Following the 98th Academy Awards in March 2026, where legendary actor Dharmendra was not featured in the televised “In Memoriam” segment, his daughter Esha Deol reacted with grace and a philosophical outlook.
As per Esha Deol it wouldn’t make a difference to Papa”: Esha stated that such recognition wouldn’t have affected her father, as he was never focused on awards or global status.
She emphasized that her father’s heart was “far too big to worry about such things” and that he valued love, kindness, and his place in the hearts of his fans above all else.
Legacy lives on: She indicated that her father’s legacy transcends global accolades.
The Snub: While Bollywood’s “He-Man” was omitted from the televised segment on March 15, 2026, his name was included in the extended “In Memoriam” list on the Oscars’ official website.
Dharmendra’s wife, Hema Malini, also stated that Dharmendra never bothered about such things, though she felt the Oscars “should have mentioned” him, calling the omission a “shame”.
BAFTA Recognition: Earlier in 2026, the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) did include Dharmendra in their “In Memoriam” segment.
News Edit KV Raman
