Esha Deol and Hema Malini Address Oscars 2026 Snub of Dharmendra
Following the 98th Academy Awards, Esha Deol has joined her mother Hema Malini in responding to the Oscars' decision to skip Dharmendra in the live broadcast In Memoriam segment. Fans of the veteran Hindi cinema legend expressed disappointment, noting that while he was omitted from the televised tribute, his name was included in the online memorial section on the official website.
Esha Deol's Perspective on the Omission
In an exclusive conversation with Variety India, Esha Deol shared her thoughts on the matter. She emphasized that the oversight would not have affected her father personally. "I don’t think it would ever make a difference to Papa," Esha stated. "His heart has always been far too big to worry about such things. For him, life was never about recognition or status—it was about love, kindness, and the place he held in people’s hearts."
Hema Malini's Reaction to the Snub
Earlier, Hema Malini voiced her disappointment in an interview with Bollywood Hungama. The actress-politician described the omission as a significant oversight. "It is a shame, of course," Hema remarked. "A shame for them to have overlooked an actor who means so many things to so many people in many parts of the world."
She further elaborated on Dharmendra's legacy, noting his widespread recognition despite a lack of formal awards. "Dharamji was known and recognized everywhere. 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," Hema added.
Reflecting on her own career, Hema Malini mentioned that she too missed out on awards for acclaimed performances in films like 'Lal Patthar' and 'Meera'. In a statement to HT City, she underscored the importance of public admiration over accolades. "The love and respect people have for Dharmendra means a great deal to us. Oscars should have mentioned Dharam ji's name certainly."
Details of the Oscars 2026 In Memoriam Segment
The In Memoriam segment at the 98th Academy Awards honored Hollywood icons such as Rob Reiner, Robert Redford, and Diane Keaton. This year's tribute was notably extended, running approximately 15 minutes longer than previous editions. Despite the additional time, Dharmendra's name was not featured in the broadcast.
However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did include the late actor in its online memorial list. He was remembered alongside other Indian film personalities, including:
- Actress Saroja Devi
- Actor Manoj Kumar
- Actress Jayasree Kabir
- Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao
- Documentary filmmaker S. Krishnaswamy
This inclusion highlights the global reach of Indian cinema, even as the televised segment focused primarily on Western figures.
Broader Implications and Industry Response
The reactions from Esha Deol and Hema Malini shed light on the ongoing dialogue about recognition and representation in international awards. While the Oscars have made strides in inclusivity, this incident underscores the challenges in balancing global tributes with regional icons.
Fans and industry observers continue to debate the significance of such omissions, emphasizing the need for broader acknowledgment in prestigious ceremonies. The family's response, focusing on Dharmendra's enduring legacy rather than awards, offers a poignant reminder of what truly matters in the world of entertainment.
