointment.
“#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! 😤 #Oscars2026 #Oscars2026 @TheAcademy,” expressed one fan.
Another user stated, “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? After all, it’s mainly a Hollywood show, not truly international.#Oscars.”
Last month, the late superstar was honoured by BAFTA in their In Memoriam section at the 79th British Academy Film Awards.
The live telecast of the 98th Academy Awards remembered late Hollywood legends including Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, Robert Redford, Udo Kier, Rob Reiner, Robert Duvall, Gene Hackman, and Val Kilmer.
