Oscar Awards 2026 were held on 15 March. The segment ‘In Memoriam’ was also included in it, in which tribute was paid to the personalities of the industry who said goodbye to the world in the last one year. However, the name of veteran Indian actor Dharmendra, who left the world last year, was missing from this tribute list. Although Dharmendra’s name was included in the detailed list released on the official website of Oscar, fans were disappointed after not seeing his name during the live TV telecast. Now, actress Hema Malini, wife of late veteran actor Dharmendra, has reacted to this ignoring of Oscar and called it extremely shameful.
Hema Malini criticized Oscar
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Hema Malini expressed her disappointment, and said that it is a shame to ignore an actor of such global importance. The veteran actress said, “Of course, it’s a shame. It’s a shame for them that they ignored an actor who meant so much to so many people in so many parts of the world. Dharamji was known and recognized everywhere.”
It doesn’t matter if you ignore it
However, he also said that he does not mind being ignored. He said, “He never got many awards in his life. 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 did not get any awards for my best performances in Laal Patthar and Meera.”
Let us tell you that after the live telecast of Oscar, many Indian fans had expressed their displeasure on social media for not including Dharmendra. One fan slammed the Academy Awards for insulting a Bollywood legend, while another user reiterated the same and asked why the Indian icon did not get recognition despite so much hype.
What did Esha Deol say?
After Hema Malini, her daughter Esha Deol also reacted to Dharmendra not being included in the ‘In Memoriam’ segment during the live telecast of the 98th Academy Awards. Speaking to Variety India, Esha Deol said, “I don’t think it will ever make any difference to dad. He has always had such a big heart that he doesn’t care about such small things. For him, life has never been about recognition or status, but it has always been about love, kindness and his place in people’s hearts.”
These late Hollywood celebrities were honored
Let us tell you that during the 98th Academy Awards, late Hollywood celebrities were honored in the live telecast, which included Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, Robert Redford, Udo Kier, Rob Reiner, Robert Duvall, Gene Hackman and Val Kilmer.
