BAFTA Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Bollywood Legend Dharmendra at 79th Awards Ceremony
The British Academy Film Awards, commonly known as BAFTA, delivered a poignant and respectful homage to the late veteran Hindi film star Dharmendra during its prestigious 79th edition. The legendary actor, who passed away in November 2025, was honored among several distinguished international cinema icons, recognizing his immense contribution to global film culture.
Hema Malini Expresses Gratitude for BAFTA's Recognition
Dharmendra's wife, acclaimed actress and politician Hema Malini, publicly expressed her deep appreciation for this significant gesture. She emphasized how wonderful it was to witness her late husband being remembered on such a respected and influential global platform. "His popularity truly reached every corner of the world," she noted, underscoring the universal appeal that defined his career.
Reflections on a Global Fan Following and Shared Life
In a detailed conversation with Variety India, Hema Malini reflected thoughtfully on Dharmendra's recognition at BAFTA and spoke lovingly about his extraordinary international fan base. "He was a personality whose presence transcended all borders," she shared. "He commanded admiration in every part of the globe. The manner in which he would be mobbed by fans in foreign countries was truly remarkable."
The actress candidly discussed their personal travels, revealing that their journeys together were predominantly limited to professional commitments. "We did not travel extensively together, except during film shootings, which provided us precious moments to spend time as a couple," she explained. "We often signed multiple films together intentionally, just to create more opportunities to be with each other."
Coping with Loss and Cherishing Cinematic Memories
Reflecting on life after Dharmendra's passing, Hema Malini admitted that the reality of his absence continues to feel profoundly unreal. "I miss him intensely every single minute," she confessed. "I frequently find myself questioning, is he truly gone? When will I have the chance to meet him again?"
The actress also spoke fondly about specific films from Dharmendra's illustrious filmography that hold a special place in her heart. "I have a great fondness for 'Chupke Chupke'—who doesn't appreciate that classic? And 'Sholay' remains dear because of all the wonderful memories we created during its production," she recalled. Hema added that she plans to systematically watch all his films when time permits, stating, "I haven't viewed every one of his works. I intend to watch them one by one as soon as I find some leisure time."
Dharmendra's Enduring Legacy and Final Journey
Veteran actor Dharmendra, affectionately known as Hindi cinema's "He-Man," passed away on November 24, 2025, at his residence in Mumbai. He was 89 years old and had been confronting health challenges for some time, including respiratory complications that necessitated a brief period of hospitalization.
Dharmendra enjoyed an extraordinary and celebrated career spanning more than six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His filmography includes timeless classics such as:
- 'Sholay'
- 'Seeta Aur Geeta'
- 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh'
These films showcased his remarkable versatility, from intense dramatic roles to beloved comedic performances. His funeral was conducted at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai, where a multitude of colleagues, close friends, and countless admirers gathered to offer their final respects and bid farewell to a true icon of the silver screen.
