Hema Malini Expresses Disappointment After Dharmendra Not Mentioned At Oscars 2026 Tribute Segment, Calls It Shameful

The recent Academy Awards 2026 have sparked discussion among Indian film enthusiasts after veteran actor Dharmendra was not included during the tribute segment at the event. The audience seemed disappointed with the event. Late actor Dharamendra, who passed away on 24 November 2025, was not included during the tribute segment at the event. Now, his wife and actress Hema Malini shared her views on the matter. According to her, it was unfortunate that Dharamendra was not included during the event. 

Fans React After Dharmendra Was Not Mentioned During the Oscars tribute.

The 98th edition of the prestigious Academy Awards was held on March 15 in the United States, while in India, it was screened on March 16. During the ‘In Memoriam’ segment of the Academy Awards, which honours artists who have passed away, it was observed that Dharmendra’s name was not mentioned.

There was a feeling of disappointment among his fans as they wanted their legendary actor to be honoured during this segment of the awards function.

Hema Malini Calls The Situation Unfortunate

Hema Malini reacts to Dharmendra not being mentioned at the Oscars 2026 (Image: Instagram)

Speaking about the matter to Bollywood Hungama, Hema Malini said, “It is really shameful. They ignored an actor who was important to so many people across the world. Dharmendra was recognised everywhere.”

Talking about the importance of the awards in Dharmendra’s life, Hema Malini said, “No awards were ever important in Dharmendra’s life because he got so much love from the people in India, which was more important to him.” Hema Malini also said that she never received any significant awards for any of her performances in Lal Patthar and Meera. 

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Dharmendra’s Name Appeared on the Oscars Website

Although the actor was not mentioned during the televised tribute, his name was included in the 'In Memoriam' section on the official Oscars website. The section recognises artists around the globe who have made significant contributions to the film industry. Fans were still disappointed because they wanted Dharmendra to be recognised during the telecast.

Bollywood Artists Rememberedby they Oscars Earlier

Over the years, the Academy Awards have honoured several Indian film personalities at their awards function. Nitin Chandrakant Desai, Irrfan Khan, Bhanu Athaiya, Sridevi, and Shashi Kapoor are some of the personalities who have previously been remembered in the “In Memoriam” segment of the awards function. Keeping this in mind, viewers were expecting Dharmendra to be remembered on stage too.

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Whedid n Dharmendra pass away? 

Dharmendra passed away on November 24 last year, 2025, due to age-related ailments. Many actors and filmmakers from the film industry attended his funeral and paid their respects to the veteran star.